Live Review: Omar Apollo delivers smooth RnB in 'Want U Around' featuring Ruel

Mexican-American singer/songwriter Omar Apollo has delivered a smooth, sleek, and sensual RnB anthem 'Want U Around' featuring Australian pop singer Ruel. Melding aspects of jazz, RnB, soul and funk, Apollo creates flamboyance and flair in each and every track he brings to the table. Pairing lulling sonic elements with soulful vocals, Apollo is able to send us soaring through the sky into pure transcendence. 'Want U Around' is the fourth track lifted from his forthcoming project Apolonio which is set for release October 16.

Bringing fierce intensity to both of their vocals, Apollo and Ruel create waves of fleeting emotion that ebb and flow throughout each verse, touching our heartstrings as the mood peaks with each crescendo. The track is packed with sounds of RnB from the get-go, mainly heard through Apollo's stunning vocals that carry so much vivacity and zest, taking the music to new heights. With the addition of Ruel's soulful vocals, the track becomes a dream, making you feel woozy and warm as you gaze into the eyes of love. From the first strum of the groove infused bass and the heavy beat of the drum, we're taken to paradise as aspects of jazz and funk seep into the woodwork of the song. With heartfelt lyricism that tells a story of unrequited love, 'Want U Around' becomes a heartbreak ballad that will have your heartstrings pulled tight.

Speaking about the meaning behind the song Apollo says, "'Want U Around' is about missing someone who doesn’t feel the same way. After you try everything and it’s still not enough, you know you should give up on that person— but something holds you back from giving up on the idea of being together one day."

Apollo has also released a visualiser to accompany his new 'Want U Around' single that shows the artist riding his bike down the coast of California with the video pertaining a very melancholic and vintage feel.

As a follow up to his critically acclaimed 2019 Friends EP and his 2018 Stereo EP, Apolonio is a nine-track body of work that will feature previous songs ‘Dos Uno Nueve’, ‘Kamikaze’ and ‘Stayback’. With an exciting list of collaborators on his tracklist including the aforementioned Ruel and Albert Hammond Jr, Mk.gee, DJ Dahi, and Michael Uzowuru we can expect more hypnotic and emotional RnB tracks to get our senses tingling. From the sounds heard in Apolonio's previous three tracks, and now his incredibly smooth single 'Want U Around', it's clear that Omar Apollo is rapidly becoming a mainstay in our music libraries, hooking us in every time.

Words by CLAUDIA FALLON

Image: Supplied

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