Ruel, Made It Awkward | Song Review 🎵

Despite an ‘awkward’ experience trying to woo a girl, there is nothing awkward about “Awkward,” another fine song from Gen-Z Australian standout, Ruel.   

According to the handsome and talented Ruel (Ruel van Dijk), “Nothing good ever comes after midnight / When you’re drunk, and you pick up the phone.” He’s probably accurate with that assertion. He sings these memorable lyrics on “Made it Awkward”, a single that follows up “Cats on the Ceiling”. Van Dijk, M-Phazes (Mark Landon), and Nick Long penned “Made It Awkward.” M-Phazes, Elias Danielson and Theodore Lee produced. Although awkwardness rears its ugly head,  there is nothing awkward regarding the enjoyability of this three-minute pop song.  

“Made It Awkward” features colorful musical accompaniment with its signature ‘pop/rock’ drums, synths, and guitar.  Ruel serves up warm, nuanced vocals. His ad-libs are fabulous, yielding soulfulness.  Both his middle and upper register (falsetto) are impressive. Likewise, the vocal production is warm.  The awkward lyrics are presented via tuneful melodies during the verse and chorus. Thematically it encompasses matters of the heart, with van Dijk embarrassing himself: “Keep my head down when I see her at Old Mates / And I sit at the bar alone / Just pretending I don’t even notice she’s there / But she’s the only reason I go.” There is a great contrast in the second verse, where the drum groove drops out, yet the rhythmic identity of the song is retained, as he imparts his lonely, longing bar experience.  The centerpiece, however, is the chorus:

“Why did I call her, why did I bother?

I guess she didn’t wanna hear that I want her

I painted a picture of us at the altar

Thought I could have made her mine

But I just made it awkward.”

Sadly, it works out that way sometimes, Ruel.  While love may not work out for the Gen-Z Australian singer/songwriter, “Made It Awkward” is another welcome addition to his music catalog.

Ruel // “Made it Awkward” // Recess / Giant Music // 11.21.24

Ruel, Made It Awkward [📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Recess / Giant Music; OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]