"3 Boys"
Single by Omar Apollo
ReleasedFebruary 16, 2023 (2023-02-16)
Length3:29
LabelWarner
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Dylan Wiggins
Omar Apollo singles chronology
"Evergreen"
(2022)		 "3 Boys"
(2023)		 "Ice Slippin"
(2023)

"3 Boys" is a song by American singer-songwriter Omar Apollo. It was released on 16 February 2023 through Warner Records.[1] It lyrically speaks of the protagonist accepting his partner's suggestion of a ménage à trois only to find out it will not work out, describing polyamory as resentments waiting to happen.[2] "3 Boys" was included on the soundtrack of the 2023 queer romantic comedy film "Red, White & Royal Blue".[3]

Background

"3 Boys" was Apollo's first song of 2023 after releasing his debut studio album, Ivory, a year prior.[4] A week before the song's release, Apollo posted a snippet of the song on his social media with the cover and the title.[5] He explains, 'When I first started writing songs I would often write about unrequited love. "3 Boys" was my first time writing about something non-monogamous. I wrote the song on a rainy day in London...with a friend of mine, Dylan Wiggins. I also had my friend Mustafa help me with a few lines after I played it for him.'[6]

Critical reception

Jon Blistein of Rolling Stone wrote, 'the real draw is Apollo's vocals and his torn-up lyrics, Three boys would work if I wasn't so tethered to you[1] Uproxx simply described it as 'a smooth, hypnotic beat' while specifying the chorus.[2] BroadwayWorld stated, 'The simple, romantic melody is weaved with complex vocals that give every verse a different feel while staying true to his sound.'[6] Fault Magazine referred to the song as 'A reflection of the artist's growth and authenticity.'[7]

Accolades

Year-end lists

Critics' rankings for 3 Boys
Publication Accolade Rank Ref.
Coup De Main The Best Songs of 2023
7
NME The 50 Best Songs of 2023
43
Rolling Stone The 100 Best Songs of 2023
29

Mid-year lists

Critics' rankings for 3 Boys
Publication Accolade Rank Ref.
Billboard The 25 Best Pride Songs of 2023 (So Far): Staff Picks Unranked
Esquire The Best Sad Songs of 2023 (So Far)
7
Out The 20 Best Songs of 2023 From LGBTQ+ Artists (So Far)
13
Rolling Stone The Best Songs of 2023 So Far Unranked

Charts

Chart performance for "3 Boys"
Chart (2023) Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[15] 36
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[16] 27

References

  1. 1 2 Blistein, Jon (February 17, 2023). "Omar Apollo Explores the 'Non-Monogamous' Side of Things on '3 Boys'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  2. 1 2 "Omar Apollo Shares '3 Boys,' A Personal New Single". Uproxx. February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Red, White & Royal Blue soundtrack: All the songs in Prime Video romcom". RadioTimes. Immediate Media Company Limited. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Omar Apollo unveils new single '3 Boys'". DIY. February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Omar Apollo shares new song "3 Boys"". The Fader. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  6. 1 2 Major, Michael. "Omar Apollo Shares New Song '3 Boys'". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Omar Apollo Releases New Single "3 Boys" – A Reflection of Growth and Authenticity". Fault Magazine. February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  8. ↑ "The Best Songs Of 2023". Coup De Main. Coup De Main Magazine. December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  9. ↑ "The 50 best songs of 2023". NME. NME Networks. December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  10. ↑ "The 100 Best Songs of 2023". RollingStone. Penske Media Corporation. December 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  11. ↑ "The 25 Best Pride Songs of 2023 (So Far): Staff Picks". Billboard. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  12. ↑ McNeal, Bria (June 30, 2023). "The Best Sad Songs of 2023 (So Far)". Esquire. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  13. ↑ Rude, Mey. "The 20 Best Songs of 2023 From LGBTQ+ Artists (So Far)". Out.com. Joe Landry. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  14. ↑ "The Best Songs of 2023 So Far". RollingStone. Penske Media Corporation. June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  15. ↑ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 27, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Omar Apollo Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
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