Whether he’s sitting front row at Paris and New York Fashion Weeks, collaborating with orchestras in Budapest, or surprising fans with pop-up shows, Ruel has a magnetic presence that’s hard to ignore. He’s managed to stay remarkably unassuming despite his massive global reach, and his latest single, “Don’t Say That” captures that exact energy.
Released on March 20, 2026, “Don’t Say That” is more than just another pop track—it’s the first real look into his upcoming album, Kicking & Screaming, which is set to drop on June 12 via Giant Music.
Why “Don’t Say That” Hits Differently
If you’ve been following Ruel since his early days, you might recognize this one. Originally teased as a short “outro” on his previous project, Kicking My Feet, the song has been fleshed out into a full-blown anthem.
The track itself is classic Ruel: soulful, vulnerable, and incredibly catchy. Produced by Joel Little, it deals with that universal feeling of selective hearing during a breakup—that moment where you just don’t want to hear the words that make it official. It balances a bit of R&B grit with a polished pop hook that’ll likely be stuck in your head for days.
Looking Ahead: Kicking & Screaming
The new single sets a high bar for the upcoming 21-track deluxe project. Ruel hasn’t been holding back on the collaboration front either, working with a heavy-hitting lineup of producers:
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Julian Bunetta (who you’ll know from his work with Sabrina Carpenter)
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Kenny Beats (Dominic Fike)
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Dan Wilson (the mind behind some of Adele and Taylor Swift’s biggest hits)
A Global Artist with a Human Touch
What makes Ruel’s trajectory so interesting is his versatility. He can hold his own with a 60-piece orchestra at the Red Bull Symphonic shows in Budapest just as easily as he can navigate the chaos of a surprise street performance. That endearing, “everyman” quality is exactly why fans feel such a strong connection to his music.
Ruel is currently mid-tour across North America, so if you’re lucky enough to be in one of the cities on his March and April 2026 run, you can catch “Don’t Say That” live.
Quick Facts for the Fans
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New Single: “Don’t Say That” (Available now on all platforms)
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Release Date: March 20, 2026
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Upcoming Album: Kicking & Screaming (Out June 12, 2026)
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Live: Currently on the Kicking My Feet North American tour
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