Born to Be XX

Last updated
Born to Be XX
Born to be XX Cover.jpg
Digital cover
EP by
ReleasedNovember 8, 2023 (2023-11-08)
Genre
Length21:12
Label S2
Kiss of Life chronology
Kiss of Life
(2023)
Born to Be XX
(2023)
Midas Touch
(2024)
Singles from Born to Be XX
  1. "Bad News"
    Released: November 8, 2023
  2. "Nobody Knows"
    Released: November 8, 2023

Born to Be XX is the second extended play (EP) by South Korean girl group Kiss of Life. It was released on November 8, 2023, through S2 Entertainment. The EP contains seven tracks, including the lead singles "Bad News" and "Nobody Knows". [1]

Contents

Title

Speaking about the album's name, member Belle explained that the two ''X" symbols in the album's name signify two different concepts: special things that are not welcomed [by others] and the group's message to reject prejudice, misunderstandings and stereotypes. [2]

Background

On September 28, 2023, S2 Entertainment released a poster indicating that Kiss of Life would make their comeback in November. [3] [4] On October 13, 2023, the group revealed that they would make a comeback on November 8, 2023, by posting a teaser. [5] [6]

Promotion

On October 16, 2023, a poster was released featuring the members mugshots with the caption 'Who's the villain'. [7] On October 17, the group released the tracklist of the album. [8] From October 19 to 25 the group released various concept photos. [9] [10] On October 27, a trailer for the EP was released. [11] On October 30, the group released the sneak peek of the tracks. [12]

Composition

The lead single "Bad News" is a groovy mid-tempo that blends elements of pop, hip-hop, and rock, which makes this feel like the most natural evolution of the burgeoning band's sound, [13] whereas "Nobody Knows" is a slick, upbeat slice of R&B influenced by the 1970s. [13] [14] "TTG" was described as a R&B track which reminds music from 2000s, [15] and "Gentleman" is a song which has a unique sound with Afro rhythm, reggae patterns, and soul gospel. [15] "Says It" is a track dedicated to fans written by member Belle captures the emotions of unrequited love. [15]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [13]

Carmen Chin writing for NME described the extended play as "as a diamond in the rough" and is a sophomore album, which certainly has some gigantic shoes to fill after their debut which exceeds all expectations. [13] Kim Do-heon of Zenerate ranked the album at number 6 for their list of The 15 Best K-pop Albums of 2023. [16]

Born to Be XX on critic lists
PublicationListRankRef.
ZenerateThe 15 Best K-pop Albums of 20236 [17]

Accolades

Awards and nominations for Born to be XX
OrganizationYearAwardResultRef.
Korean Music Awards 2024Best K-pop AlbumNominated [18]

Track listing

Born to Be XX track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Bad News"
  • Rick Bridges
  • Jonghan
  • PAPRIKAA
  • Strawberrybananaclub
  • Strawberrybananaclub
  • Jonghan
  • Rick Bridges
Strawberrybananaclub2:40
2."Nobody Knows"
  • Jo Yunkyung
  • Julie
  • Rick Bridges
  • PAPRIKAA
  • Im Jungwoo
  • Adora
  • VON MENTZER
PAPRIKAA3:15
3."My 808"
  • Mia (153/Joombas)
  • Rick Bridges
  • Lee Hyeyum (Jamfactory)
  • Gemma
  • Belle
  • Natty
  • G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze
  • Tricia Battani
  • TMM
  • G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze
  • Tricia Battani
2:39
4."TTG"
  • Ondine
  • Rick Bridges
  • BYMORE
  • BYMORE
  • Ondine
  • Adora
  • Rick Bridges
BYMORE3:29
5."Gentleman"Jo YunkyungTroelsen2:58
6."Says It"
  • Belle
  • Rick Bridges
  • clovd (WSHL:ST)
  • Kwon Deokgeun (WSHL:ST)
  • Young Chance
  • Belle
  • Eunsol
  • clovd (WSHL:ST)
  • Kwon Deokgeun (WSHL:ST)
3:31
7."Bad News (ENG Ver.)"
  • Julie
  • Rick Bridges
  • Jonghan
  • PAPRIKAA
  • Strawberrybananaclub
  • Strawberrybananaclub
  • Jonghan
  • Rick Bridges
Strawberrybananaclub2:40
Total length:21:12

Charts

Release history

Release history and formats for Born to Be XX
RegionDateFormatLabel
South KoreaNovember 8th, 2023 CD S2
Various

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References

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