Omar Apollo, Te Maldigo (From ‘Queer’) | Song Review 🎵

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Omar Apollo shines on “Te Maldigo,” a Spanish-exclusive song from the Luca Guadagnino film, ‘Queer.’

“Qué puedo hacer? / Te maldigo (What can I do? / I curse you)” My love for Omar Apollo is unceasing. The dashing Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter expands his repertoire by making his acting debut in the Luca Guadagnino film, Queer, based on the 1985 William S. Burroughs novel. Besides acting, Apollo does what he does best: sing.  He sings radiantly on the single from the film, “Te Maldigo”.  Apollo penned “Te Maldigo” alongside renowned producers Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails fame) and Atticus Ross.  Reznor and Ross excel at writing with and producing for others.

As the “Te Maldigo” suggests, the lyrics are sung exclusively in Spanish.  Apollo has sung primarily in English in his catalog but has also incorporated Spanish into the mix.  When he does sing in Spanish, the results are marvelous.  That’s the case here.  Even if you don’t understand a word he’s singing sans translation, the song is stunning.  He sings radiantly – angelically! His tone is celestial and buttery smooth. His falsetto is ripe and sweet as honey.  The musical accompaniment is simple but sufficient, accompanied by guitars.  Thematically, “Te Maldigo” encompasses a familiar, universal topic: love.  “Que mundo tan cruel / Donde no me amas,” he sings, translating in English as “What a cruel world / Where you don’t love me.” Word. “Te Maldigo” needs no extensive analysis.  Its vibrance speaks for itself.

Omar Apollo // “Te Maldigo (From ‘Queer’)” // Omar Apollo / Warner // 11.21.24

Omar Apollo, Te Maldigo (From ‘Queer’) [📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Omar Apollo / Warner; OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]