Peaceful Afternoon Explained

"Peaceful Afternoon" is a song by Rufus Wainwright, released on March 13, 2020, as a single to promote his tenth studio album Unfollow the Rules.

Composition

Stereogum's Tom Breihan described the song as "a lush, warm piece of classic singer-songwriter popcraft". The song about longterm commitment "concisely sums up how hard it is to maintain a relationship".^[1] "Peaceful Afternoon" has "strings and horns and sighing backup vocals".^[2]

Release

Wainwright confirmed the song's release on Twitter on March 9, 2020.^[3] He shared artwork for both the English and French versions of the song on Twitter on March 12.^{[4] [5]} When the song was released, Wainwright tweeted, "Now more than ever, I think there’s nothing we desire more than to simply have a peaceful afternoon. Maybe at this moment, our living rooms are the best places to be. I hope you love this song as I do."^{[6] [7]}

Reception

Spin Emily Tan called the song "a sweet guitar-driven ballad that will easily your serenade-worthy list".^[6]

Track listing

Track listing adapted from Spotify^[8]

1. "Peaceful Afternoon" – 4:16
2. "Pièce à vivre" – 4:13

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Strokes, Thundercat, and 9 more albums we can't wait to hear in April. March 31, 2020. The A.V. Club. en-us. 2020-04-24.
2. Web site: Rufus Wainwright – "Peaceful Afternoon". Breihan. Tom. 2020-03-13. Stereogum. 2020-04-24.
3. rufuswainwright . 1237012764700413954 . March 9, 2020 . Is it that time already? Mais oui! So excited to announce that I have a brand new song from my album coming out on Friday! This song is called #PeacefulAfternoon, and I'll be releasing a special "en français" version as well, called #PiéceÁVivre! .
4. rufuswainwright . 1238152568574038016 . March 12, 2020 . Yes, that time is upon us! #PeacefulAfternoon and #PièceÀVivre are out at midnight wherever you are. I can't wait to share this very special song with you all! .
5. rufuswainwright . 1238152671237935115 . March 12, 2020 . En français... demain! .
6. Web site: Rufus Wainwright Shares 'Peaceful Afternoon'. 2020-03-13. Spin. 2020-04-24.
7. rufuswainwright . 1238453556052742144 . March 13, 2020 .
   1. PeacefulAfternoon and #PièceÀVivre are out now! Now more than ever, I think there's nothing we desire more than to simply have a peaceful afternoon. Maybe at this moment, our living rooms are the best places to be. I hope you love this song as I do ❤️
   .
8. Web site: Peaceful Afternoon / Pièce à vivre. en. Spotify. 2020-04-24.