KISS OF LIFE [Born to be XX] "Bad News"

Born to be XX: KISS OF LIFE's Electrifying Second Mini Album

"Born to Be XX" is the second EP by South Korean girl group Kiss of Life. Released on November 8, 2023, through S2 Entertainment, it features seven tracks, including the lead singles "Bad News" and "Nobody Knows".

There are four versions of the physical album available: Good, Bad, and two Poca versions (Good and Bad).

Born to be XX

Type

Mini

Artist

KISS OF LIFE

Released

November 8, 2023

Format(s)

CD, Poca, download, streaming

Recorded

2023

Genre

Dance, R&B, Philadelphia soul, hip-hop, rock, pop, afro, reggae, ballad

Length

21:12

Label(s)

S2 Entertainment

Distributor(s)

Kakao Entertainment

Track list

"Bad News" - 2:40

"Nobody Knows" - 3:15

"My 808" - 2:39

"TTG" - 3:29

"Gentleman" - 2:58

"Says It" - 3:31

"Bad News (Eng Ver.)" - 2:40

Title and Background

The album's name, according to member Belle, incorporates two "X" symbols representing two ideas: unwelcome special things and the group's message against prejudice, misunderstandings, and stereotypes.

On September 28, 2023, S2 Entertainment announced that Kiss of Life will be making a comeback in November. The group confirmed their comeback date as November 8, 2023, through a teaser posted on October 13, 2023.

Promotion

The single "Bad News" blends pop, hip-hop, and rock, showcasing the band's natural evolution. "Nobody Knows" is an upbeat R&B song with 1970s influences. "TTG" is an R&B track reminiscent of 2000s music. "Gentleman" has a unique sound with Afro rhythm, reggae patterns, and soul gospel. "Says It" is a heartfelt track dedicated to fans and explores unrequited love.

Critical reception

Carmen Chin of NME praised the sophomore album as a "diamond in the rough," acknowledging the pressure to live up to their exceptional debut. Kim Do-heon of Zenerate ranked the album at number 6 on their list of The 15 Best K-pop Albums of 2023.

(source/ update)

Review of tracklist - KISS OF LIFE – Born to be XX

The initial track on the album is the first of two title tracks, titled ' Bad News '. It is a highly energetic anthem that embraces girlpower. The song showcases strong vocals and the rap sections are both enjoyable and impactful.

'Nobody Knows', is the second in line. It combines elements of R&B, funk, and psychedelic to create a unique sound. The song's slow pace will have you grooving to it in no time. The instrumentation is expertly layered, with a particularly impressive addition of brass in the background. This track is undoubtedly cool and will leave a lasting impression.

Joining us is 'My 808'. We will be going to the club with 'my 808'. The fusion of Dance and R&B is extremely enjoyable and the samples incorporated in the music produce an exciting listening journey. This is an exhilarating experience!

The song 'TTG' takes a trip down memory lane with a Y2K-inspired melody. The acronym stands for 'that that girl', and the genre is a combination of Dance Pop and R&B. This particular track showcases the impressive vocal abilities of the group members, and it was co-composed by the renowned ADORA.

The song titled 'Gentleman' combines elements of Afro rhythm and reggae. The chorus has a soul gospel vibe that adds to the overall fun of the song. I am thoroughly enjoying it! It's hard to resist singing along and it makes me want to roll down all the car windows and blast the song.

The following song is titled ' Says It'. It has a slower tempo compared to the previous ones. This sweet pop song accompanied by an acoustic guitar is captivating and deserves to have a live, stripped down version filmed. The rap section is executed excellently and seamlessly blends in with the rest of the song.

(source)

Overall the mini-album 'Born to be XX' by KISS OF LIFE is exceptional. The production quality is top-notch and each song has its unique essence. It is a truly wonderful listening experience.

KISS OF LIFE (키스오브라이프) 'Bad News' Official Music Video

KISS OF LIFE - Bad News (Romanized) Lyrics

[Intro]

Wait

[Verse 1]

How do I look? naega byeonhaennyagu?

Tibireul teureobwa, I'm the woman on the moon

Ne meori wiro sappunsappun georeo, feel no gravity

Urin eotteon ttaebodado ain't no diggity

What goes around, some comes around, an deullyeo molla

Look at me now, neukkimi wa, dareuji neowaneun

I'm your wannabe, ip bakkeuron mot baetji

Uh-oh, can't you see, can't you see?

[Pre-Chorus]

Runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin'

Something's comin', comin', comin', ah

Siren, siren, siren, siren, siren

On and on and on and (What?)

[Chorus]

Bad news, sikji anneun nollan

My attitude, motdoen jinman golla

From the east side to the west side

Oh, I, ip mot damulgeol

Bad news, hanadulssik nolla

We got the moves, ullyeo peojyeo, world wide

Check my profile on the website

Oh, I, ip mot damulgeol

[Post-Chorus]

Damulgeol damulgeol damulgeol

[Verse 2]

Mot damul geol mot dameul geol mot haneun geon mot haneun geol

Da haneun geon an haneun geo na haneun geon da dareun geo

Nuga nugul gareuchina jalhaseyo nina

Hetgallyeo araewiga I'm the realest queen now

Geoseullim boji ma nuneul gama

Eodil gana deullil teni gwireul maga

You do you and I do I, geureodeonga maldeonga

Geu ppeonhan maldeullo nal jaedanhal su eopseulgeol

[Pre-Chorus]

Runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin'

Something's comin', comin', comin', ah

Siren, siren, siren, siren, siren

On and on and on and (What?)

[Chorus]

Bad news, sikji anneun nollan

My attitude, motdoen jinman golla

From the east side to the west side

Oh, I, ip mot damulgeol

Bad news, hanadulssik nolla

We got the moves, ullyeo peojyeo, worldwide

Check my profile on the website

Oh, I, ip mot damulgeol

[Bridge]

To the left, to the right, back and forth (Ooh)

You know what, I'm the one, solid one (Ooh)

Can I ride, back it up, driver mode

Oh, I, ip mot damulgeol

[Chorus]

Bad news sikji anneun nollan

We know the truth, igeon amudo molla

From the east side to the west side

Oh, I, ip mot damulgeol (Oh)

Bad news, hanadulssik nolla

We got the moves, ullyeo peojyeo, worldwide (Ooh)

Check my profile on the website (Website)

Oh, I, ip mot damulgeol