Born to Be XX

2023 EP by Kiss of Life From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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]

ReleasedNovember 8, 2023 (2023-11-08)
Length21:12
LanguageKorean
Quick facts EP by Kiss of Life, Released ...
Born to Be XX
Digital cover
EP by
ReleasedNovember 8, 2023 (2023-11-08)
Genre
Length21:12
LanguageKorean
LabelS2
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
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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 is reminiscent of music from the 2000s,[15] and "Gentleman" is a song which has a unique sound with an Afro rhythm, reggae patterns, and soul gospel.[15] "Says It" is a track dedicated to fans written by member Belle, with lyrics that capture the emotions of unrequited love.[15]

Critical reception

More information Review scores, Source ...
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
NMEStarStarStar[13]
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Carmen Chin writing for NME described the extended play 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]

Accolades

More information Organization, Year ...
Awards and nominations for Born to be XX
Organization Year Award Result Ref.
Korean Music Awards 2024 Best K-pop Album Nominated [16]
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Track listing

More information No., Title ...
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"
  • 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 Yoon-kyungTroelsen2:58
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" (English version)
  • Julie
  • Rick Bridges
  • Jonghan
  • PAPRIKAA
  • Strawberrybananaclub
  • Strawberrybananaclub
  • Jonghan
  • Rick Bridges
Strawberrybananaclub2:40
Total length:21:12
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Charts

More information Chart (2023), Peak position ...
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Release history

More information Region, Date ...
Release history and formats for Born to Be XX
Region Date Format Label
South Korea November 8, 2023 CD S2
Various
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References

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