Painkiller (Ruel song) explained

Painkiller
Cover:Painkiller by Ruel.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Ruel
Ep:Free Time
Genre:Pop
Label:RCA/Sony Music Australia
Producer:M-Phazes
Prev Title:Say
Prev Year:2019
Next Title:Flames
Next Year:2019

"Painkiller" is a song recorded by Australian singer-songwriter Ruel. The song was released on 1 May 2019 as the lead single from his second extended play, Free Time. The song sees Ruel reunite with producer M-Phazes and Sarah Aarons (whom he had both collaborated with on his 2017 EP Ready), and collaborate with songwriter Hiren Mor for the first time.[1]

In May 2020, a remix featuring American rapper Denzel Curry was released, alongside the announcement of a forthcoming remix EP. The Painkiller remix EP was released on 12 June 2020.[2]

The song placed third at the 2020 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition.[3]

Music video

The music video for "Painkiller" was released on 1 May 2019.[4]

Critical reception

Sose Fuamoli from Triple J said the song is "marked by bold bass and melodic work", saying "'Painkiller' is a track that sees Ruel step into a more mature songwriting space, leaning more into rich R&B notes and letting his natural cadence and rhythmic notes flourish. His soul and jazz influences bleed through on this single too, finding and connecting with that bass groove with ease."[5]

Alissa Arunarsirakul from Ones to Watch said "'Painkiller' is drenched with warm violins, groovy bass lines, and luscious vocals".[6]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2019–2020) Peak
position
Australian Artist Singles (ARIA)[7] 5
South Korea (Gaon)[8] 52

Year-end charts

Chart (2019)Position
Australian Artist (ARIA)[9] 16
Chart (2020)Position
Australian Artist (ARIA)[10] 33
Chart (2021)Position
South Korea (Gaon)[11] 185

Release history

CountryDateFormatVersionLabel
Australia 1 May 2019[12] Digital download, streamingOriginalRCA, Sony Music Australia
Australia27 May 2020Digital download, streamingDenzel Curry remixRCA, Sony Music Australia

Notes and References

  1. Web site: SOTD: Ruel sets the tone for next EP with 'Painkiller' . . 1 May 2019 . 11 May 2019.
  2. Web site: First Spin: Ruel drops 'Painkiller' remix featuring Denzel Curry . "...This new version of 'Painkller' forms part of a complete remix package - alongside reworks from Young Franco, Taka Perry, and Mr. Carmack - that's released Friday 5 June." . . 26 May 2020 . 27 May 2020 . Newstead, Al.
  3. Web site: Thelma Plum's "Better in Blak" Wins Vanda & Young Songwriting Comp. Billboard. 12 March 2021. 13 March 2021.
  4. Web site: Ruel - Painkiller (Official Video). YouTube. 1 May 2019 . 11 May 2019.
  5. Web site: First Spin: Ruel's 'Painkiller' is another addictive piece of pop-R&B from one of Australia's brightest . ABC. 1 May 2019. 11 May 2019.
  6. Web site: Ruel's Refreshingly Soulful "Painkiller" Is Just What the Doctor Ordered . Ones to Watch . 1 May 2019. 11 May 2019.
  7. Web site: ARIA Australian Artist Singles Chart. ARIA. https://web.archive.org/web/20190814013536/https://www.ariacharts.com.au/charts/australian-artist-singles-chart. 2019-08-14. 2018-08-13.
  8. Web site: Digital Chart – Week 12 of 2020. Gaon Chart. ko. 26 March 2020.
  9. Web site: ARIA Australian Artist End of Year Singles Chart 2019. Australian Recording Industry Association. 15 January 2020.
  10. Web site: ARIA Australian Artist End of Year Singles Chart 2020. Australian Recording Industry Association. 15 January 2021.
  11. Web site: http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&termGbn=year&hitYear=2021&year_time=3. ko:2021년 Digital Chart. 2021 Digital Chart. Gaon Music Chart. ko. 8 January 2022.
  12. Web site: Painkiller – Single by Ruel on Apple Music . Apple Music AU . 1 May 2019 . 11 May 2019.

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