XG ; Shooting Star (era)

XG is a Japanese girl group based in South Korea. While these two industries have had a history of blending, it currently seems like K-pop trends have a stronger influence on Japanese audiences than J-pop has on Korean listeners.

"SHOOTING STAR" is the third digital single by XG. It was released on January 25, 2023 with the song "SHOOTING STAR" serving as the title track.

A physical edition of the single was released in limited quantities.

"SHOOTING STAR"

Type

Digital Single

Artist

XG

Release Date

January 25, 2023

Genre(s)

Hip-hop, R&B

Length

6:51

Agency

XGALX

Distributor

Genie Music

Stone Music Entertainment

I will spare you from my thoughts on this phenomenon, with the exception of mentioning that I am generally not a fan of J-pop songs that sound like "K-pop" (a rather vague description, I must admit). After listening to XG's debut track "Tippy Toes" in 2022, I never revisited it. It's not a terrible song, but there is already an abundance of this particular sound in the K-pop scene. When their follow-up single "Mascara" was released last summer, it felt like the final blow to my interest in XG. Consequently, the arrival of their new single "Shooting Star" did not generate much personal excitement for me.

Fortunately, we are treated to more vocals from the vocalists of the group in this particular song. Their voices are quite pleasing when they are not loudly repeating catchphrases, and the pre-chorus of Shooting Stars is enhanced by a delightful combination. However, aside from that moment, it feels like I have heard these melodies countless times before. They are supported by typical trap pop beats and a repetitive loop that may become irritating depending on your sensitivity to higher-pitched sounds. I can understand how this overall vibe would captivate those who enjoy this style, but it doesn't really resonate with me. On a positive note, I believe there is plenty of potential for growth. Shooting Stars becomes better with repeated listens, and it is evident that the group possesses ample charisma. They simply need to develop a unique sound and create a song that is exclusively theirs.

Shooting Star demonstrates potential for growth, and this new piece may have the same potential. However, the overall energy falls flat and fails to captivate me fully. While I can detect the influence of early-mid 2000s R&B, the melodic hooks lack the catchiness of the best music from that era. Additionally, the production feels generic compared to beats produced by artists like Timbaland or She'kspere. In summary, I appreciate the attempt, but I yearn for a more captivating product.

XG - SHOOTING STAR (Official Music Video)