By, Molly Chamberlain

Before…

At just twenty years old, Ruel is set to release his debut album, 4TH WALL, on March 3, 2023, succeeding three EPs and many singles dating back to 2017. I joined the Ruel fandom in 2019, embarrassingly a part of many fan-page Instagram accounts and group chats that brought together fans from all over the world. This was one of my first experiences recognizing the true power of music and its potential for unity. Growing into my current 19-year-old self alongside Ruel allowed me to meet incredible people from the U.S. to Australia and Lebanon. Thus, the announcement of 4TH WALL filled me with excitement—a new leg on the journey of growing up.

During…

March 3. Midnight. Headphones on. No one talk to me.

After…

Three days after the release, I feel ready to share my thoughts. First, I will admit I entered my first listen of 4TH WALL with high expectations. The album both hit and exceeded my expectations—soared above, even. Before the release of the whole album, Ruel released six singles, giving listeners a taste of his range with a mix of upbeat, jump-in-your-room songs and the slow, melodic vocals he is known for. I was initially surprised that he released six songs before the album, which seemed like a lot to give away. However, the eight songs I heard for the first time on the night of March 3rd quickly became some of my favorites in Ruel’s discography.

Now, I could go in-depth explaining every song on the album; however, I do have a word limit and do not want to bore you with my rambling. I have selected a few favorites from the album to hopefully inspire you to listen to all of 4TH WALL—an album I consider the perfect coming-of-age soundtrack that identifies with the struggles that emerge with adulthood.

On Spotify, Ruel writes, “I think all albums should start with a bang and get you in a good mood then gradually make you more emotional.” He does just this, as any of the happy feelings generated from the first two tracks are immediately squashed with back-to-back songs “SITTING IN TRAFFIC” and “JAPANESE WHISKEY.” In the former, Ruel voices the fear of losing someone—fear that arises during the honeymoon phase in a relationship—singing, “We were just laughin’, sittin’ in traffic / Said, we’d never let bad things happen to us / So please, don’t ever hate me when we’re not in love.” Ouch. The simple, stripped production continues on “JAPANESE WHISKEY,” another heartbreaker, as Ruel paints whiskey as a metaphor for liking the idea of something more than the reality. The vulnerability displayed between the lines of this track is admirably relatable as Ruel thinks back on past moments and creates tracks that capture the many complex phases in a relationship.

Following these two tracks is “GROWING UP IS ____,” released on December 8, 2021, as the first single for 4TH WALL. Yes, the underline in the title is intentional. Throughout the song, Ruel fills this space with words like “weird” and “strange,” capturing the uneasy transition from teenage years to adulthood. He wanted to keep the space open for interpretation as everyone has different experiences of growing up. To me, it’s an anthem for individuals, no matter the stage of life, to relate to each other over an upbeat montage of growing up. This is one of my go-to songs for walking around campus, as Ruel’s strong vocals swell beautifully with an energetic instrumental arrangement.

The last one I present to you is “MUST BE NICE,” which is my favorite of the six singles released and one of my favorites on the album. Ruel’s lyrical excellence shines through in the production of 4TH WALL, especially apparent in this song. The album’s penultimate track documents the feelings after a breakup when you see your former partner moving on and how it “must be nice” to get on with your life. This ballad breakup song shows an intimate side to Ruel, with vulnerable lyrics and an emotional performance.

4TH WALL is aptly named as Ruel breaks down the fourth wall on this album, giving listeners the key into his mind through fourteen songs that explore themes of love and self-discovery. Sandwiched between these tracks are more beautifully produced songs, convincing me to forgive Ruel for taking his time with his debut album. I have plenty of time to bask in these fourteen songs while waiting for the next album, which will further prove his position as one of Australia’s most successful young artists. As I prepare for Ruel’s concert on June 16, I will be intently memorizing lyrics and soaking in each song, and I highly encourage you all to do the same!