Painkiller (Ruel song)
"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.[1] 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.[2]
"Painkiller" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Ruel | ||||
from the EP Free Time | ||||
Released | 1 May 2019 | |||
Genre | Pop | |||
Length | 3:33 | |||
Label | RCA/Sony Music Australia | |||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) | M-Phazes | |||
Ruel singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Painkiller" on YouTube |
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.[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]
Track listing
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Painkiller" | 3:33 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Painkiller" (featuring Denzel Curry) | 3:47 |
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Painkiller" (featuring Denzel Curry) | 3:47 |
2. | "Painkiller (Mr. Carmack Remix)" (featuring Denzel Curry) | 3:30 |
3. | "Painkiller (Taka Perry Remix)" | 3:23 |
4. | "Painkiller (Young Franco Remix)" (featuring Denzel Curry) | 4:22 |
Total length: | 15:02 |
Charts
Weekly charts
Chart (2019–2020) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[10] | 35 |
Australian Artist Singles (ARIA)[11] | 5 |
South Korea (Gaon)[12] | 52 |
Year-end charts
Chart (2019) | Position |
---|---|
Australian Artist (ARIA)[13] | 16 |
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[14] | Platinum | 70,000 |
*sales figures based on certification alone |
Release history
Country | Date | Format | Version | Label |
---|---|---|---|---|
Australia | 1st May 2019[1] | Digital download, streaming | Original | RCA, Sony Music Australia |
Australia | 27 May 2020[7] | Digital download, streaming | Denzel Curry remix | RCA, Sony Music Australia |
References
- "Painkiller – Single by Ruel on Apple Music". Apple Music AU. 1 May 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
- "SOTD: Ruel sets the tone for next EP with 'Painkiller'". The Music Network. 1 May 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
- Newstead, Al (26 May 2020). "First Spin: Ruel drops 'Painkiller' remix featuring Denzel Curry". ABC. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
...This new version of 'Painkller' [sic] forms part of a complete remix package - alongside reworks from Young Franco, Taka Perry, and Mr. Carmack - that's released Friday 5 June.
- "Ruel - Painkiller (Official Video)". 1 May 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2019 – via YouTube.
- "First Spin: Ruel's 'Painkiller' is another addictive piece of pop-R&B from one of Australia's brightest". ABC. 1 May 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
- "Ruel's Refreshingly Soulful "Painkiller" Is Just What the Doctor Ordered". Ones to Watch. 1 May 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
- "Painkiller (feat. Denzel Curry) – Single by Ruel on Apple Music". Apple Music AU. 27 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- Jova, Natalie (27 May 2020). "Ruel releases "Painkiller featuring Denzel Curry"". Holr Magazine. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
- "Painkiller (Remix Pack) – EP by Ruel on Apple Music". Apple Music AU. 12 June 2020. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
- "Australian-charts.com – Ruel – Painkiller". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
- "ARIA Australian Artist Singles Chart". ARIA. Archived from the original on 2019-08-13. Retrieved 2018-08-13.
- "Digital Chart – Week 12 of 2020". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Retrieved 26 March 2020.
- "ARIA Australian Artist End of Year Singles Chart 2019". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2019 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 22 September 2019.