The Australian pop hitmaker takes over this week’s 1883 On Rotation playlist.
At only 22-years old Australian singer-songwriter Ruel has achieved dizzying highs that only some artists could dream of. After making his debut in 2017 at the age of 14-years-old, the artist has released a mix of stellar EPs and a sublime debut studio record, called 4th Wall, which dropped last year. Thanks to his hard work and ear for sonic perfection, the artist has amassed over three billion global streams and had numerous singles go platinum and gold. Now, he’s nothing short of a global phenomenon and has worked with an array of tastemakers and revered brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Fendi, Burberry and more.
As of today, Ruel has shared his latest single, “Made It Awkward.” It’s a song full of lush vocals and polished, cinematic production that chronicles the jarring tension and subsequent fallout of a risky confession to a crush. Through candid storytelling, the song evokes the regretful sting of oversharing emotions that aren’t returned.
To celebrate the release of Ruel’s new single “Made It Awkward”, he has curated a list of some of his favourite tracks for this week’s 1883 Magazine playlist.
“Arrow Through Me” – WINGS
Can’t believe this song went under my radar for so long, it still baffles me that Paul Mccartney made so much music back then that feels so new and relevant to today’s ear. That horn section goes crazy too, sounds so iconic I can’t believe it’s not spoken out much still.
“Dealer” – Lana Del Rey
I love the whole dreamy aesthetic to this song, Miles Kanes vocals fit so well on this vibe. Then hearing Lana’s vocals pull off that kinda of whaling belt really puts it into a heart wrenching, frustrating feeling which really works.
“Runner” – Alex G
This is just one of those songs that has serotonin laced within it. The production puts a massive smile on my face, but his vocal delivery and melodies make me want to break down into tears. The scream in the second verse is so smart too, I’ve never seen it live in the flesh but i know the crowd goes crazy for that.
“Something On Your Mind” – Karen Dalton
Karen Dalton has to have one of my favorite voices in history, the amount of air she has in her tone whilst staying in complete control is baffling. I think this song perfectly fits her tone, the concept lyrically and production is just beautiful. Don’t even need to mention the strings.. Sheeeeeesh
“Terrapin” – Clairo
I really struggled to find the song from this album to put in here, they’re all so good for different reasons. I think this song is my favourite production wise, those Leon Michels drums man! The piano parts are actually insane too, Clairo killed the vision for this record.
“Donut Seam”- Adrianne Lenker
Honestly my favourite part of this song is the title, what a lovely little bait and switch. Has to be my favourite song lyrically this year. Adrianne knows how to make a grown man cry god dammit.
“Couldn’t Say It To Your Face” – Arthur Russel
Sorry this playlist is getting progressively sadder but just has to be on here.I will always be in awe by the way the chorus of this song is so simple yet completely devastating. The swung, loose drum fills with his perfectly imperfect delivery gives me chills everytime. The eerie pauses in the second verse between lines gets me everytime, so bold, so beautiful what a masterpiece this song is.
“The Whole Of The Moon” – The Waterboys
Okay bringing the vibes back up a little bit here, this song has been a massive inspiration for my album writing process. I almost play this in the studio everyday to try and match the energy this song gives. So beautifully written, proper poetry over a massive sounding 80’s pop jam.
“Love and Affection” – Joan Armatrading
The chord changes in this song are what get me, took me a while to learn this one put it that way haha. Her melodies move so gracefully over the dissonance of the chords. Feel like someone could flip this into a crazy dance song lowkey, (really move really move, really dance, really dance) its made for it haha.
“Everything is romantic featuring CAROLINE POLACHEK remix” – Charli XCX
Woulda been rude not to add some brat in here. This remix album blew my mind, its pretty much a whole new record. Feels like the only thing they kept the same in the songs that were remixed were the title, lyrical concept and maybe one melody. Love how they have the line for line trade off based on the phone call in the first verse in this one. Carolines haunting adlibs on the second half are insane too.
“DNM” – MK.GEE
This guy really brought out some insecurities of music makers this year haha, this is my favourite of a pretty amazing album. Although it’s clear to see who his references were making this album it feels sooo fresh and exciting. His raspy vocals over really interesting guitar parts and production ear candy is what does it for me.
“Hi Grace” – Dominic Fike
I wanted to end the playlist on this song, it feels like a credit roll song to me. Love the kind of Beatles-esk delivery in the first verse, this whole project was really cool vocal production wise, feels like he was really tryna push the boundaries with that.
Take a listen to the playlist and watch the new music video for “Made It Awakward” below.
Follow Ruel on Instagram @oneruel
