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

In the constantly evolving landscape of K-Pop, Kiss of Life's latest offering, "Born to be XX," signifies a bold step forward. Released on November 8, 2023, this second mini-album features the double title tracks "Bad News" and "Nobody Knows," each embodying the album's theme of duality—presenting two sides, 'truth' and 'rumor'. The group's confidence, built on the foundation of their well-received debut album, shines through as they explore themes of freedom and self-expression without the burden of external expectations.

Kiss of Life tells NYLON Manila that their approach to this album was unpressured, driven by a strong belief in their evolving musical capabilities. This self-assuredness is reflected in the diverse musical styles present in the album, from R&B to pop and hip-hop, showcasing their versatility and commitment to pushing boundaries in the K-Pop genre.

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

Kiss of Life's eagerly anticipated EP, "Born to Be XX," was officially launched on November 8, 2023, by S2 Entertainment. The album was made available in South Korea on the same date, with formats including CD, digital download, and streaming . A series of promotional teasers began on September 28, 2023, culminating in a teaser video on October 13, 2023, that confirmed the release time as 6 PM KST .

"Born to Be XX" was released in various formats to cater to different fan preferences. The physical album was available in four versions: two labeled 'Good' and two 'Bad'. Each version included a CD, a 150-page magazine, and depending on the version, either a folded poster (Bad version only) or an accordion folding note (Good version only). Additionally, each album version came with a sticker and two randomly selected photocards out of twelve possible designs. An exclusive pop-up store in Seoul offered themed merchandise from November 10 to November 16, 2023, followed by an online sale starting November 28, 2023.

Kiss of Life announced their comeback with the second mini-album "Born to be XX," scheduled for release on November 8, 2023. This album marked a significant thematic evolution, exploring concepts of duality and self-expression. The announcement was first made on September 28, 2023, setting the stage for a November release that was anticipated by fans and critics alike.

The album's theme is intricately tied to the idea of confronting and embracing the multiple aspects of one's identity, as suggested by the title "Born to be XX." This concept is further highlighted in the album's promotional materials, which use the 'X' symbol to challenge stereotypes and encourage a deeper understanding of individuality.

Musically, "Born to be XX" features two title tracks, "Bad News" and "Nobody Knows," each embodying the album's thematic essence. These tracks were revealed through an album sampler released on October 29, 2023, showcasing the group's musical diversity and their commitment to blending various genres to reflect their artistic vision.

"Bad News" starts with a unique cowboy-ish guitar vibe, which some listeners might find off-putting initially, but the track improves as it progresses. The rap section is notably strong, contributing to a better second half of the song. Overall, it's rated 7/10 for its blend of pop, hip-hop, and rock elements, though some feel it could be more memorable.

"Nobody Knows" shines as the album's standout track, earning a 9/10 rating. It features a slick R&B style reminiscent of classic '90s hits, with a particularly impressive pre-chorus that highlights the vocal talents of the group. Despite some opinions that it's a bit average, the track has been praised for its engaging flow and vocal delivery.

While "My 808" boasts good production quality, it's described as palatable yet forgettable, receiving a mixed rating of 7.5/10. The track seems to lack the engaging impact found in other songs on the album.

"TTG" continues the smooth R&B theme of the album and is enhanced by a tropical house chorus. This track stands out for its lush sound and has been particularly noted for Natty's earthy and buttery vocal performance, earning it an 8.5/10 rating.

"Gentleman" introduces an eclectic reggae-inspired sound, which, while fun and featuring impressive vocal runs, feels somewhat out of place within the context of the mini-album. It receives a rating of 8/10, with some listeners finding it memorable.

"Says It," a sweet guitar ballad co-written by Belle, is dedicated to fans and evokes the charm of 2000s animated media soundtracks. Despite its nostalgic appeal, it's considered less engaging than other tracks, scoring 6.5/10.

The English version of "Bad News" offers similar lyrical content to its Korean counterpart but emphasizes themes of self-love and empowerment more distinctly. The guitar elements are more pronounced in this version, enhancing its overall impact and making it a strong alternative to the original.

During the recording sessions for "Born to be XX," the members of Kiss of Life displayed a blend of natural talent and refined skill, honed from years of dedication. Natty and Julie, having been K-pop trainees for an extended period, brought a wealth of experience to the studio. Belle, who has been involved in the music industry since high school as a music producer, contributed significantly to the production process.

The recording of the title track "Bad News" was a highlight, showcasing the group's enthusiasm and commitment. Belle's input was pivotal, allowing the recording session to conclude efficiently. The members expressed their ambition for this album to surpass their debut, focusing on stronger vocal performances and perfecting the song's intricate vocal requirements.

The atmosphere in the studio was charged with excitement and a collective effort to excel. Haneul, the music producer, played a crucial role, adjusting and refining the recording to capture the desired sound. The chorus recording sessions were particularly energetic, with multiple takes to ensure the best possible outcome.

The track "Nobody Knows" posed unique challenges due to its complex R&B style, which required precise delivery and a deep understanding of the genre's groove. The members, along with producer Adora, experimented extensively to perfect their performances, aiming to showcase Kiss of Life as a formidable R&B group.

The album "Born to be XX" showcases a diverse group of writers and lyricists who have contributed to its lyrical depth. Notable among them are Belle from KISS OF LIFE, Adam von Mentzer, and ADORA, who have played significant roles in crafting the album's narratives. Additional contributions come from BYMORE and 조윤경 (Cho Yun Kyoung), among others, enriching the album with a variety of lyrical perspectives.

The composition and arrangement of "Born to be XX" were handled by a talented team including Adam von Mentzer, ADORA, and Belle from KISS OF LIFE. The arrangers such as BYMORE, Clovd, and G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze brought their unique styles to the table, contributing to the album's eclectic sound. This collaborative effort has resulted in a blend of musical styles that mirror the album's thematic complexity and artistic ambition.

"Born to be XX" by Kiss of Life made a notable entry into the music charts, reflecting its immediate popularity upon release. The album debuted at number three on the Gaon Album Chart and maintained a strong presence in the top ten for several consecutive weeks. Internationally, it secured positions within the top five on the Japanese Oricon Charts and made significant impacts on various European charts, demonstrating the global appeal of Kiss of Life.

The album "Born to be XX" received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans. Music reviewers praised the innovative blend of genres and the depth of the lyrical content, highlighting tracks like "Nobody Knows" and "Bad News" for their artistic creativity and strong vocal performances. Fans expressed their enthusiasm on social media platforms, particularly praising the group's evolution in sound and the cohesive theme of the album. This positive reception is indicative of Kiss of Life's growing influence in the K-Pop scene and their ability to connect with a diverse audience.