Ruel, Don’t Say That | Song Review

Pop singer-songwriter Ruel shines on “Don’t Say That,” a promo single from the Aussie’s 2026 album, Kicking My Feet & Screaming.

Will do, Ruel (Ruel Vincent Van Dijk), you handsome and talented fella!  In the first verse of his single, “Don’t Say That”, he adds, “Oh, I drifted away, and I’m praying that I’m wrong / Keep me in the dark if it’s next to you.” Also, noted. “Don’t Say That” arrives post-Kicking My Feet, which was released in 2025. It appears on his expanded 2026 LP, Kicking My Feet & Screaming (arrives June 12, 2026). Van Dijk wrote “Don’t Say That” with Joel Little and Sean Douglas.  Little produced it with M-Phazes (Mark Landon).

“Don’t Say That” features warm instrumentation and sounds. Some of those sounds include keys and strings. Ruel sings expressively with incredible sincerity.  He begins singing with restraint, never breaking a sweat.  As the song progresses toward the chorus, he picks up steam. Notably, the first verse and most of the pre-chorus are percussion-less. The chorus is the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement of “Don’t Say That.” What makes it so good? A tuneful melody and memorable lyrics go a long way.

“Come on now, don’t say that

Don’t do something you can’t take back

Know I sound like a maniac

I just don’t wanna know (Ooh)

So just make it up

If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me up

Get me drunk on a half-full cup

‘Cause I just don’t wanna know (Ooh).”

The chorus is also groovier than the rest of the song.  The second verse (“I know my hearing’s selective / If I don’t like the truth, then I’ll just reject it”) begins with a groove, a direct contrast to the first verse.  The bridge, another high-flying section, was featured previously in the “dst (outro)” from Kicking My Feet. It distinguishes itself from everything else. “Maybe it’s time to accept that it’s over / It’s best that you go,” he sings, and continues, “It’s been so nice to know ya / I promise I won’t try to change your made-up mind.” The harmonic progression changes as the key modulates.  The change of pace is welcome, keeping “Don’t Say That” engaging.  With the return of the chorus, the song also returns to familiar territory – key, groove, etc. Always good for a bop, Ruel brings it once again on “Don’t Say That”.

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Ruel » Kicking My Feet & Screaming » Recess Records Pty Ltd / Giant Music » 6.12.26 [📷: Recess Records Pty Ltd / Giant Music]

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