God Said No

About

Whereas Omar Apollo’s 2022 debut, <i>Ivory</i>, showed off his polymath pop styling, follow-up <i>God Said No</i> is more cynical and circumspect: He’s seen the other side, and the glamour of stardom isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Despite the album’s rather downcast outlook, Apollo continues to populate his songs with candy-sweet melodies and inventive textures that separate him from pop’s mainstream pack. Take “Spite,” which gallops along with pulsing tom drums and a whimsical synth hook that Apollo engages with in a call-and-response format. Is it worse to feel love in a diminished form or spend the night alone? The Indiana-born songwriter relishes these moments of pain, because they often yield his best writing. He tells Apple Music, “It was a dark time in my life, but usually when I’m in that zone of uncomfort, I get a lot done. I learn a lot about myself, the introspective thoughts start to surface, and I’m able to write how I’m feeling.” .

via Apple Music

The Clerk says

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