Omar Apollo, “Invincible” | Track Review

Omar Apollo is the gift that keeps giving.  He shines on “Invincible,” a single from his debut album, Ivory, featuring Daniel Caesar.

“D

rip, drip, drip with the cold IV / Out of consciousness if I ever slip it.” I would be lying if I denied my love for Omar Apollo – it’s out there now! No – I will NOT deny those handsome looks, but most of my love is dedicated to his musical talents.  As an early follower of this talented Mexican American singer/songwriter, I find myself getting more and more wooed with each recording. His 2020 mini-album, Apolonio damn-near made me swoon. Woo! I can only imagine what Ivory, his full-length, 2022 debut, holds.  One of the marvelous singles Apollo released ahead of his debut is “Invincible”, featuring Grammy-winning R&B standout, Daniel Caesar.

“Invincible” is truly incredible, period.  Musically, the sound palette (produced by Apollo, Caesar, and Carter Lang) is satisfying with its minimal sound, including rhythm guitar, bass, and drum programming for much of the song.  We get a few colorful synths too, but a key component of “Invincible” is the voices.  Daniel Caesar carries much of the vocal weight, reminding us how gifted and soulful he is.  His falsetto is ripe and radiant on the recurring lyrics of the chorus, “If I were to go / Tell me, would you notice me?” Caesar also shines in the first verse.  Omar Apollo isn’t overshadowed in the least.  I love his tone in the second verse, which begins with legato singing.  Additionally, there’s a queer vibe, which recurs in his music to date, as well as the accompanying music video: “Sixty-four hours since my baby spoke to me / He kissed me, now I love his dopamine / I tried to go to sleep but my brain on 2C-B.” Apollo is a beast singing but he also delivers compelling, unexpected bars rapping including “Latin boy, Frida Kahlo brow / Jacquemus jeans, Ferragamo brown.” Woo!

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Final Thoughts  

Again, I must confess it – I think I’m in love with Omar Apollo! Once more, this stud comes through with epic music on “Invincible.” Not only does he sound great, so does Daniel Caesar, who seems to be on the ‘up-and-up’ again.  Add in love, sexuality, and some swagger and “Invincible” is a must-hear.  Ivory is set up to be EPIC.

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Omar Apollo • Ivory • Warner • 4.8.22

[: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, Warner]

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