Painkiller (Ruel song)

"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]

"Painkiller"
Single by Ruel
from the EP Free Time
Released	1 May 2019 (2019-05-01)
Genre	Pop
Length	3:33
Label	RCA/Sony Music Australia
Songwriter(s)	Ruel Sarah Aarons Hiren Mor
Producer(s)	M-Phazes
Ruel singles chronology
"Say" (2019) "Painkiller" (2019) "Flames" (2019)
Music video
"Painkiller" on YouTube

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 song placed third at the 2020 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition.^[4]

Music video

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]

Track listing

Digital download^[1]

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Painkiller"	3:33

Digital download — Remix^[8]

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Painkiller" (featuring Denzel Curry)	3:47

Remix EP^[9][10]

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Painkiller" (featuring Denzel Curry)	3:47
2.	"Painkiller (Mr. Carmack Remix)" (featuring Denzel Curry)	3:30
3.	"Painkiller (Taka Perry Remix)"	3:23
4.	"Painkiller (Young Franco Remix)" (featuring Denzel Curry)	4:22
Total length:		15:02

RSD2021 Limited Edition 7" Transparent Yellow Vinyl (150 copies)^[11]

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Painkiller"	3:33
2.	"Painkiller (Instrumental Version)"	3:33

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2019–2020)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)[12]	35
Australian Artist Singles (ARIA)[13]	5
South Korea (Gaon)[14]	52

Year-end charts

Chart (2019)	Position
Australian Artist (ARIA)[15]	16
Chart (2020)	Position
Australian Artist (ARIA)[16]	33
Chart (2021)	Position
South Korea (Gaon)[17]	185

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[18]	3× Platinum	210,000‡
United States (RIAA)[19]	Gold	500,000‡
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Country	Date	Format	Version	Label
Australia	1 May 2019[1]	Digital download, streaming	Original	RCA, Sony Music Australia
Australia	27 May 2020[8]	Digital download, streaming	Denzel Curry remix	RCA, Sony Music Australia