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2019 was a really good year for me for a plethora of reasons. One of those main reasons being I discovered Ruel that year. 

The first song I heard was “Dazed & Confused,” and I played it non-stop. From then on, I became a major fan. I even got to see him in concert, which changed my life for the better.

Ruel is an Australian pop singer who began releasing music in 2017. He has had many popular songs over the years. Some of these include “Dazed & Confused,” “Painkiller,” and “Younger.” I could talk about Ruel forever, but I wanted to shed some light on his most recent album, “Kicking My Feet.”

“Kicking My Feet” is for those who associate with the term “lovesick.” The album includes a variety of songs ranging from pop to slow ballads, all centered around expressing feelings. Each track has a unique sound paired with incredible vocals. “Kicking My Feet” deserves some more love before the deluxe version, “Kicking My Feet & Screaming,” comes out.

Some of my favorite songs from “Kicking My Feet” include “Only Ever,” “When You Walk In The Room,” “Destroyer,” “The Suburbs,” and “Kicking My Feet.”

“Only Ever” is the song that starts it all. As previously mentioned, Ruel has amazing vocals. This song shows off his talent well. The way he effortlessly hits high notes and executes runs never fails to amaze me. Added to this, the beat is made up of upbeat electric guitar and drums elements that pair expertly with his voice. 

In “Only Ever,” Ruel sings about being ready to commit to a relationship while the person isn’t at that point yet. Ruel always carries such strong emotion in his voice, and it is apparent in this song as well. 

My favorite line from “Only Ever” by Ruel is “I only ever want you baby, come and take me to where you are.” 

“When You Walk In The Room” is one of the slower pop songs on the album. The prominent drums create a smooth rhythm to groove to. Added to this, the electric guitar notes pair really well with Ruel’s voice, similarly to “Only Ever.” This track has softer vocals, conveying earnestness. This can be heard through the way Ruel does his runs. 

“When You Walk In The Room” expresses all the thoughts and feelings that Ruel experiences seeing that special person walk through the door. This song radiates honesty, which is one of my favorite things artists do. 

My favorite line from “When You Walk In The Room” by Ruel is “Think I would be lying to myself if I said your love wasn’t beautifully blinding.”

Next is “Destroyer.” This song is the epitome of a sad bop. What really drew me to this song was the lyrics. “Destroyer” is about trying to change for someone else and never being enough. Due to this, he comes to terms with having to end it himself. Each carefully crafted line hits deeply. Combined with Ruel’s belting makes this a perfect heartbreak song.

My favorite lines from “Destroyer” by Ruel are “Oh, I yearned for your approval, til’ I didn’t recognize me either. Two tickets for a funeral when you blow up the hand that feeds ya.”

Moving on to “The Suburbs,” this is a classic love song. It has a brighter drum component in addition to clean bass notes. I like the song for both its catchiness and the lyrics. The lyrics detail what an ideal life would look like for him and his partner. I related a lot to the notion of fantasizing about a different life. 

My favorite line from “The Suburbs” by Ruel is “It’s not a home without you, look what you’ve done to me.” 

Last on this list is “Kicking My Feet.” The song feels like it was made for hopeless romantics. The lyrics describe the feeling of having a crush on someone perfectly. The heartfelt lyrics, as well as the sleek sound, made this song my absolute favorite. 

My favorite lines from “Kicking My Feet by Ruel are “Oh, I’ll jump on the sofa, I’m punching the air. Like Tom Cruise on Oprah, while everyone stares.”

Overall, “Kicking My Feet” is a great album with a mix of both sappy songs and heartbreak songs. Each one has such strong emotion within the vocals, accompanied by good instrumentals. Personally, I can’t wait for the deluxe album. 

“Kicking My Feet & Screaming” releases on June 12, 2026. 

4.5/5 Spinnaker Sails 

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