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"3 Boys"
Single by Omar Apollo
Released	February 16, 2023 (2023-02-16)
Length	3:29
Label	Warner
Songwriter(s)	Omar Apollo Mustafa Ahmed Nathan Phillips Dylan Wiggins
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. 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. "3 Boys" was included on the soundtrack of the 2023 queer romantic comedy film Red, White & Royal Blue.

Background

"3 Boys" was Apollo's first song of 2023 after releasing his debut studio album, Ivory, a year prior. A week before the song's release, Apollo posted a snippet of the song on his social media with the cover and the title. 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.'

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.' Uproxx simply described it as 'a smooth, hypnotic beat' while specifying the chorus. BroadwayWorld stated, 'The simple, romantic melody is weaved with complex vocals that give every verse a different feel while staying true to his sound.' Fault Magazine referred to the song as 'A reflection of the artist's growth and authenticity.'

Accolades

Year-end lists

Mid-year lists

Charts

References

1. ^ Blistein, Jon (February 17, 2023). "Omar Apollo Explores the 'Non-Monogamous' Side of Things on '3 Boys'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
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. ^ 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.

External links

• Lyric video on YouTube

• 2023 songs
• 2023 singles
• LGBTQ-related songs
• Omar Apollo songs
• Songs about infidelity
• Group sex