"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]
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.[3]
The music video for "Painkiller" was released on 1 May 2019.[5]
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."[6]
Alissa Arunarsirakul from Ones to Watch said "'Painkiller' is drenched with warm violins, groovy bass lines, and luscious vocals".[7]
^ a b c"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.
^"Thelma Plum's "Better in Blak" Wins Vanda & Young Songwriting Comp". Billboard. 12 March 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
^"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.
^ a b"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.
^Hood, Sara (14 July 2021). "Ruel. Painkiller". Record Store Day Australia. Retrieved 17 July 2021.