Ruel’s New Single “Faking Smiles” is the Raw, Honest Pop Anthem We Needed

When Ruel first broke onto the scene at 14, he didn’t just show up—he made it impossible to look away. Since then, the UK-born, Sydney-raised artist has been on a wild ride, quickly earning co-signs from legends like Sir Elton John and Zane Lowe, who both dubbed him a “superstar” before he’d even hit his stride.

With billions of streams and a mantelpiece full of awards under his belt, it would be easy for Ruel to stay in his comfort zone. But that’s never been his style. With his latest single, “Faking Smiles” he’s proving exactly why he’s one of the most interesting voices in pop right now.

A New Chapter: Kicking My Feet & Screaming

“Faking Smiles” is the first real look at his brand-new album, Kicking My Feet & Screaming. If his 2025 release Kicking My Feet was all about the giddy, slightly awkward butterflies of new love, this new record is the reality check that follows.

Ruel has always had a knack for being open, but this time around, he’s ditching the glossy, “everything is perfect” pop exterior. He’s leaning into the frustration, the agitation, and the messy side of relationships that people usually try to hide.

The production behind the track is just as bold as the lyrics. Ruel mentioned the song went through a few different lives before it landed here:

“The song has definitely lived a lot of lives. It started off as just a simple guitar ballad, but after we sped it up by about 30bpm, it evolved into a sort of retro ‘The Cure’ throwback, paying homage to the sounds of the 80s.”

That 80s energy gives the song a frantic, driving beat that feels like it perfectly captures the anxiety of trying to hold it together when you’re actually falling apart.

Why This Era Hits Different

What makes this release feel so genuine is that Ruel isn’t playing the industry game of just dropping one-off hits. By putting out two connected albums—Kicking My Feet and now Kicking My Feet & Screaming—in under a year, he’s showing a level of focus that is rare in music today.

He’s not trying to keep up with trends; he’s building a story. This era feels like a mature step forward. He’s taking the “cringe” of being human and turning it into something we can all relate to, whether we’re going through a breakup or just dealing with the daily pressure to keep a brave face on.

The Takeaway

Ruel has always been a storyteller first, and a pop star second. “Faking Smiles” is a great reminder of why so many of us connected with his music in the first place—he isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you’ve been waiting for a pop song that doesn’t just sound like a polished product, but actually feels like a human experience, this is it. It’s gritty, it’s nostalgic, and it’s arguably some of his best work yet.