What makes Ivory by Omar Apollo notable?

Upon its release, 'Ivory' debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, highlighting Apollo's growing presence in the music scene. The album received praise from critics for its innovative sound and lyrical depth, solidifying his status as an influential figure in modern music. By the time Omar Apollo released 'Ivory' in April 2022, he had already garnered significant attention with his debut EP 'Stereo' and singles like 'Ugotme'. This album marks his first full-length project, showcasing his evolution into a distinct voice within contemporary R&B while exploring themes of love, identity, and vulnerability.

Ivory works well if you're into short tracks for quick engagement, intimate reflections on love and playful interludes for variety.

How many songs are on Ivory?

Ivory has 16 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Ivory

Omar Apollo · 2022

40 min · 16 tracks

A genre-blurring tapestry of R&B, pop, and alternative sounds woven with introspective lyrics and lush melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Killing Me — This track captures the essence of emotional turmoil with its poignant lyrics and catchy melody, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Invincible — With its infectious hook and exploration of self-doubt, this song encapsulates the struggle between vulnerability and bravado that permeates the album.
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Petrified — The juxtaposition of upbeat production against introspective lyrics about anxiety makes this track a compelling representation of Apollo's artistic vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends genres with thoughtful lyrics and varied song structures, making it engaging yet cohesive.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered vocals and a slow build, setting a reflective tone for the following songs.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected shifts in tempo and instrumentation, such as 'Killing Me' which transitions from a mellow groove to a more upbeat chorus.
The interlude 'Endlessly' serves as a brief pause in the flow, creating a moment of introspection before the album resumes its narrative.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of love and self-reflection, often using metaphorical language that invites deeper analysis.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short tracks for quick engagement
intimate reflections on love
playful interludes for variety
emotional resonance in brevity
catchy hooks for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, cohesive albums
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time Omar Apollo released 'Ivory' in April 2022, he had already garnered significant attention with his debut EP 'Stereo' and singles like 'Ugotme'. This album marks his first full-length project, showcasing his evolution into a distinct voice within contemporary R&B while exploring themes of love, identity, and vulnerability.
Stylistic neighbors: Ruel· Daniel Caesar· Smino