Ruel, Bright Lights, Red Eyes (EP) | Album Review 💿

Ascending Australian pop singer Ruel sounds absolutely amazing on his third EP, Bright Lights, Red Eyes.

Back in 2018, when reviewing, 💿 Ready, the debut EP by 🎙 Ruel, I asserted “There are very few 15-year-olds that have the ‘chops’ that [the] up-and-coming Aussie pop singer.”  Two years later, with increased maturity, the 18-year old makes a case there are few people, regardless of age, with the ‘chops’ that he has.  Sure, Van Dijk is still in the opening phases of his career, but with such a head start given his sheer talent, it’s hard not to throw ample praise his way. On his latest EP, 💿 Bright Lights, Red Eyes, Van Dijk definitely justifies the lofty praise I’ve been bestowing on him – he sounds incredible!

“As long as you care”

“I’m sun-dried, my lips are high on overdrive / I’m so tired,” Ruel sings on the first verse of 🎵 ✅ “as long as you care”, continuing, “I’m sorry if I’m low on confidence… / I’m sorry, but my brain is fried.” Van Dijk has no reason to apologize, particularly for this standout written alongside producer 🎙 M-Phazes (Mark Landon).  He sounds utterly sublime; his vocals are soulful to the nth degree. He sings with incredible authenticity, expression, and passion. As the production, there are sensational throwback vibes from the R&B of the past, yet the sounds are also fresh. Matters of the heart take front and center, with the catchy, memorable chorus serving as the centerpiece:

“But don’t cry, I know that you care
You have no idea
It’s all bright lights and red eyes
Bright lights and red eyes, I’m never there
But as long as you’re here, I’m all bright lights and red eyes
Bright lights and red eyes.”

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“Distance”

Ruel has a tough act to follow with ✅ 🎵 “Distance,” but as always, his musical aptitude is through the roof.  Once more, the listener is bestowed with perfectly nuanced, expressive vocals that transcend his youth.  Besides his masterful tone, the songwriting is superb, particularly the chorus.  Adding to the sublime nature of “Distance” is gorgeous production, courtesy of Rory Noble and M-Phazes.

✅ 🎵 “Courage” keeps Bright Lights, Red Eyes going strong. At the forefront – those absolutely beastly pipes. Once more, you believe every word that Ruel says because it sounds as if he’s infusing his own into the record.  Furthermore, like “As long as you care” and “distance” before it, the songwriting is spot-on, led by a fabulous chorus.  Upping the ante even more are the gospel-tinged backing vocals, further accentuating Van Dijk’s soulful lead.  One cool vocal production technique is the use of vocoder, not that this teen needs any effects for his God-given instrument.

🎵 “Say it over”

🎵 “Say it over” gives Bright Lights, Red Eyes its fourth consecutive bop.  On the second advance single from the EP, Ruel is assisted by 🎙 Cautious Clay. Clay provides contrast to the talented teen on the second verse, keeping things incredibly fresh.  That said, Van Dijk continues to be a force on his own – they type of singer you could listen to, day in, day out, hour upon hour.  The boxes continue to be checked off, with nuanced vocals and a catchy, memorable chorus leading the charge once more.

🎵 “Up to something” concludes the EP with the same fire it commences with.  No, “Up to something” isn’t quite on the same level as “as long as you care” per se, but ultimately, it’s another well-rounded, vocal showcase.  Ruel continues to be fully in command, never over singing, yet always cutting through the production with his distinct timbre.

Final Thoughts 💭

What’s the impression that one leaves with after hearing Bright Lights, Red Eyes? I can’t speak for everyone else, but I see a star that’s clearly in the making.  Ever since first hearing this young Australian, I’ve felt he has all the tools to be a superstar.  The voice is his biggest attribute, but it doesn’t hurt that he looks the part too. Maybe Bright Lights, Red Eyes won’t change the face of pop music but it’s an excellent sampling of five songs if I do say so myself, with no misses whatsoever.  Don’t sleep on this kid – he’s hella talented.

✅ Gems 💎: “as long as you care,” “distance” & 🎵 “Courage”

🎙 Ruel • 💿 Bright Lights, Red Eyes (EP) • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 10.23.20

[📷: RCA]