New Find: Ruel’s “Don’t Tell Me” Is One Of The Year’s Best Debut Singles
Debut singles don’t come much better than Ruel’s “Don’t Tell Me.” The 14-year-old’s (yes, you read that correctly) emotional vocal commands your attention from the opening line and he displays the songwriting maturity of a veteran. “You don’t know me like you used to, you can leave but I refuse to,” the Sydney-based newcomer declares over a sparse piano arrangement. “You can tell me that I’m crazy, but I won’t stop and this won’t make me.” That leads us to the gospel-tinged chorus. “Don’t tell me I’m not ready for love.”
Ruel was discovered by producer M-Phazes, who has worked with everyone from Eminem and Madonna to rising talent like Meg Mac and Amy Shark. The heavy-hitter was so impressed that he helmed the teenager’s entire debut EP (due later this year) and featured him on a single from his own project. It shouldn’t take too long for Ruel to generate international attention. His voice falls somewhere between George Ezra and Jack Garratt, and “Don’t Tell Me” reeks of quality. Check out the track below and jump on the bandwagon while there’s still room.
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