Oliver Sim, “Hideous” | LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶

In the 25^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 (2022), we highlight the song, “Hideous” performed by Oliver Sim.

Bring on the B-O-P-Z, like #SLAYYY! LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 is a column t that embraces, highlights, and celebrates singles and tracks by LGBTQIA musicians.  On LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶we provide background info and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the bops being served up.  Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest.  All styles of music are welcome and the BOPZ can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, in the 25^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 (2022), we highlight 🎵 “Hideous” performed by 🎙 Oliver Sim featuring 🎙 Jimmy Somerville.

Theme & Lyrics ✍ 

“I’m ugly / I’m up and down right now, I’m down and bloody…” Wow – that’s incredibly heavy, 🎙 Oliver Sim.  That said, when the record is titled 🎵 “Hideous”, and appears on an album entitled 💿 Hideous Bastard, well, there has to be some heaviness and more importantly, hideousness.  Providing a bit of ease to the listeners, Sim continues singing in the first verse, “But I don’t feel as though I’ve been unlucky / I have people in my life that really love me.” A support system is a necessity for this beautiful voiced, handsomely talented man, who gets uber personal.  You see, at the end of the record, Sim reveals, “Been living with HIV / Since seventeen / Am I hideous?”

Sim not only shows vulnerability as a person with HIV, but he shows bravery and courage in telling his story.  In the second verse, Oliver sings, “Oh, I hide / Though the company at home can be unkind / Yet I live alone and refuse to go outside.” “Hideous” is about how he’s felt living with a disease with incredible stigma, particularly among gay men.  He never has to force things vocally; his baritone is potent without gospel histrionics.  Furthermore, with colorful production by 🎛 Jamie xx (his 🎙 The xx bandmate) behind him, the lush music – incredibly creative and distinct – speaks volumes.  The music that prefaces the bridge in particular is epic, leading into one of the song’s best moments, a 🎙 Jimmy Somerville feature:

“Follow my voice

Sweet natured boy

Just to keep you safe

Listen for me

Be brave, have trust

Just be willing to be loved.”

OMG, is it a stunning, truly meaningful moment from “Hideous.” Also, it’s a highlight of the music video 🎶📼, where Somerville plays the role of a guardian angel of sorts. Commenting about the song, Sim asserts:

“One of the most special relationships I’ve gained from this has been with Mr. Jimmy Somerville. I knew for Hideous I wanted a guardian angel to appear in the song and sing to me the words I needed to hear. Not only has Jimmy been such a powerful voice around HIV & AIDS for decades but the man quite literally sounds like an angel.”

Final Thoughts 💭 

🎵 “Hideous” is incredibly powerful.  Whether you are a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community or an ally, the vulnerability and bravery Oliver Sim exhibits speak volumes. His honesty and transparency are to be commended because so many people – many of whom are going through the same things as Sim – need to hear it. Easily one of my favorite songs of the year, one that more people need to listen to.

🎙 Oliver Sim • 💿 Hideous Bastard • 🏷 Young • 🗓 2022

Oliver Sim, “Hideous”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 25 (2022) [📷: Anna Shvets, Brent Faulkner, Kurious, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Young]