Ruel in Minneapolis

Then it was time for Ruel. This was actually my second time seeing him live, and his entrances never disappoint. The stage was centered around a large red door, which he dramatically walked through to start the show, opening with Only Ever and Not What’s Going On from his new album Kicking My Feet.

Ruel eventually slowed things down for an acoustic version of No News Is Good News, which he joked is basically a diss track about him—from his mom’s point of view.

He followed that with a special version of Wild Guess, singing the opening chorus in Spanish, something he mentioned he’s been working on. It was a small change, but it made the performance feel unique to this tour.

We also got a special treat when he played an unreleased track, Don’t Say That. If the crowd’s reaction was any indication, it’s going to be one people latch onto when it officially drops. I already know I’ll have it on repeat the second it’s released.

As someone who’s been following his music for a while, I was especially excited to hear Japanese Whiskey from his previous album. It’s one of those songs whose emotion translates even better live.

By the time the final song wrapped up, the reaction from the crowd said it all—people clearly weren’t ready for the night to end. It had that post-show feeling where everyone lingers a little longer, hoping for one more song.

All in all, it was a great show: strong performances, a few surprises, and the kind of atmosphere that reminds you why seeing live music never really gets old.