Omar Apollo, Imagine U | Track Review 🎵

Alternative singer/songwriter Omar Apollo drops his first single in 2020, “Imagine U.” Once again, he strikes gold.

Though fans had to wait until April, Omar Apollo returns with his first new single of 2020, sigh. To be fair, Omar had a busy year in 2019, releasing the seven-song project, Friends, not to mention a couple of singles beyond that.  He’s been building a sizable buzz over the past few years given both his freshness and unique approach to making music.  If you haven’t had the opportunity yet to experience the gifts of this 23-year old artist (as of May 20), you need to seize it! What better way to do so than the excellent song at hand, “Imagine U.”

“Imagine U” checks off all of the boxes, particularly if you’ve been hip on Omar Apollo for a while. Stylistically, he’s a bit difficult to pigeonhole, which is part of the charm.  “Imagine U” is best characterized as an alternative record, but there’s plenty of pop and R&B sensibilities listening to it. Apollo sings chilly, yet exhibits an expressive, well-rounded vocal.  Even if he never breaks a sweat, this cool approach fits the romantic, sexy vibes of the record.  On the second verse, he sings:

“I miss you feelin’ on my waist, you never told me I’m rushin’
But my mind’s changin’ every day, I’m glad that you could even trust me…”

Besides a relatable theme and lyrics, adding to the excellence is balanced but colorful production.  The sense is that Omar isn’t trying to do too much – capitalize on the vibe. Often, a simpler, more minimal approach is the way to successfully do so.  From the start, “Imagine U” is incredibly groovy, definitely ‘in the pocket’ as musicians like to say.  Quite sound, quite enjoyable from an instrumental perspective.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Omar Apollo has done it again – impressed with his knack for this ‘musician’ thing.  “Imagine U” is well-rounded by all means, from a vocal perspective, musical (production) perspective, and relatable lyrically – matters of the heart never fails.  Again, if you haven’t added Omar to your rotation, it’s past time to do so! Get on that!

Omar Apollo • “Imagine U” • Omar Apollo / Warner • Release: 4.10.20

Photo Credits: Omar Apollo / Warner