The follow-up to Ivory, Omar Apollos first official album, God Said No, was made after the end of an intense relationship referenced in the opening "Be Careful with Me," a downcast ballad in which the singer alludes to having sacrificed too much of himself. There is a wealth of emotions in the material -- some of which is self-critical -- along with some abrupt changes in style, such as the transition from the scruffy ballad "Spite" to the speedy electro-disco track "Less of You," two of many highlights. Even so, theres a flow to God Said No that rewards start-to-finish play. The album ends in oddly comforting and cathartic style with the atmospheric "Glow," containing some of Apollos most evocative lyrical imagery yet: "If we go to hell, you can hold my hand/Brace yourself, water pulls the sand." ~ Andy Kellman
Rovi
冒頭の3曲を聴いただけで、陰影に富んだアルバム全体のソニック・トリップ感が窺える。微風のように淀みなく流れる構成は、坂本龍一作品の影響を受けたという。メキシコ系アメリカ人シンガー・ソングライターの2作目。ムスタファが歌で、俳優のペドロ・パスカルが語りで、ジョン・メイヤーがギターで参加し、アイヴィー"Edge Of The Ocean"の引用など、サプライズも満載。ソウルフルなファルセットからチルな呟きまで七変化する歌声とジェントルなプロダクションで、繊細で傷つきやすい心の内面を丁寧に描き出す。グラミー新人賞は逃したが、その才能はまぎれもなく本物だ。
bounce (C)村上ひさし
タワーレコード(vol.488(2024年7月25日発行号)掲載)