Rufus Wainwright/Lucy Wainwright Roche

Blending intellect with humor and wild passion with thoughtfulness, the truly charismatic Rufus Wainwright expands the singer-songwriter realm. On his last album, Out of the Game, Wainwright writes about his struggles with feeling like an outcast because of his strong classical background. It’s understandable. He’s already premiered an opera back in 2009, and a recent commission’s underway for another one in 2018. And while the album is certainly more danceable than his previous records, tracks like “Candles” and “Montauk” bring out his classic elegance with stunning melodic movement. Since he’s often simultaneously the smartest and sassiest man in the room, it’s no wonder Elton John refers to him as “the greatest songwriter on the planet.” (Stoops)