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

In the constantly evolving landscape of K-Pop, the release of Kiss of Life's "Born to be XX" marks a significant moment for fans and critics alike. This album not only showcases the unique talents of members Belle, Julie, Natty, and Haneul but also highlights the group's collaboration with renowned music producer Haneul. Diving into a mix of R&B and K-Pop, Kiss of Life delivers an electrifying blend of sounds, setting new standards in genre fusion and musical innovation. The album’s standout tracks, such as "My 808", "Nobody Knows", and "Bad News", underscore the group's versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of their music.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of "Born to be XX", beginning with background details and teasers that set the stage for its release. It delves into the album’s concept and thematic essence, offering insights into the creative process behind composing its tracks. Readers can look forward to an in-depth tracklist breakdown and behind-the-scenes glimpses that reveal the intricacies of production. Furthermore, the piece explores the visual and artistic elements that accompany the music, rounding off with critical reception and chart performance insights. Through this roadmap, the article aims to navigate readers through the kaleidoscopic world of Kiss of Life and their latest musical endeavor, "Born to be XX".

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

"Born to be XX," the second mini-album by KISS OF LIFE, was officially released on November 8, 2023, featuring "Bad News" and "Nobody Knows" as the album's double title tracks. The album, available in four distinct versions—two labeled 'Good' and two 'Bad'—offers fans a variety of physical album choices. Anticipation was built through a series of teasers, beginning with an announcement on September 28, 2023, that hinted at a November release, followed by a teaser video on October 13, 2023, which confirmed the release date and time. Further excitement was stirred with the release of the official album trailer on October 27 and an album sampler two days later, which revealed the dual title tracks.

The album's sales started strong, with 11,237 copies sold on the release day according to Hanteo Chart, highlighting its immediate impact on the market. Additionally, signed copies of the album were available for purchase from November 13 to November 20, 2023, through the Mwave shop, adding an exclusive touch for the collectors.

KISS OF LIFE's narrative in "Born to be XX" explores themes of true freedom and self-expression, conveyed through the metaphorical 'X'. This album marks a significant evolution from their debut, shifting from a narrative of external liberation to one that emphasizes freedom from within. The tracks "Bad News" and "Nobody Knows" encapsulate this theme with their lyrical content and innovative musical styles, blending R&B with pop, hip-hop, and rock elements . This blend not only showcases the group's versatility but also reinforces their identity as artists committed to pushing musical boundaries.

From their inception, Kiss of Life has demonstrated a dynamic approach to music, evolving from catchy K-Pop tunes to a more sophisticated mix that incorporates R&B, hip-hop, and EDM. Their debut was marked by upbeat, catchy sounds typical of K-Pop, but they have since embraced a broader spectrum of genres, creating a unique and mature sound. This blend not only distinguishes them from their peers but also highlights their artistic growth and commitment to innovation within the K-Pop industry.

The group has openly expressed their influences, drawing inspiration from iconic K-Pop groups like Blackpink and 2NE1, as well as global artists such as Ariana Grande and Rihanna. This eclectic mix of influences has enriched their music, making it resonate on a global scale and allowing them to connect deeply with a diverse fanbase.

Moreover, Kiss of Life's dedication to authenticity and self-expression is evident in their songwriting. They have transitioned to writing more introspective and relatable lyrics, addressing themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, which has strengthened their connection with listeners. The group's ability to produce their own music has been a significant factor in their evolution, giving them the freedom to shape their sound and message precisely as they envision.

As they continue to explore and integrate various musical styles, Kiss of Life not only enriches their own discography but also contributes to the broader K-Pop genre, pushing its boundaries and setting new standards for artistic expression in the industry.

In the album "Born to be XX," KISS OF LIFE explores themes of duality and self-expression. The title itself, marked by the two 'X' symbols, represents special elements that are often not welcomed by others, and the group's strong stance against prejudice, misunderstandings, and stereotypes. This thematic exploration is visually represented in promotional materials, such as a poster featuring the members' mugshots with the caption "Who's the villain," suggesting a narrative that challenges conventional perceptions and invites listeners to question deeper truths.

Musically, the album blends a variety of styles that mirror its thematic complexity. The lead single "Bad News" combines pop, hip-hop, and rock elements, reflecting the band's evolution and their embrace of a more mature sound. Meanwhile, "Nobody Knows" offers a slice of 1970s influenced R&B, adding a layer of retro sophistication to the album. Other tracks like "TTG" and "Gentleman" introduce unique sounds with Afro rhythms, reggae patterns, and soul gospel, further emphasizing the album's rich and diverse musical landscape.

The concept of presenting two sides, "truth" and "rumor," is central to the album's narrative. This duality is not only a theme but also a call to the audience to embrace individuality and reject quick judgments. The group communicates this through their lyrics and the varied musical styles, encouraging a broader interpretation of what the 'XX' might signify. This approach not only deepens the album's artistic impact but also aligns with KISS OF LIFE's mission to empower their listeners, urging them to feel confident and powerful in their uniqueness.

"Bad News" is a groovy mid-tempo track blending elements of pop, hip-hop, and rock, showcasing a natural evolution in the band's sound. The vocalists exhibit a range of talents, from high notes to cooler baritone verses, complemented by Julie's dynamic rap verses. This track solidifies KISS OF LIFE's baddie personas.

"Nobody Knows" stands out as a slick, upbeat slice of R&B, reminiscent of TLC's classic '90s output. The track's smooth R&B wave is enhanced by tropical house elements in the chorus, with Natty's earthy and buttery tone taking center stage, beautifully paired with Belle's vocal runs.

While "My 808" offers good production, it is described as fairly palatable yet forgettable within the album's dynamic range.

"TTG" continues the smooth R&B theme but blossoms with a tropical house chorus. Natty's standout performance on this track is particularly noteworthy, showcasing her unique vocal style.

"Gentleman" introduces an eclectic reggae-inspired sound. Despite its strong musical elements, it feels somewhat out of place in the context of the mini-album.

"Says It," co-written by Belle, is a sweet guitar ballad dedicated to fans. It evokes the charm of 2000s animated media soundtracks, reminiscent of Barbie and Disney Fairies, adding a nostalgic touch to the album .

The English version of "Bad News" provides a lyrically similar experience to its Korean counterpart but emphasizes themes of self-love and empowerment more distinctly. The guitar elements are notably more pronounced in this version, enhancing its overall impact.

The reception of Kiss of Life's "Born to be XX" has been a blend of praise and constructive criticism. Carmen Chin from NME highlighted the album as "a diamond in the rough," appreciating its potential to fill the large expectations set by their debut. Similarly, Kim Do-heon of Zenerate placed the album at number six on their list of The 15 Best K-pop Albums of 2023, signaling its significant impact within the genre.

However, not all feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Some critics pointed out that while tracks like "Nobody Knows" and "TTG" were standout performances, other songs did not quite meet the high standards the group previously set . This sentiment reflects the early stage of Kiss of Life's career, with the consensus being that the group possesses immense potential that is yet to be fully realized.

In terms of accolades, the album received a nomination for Best K-pop Album at the Korean Music Awards 2024, underscoring its recognition within the industry despite mixed reviews.

Overall, "Born to be XX" has elicited a diverse array of opinions, from acknowledgment of its innovative approach to calls for more polished productions in future releases. This mix of views paints a picture of a young group on a promising trajectory but still navigating the complexities of musical evolution and public expectation.

KISS OF LIFE's "Born to be XX" album promotion featured a multifaceted marketing strategy that included both online and in-person events, specifically designed to maximize fan engagement. The promotional activities kicked off with a face-to-face fan signing event scheduled for January 25, 2024, which was exclusively available to 30 winners. This was followed by a group video call event and a special individual video call event, offering fans a unique personal interaction with the band members.

The application period for these events was open from January 19 to January 21, 2024, with the winners being announced on January 22, 2024, via the MAKESTAR Project Page. Fans who purchased the album through the project page were automatically entered into a draw to win access to these events.

Additionally, the promotional campaign included exclusive merchandise for event participants. All applicants received an unreleased selfie photocard, while face-to-face event winners received a set of autographed papers, a ticket to the event, and a special polaroid photo if they attended in an office outfit concept. Video call event winners enjoyed a group call with the band and received a set of unreleased photocards and an autographed paper set. The most exclusive, the special video call event, offered a 1:1 call with a band member, a signed album, and additional personalized items.

This comprehensive approach not only heightened anticipation and excitement around the album release but also strengthened the bond between KISS OF LIFE and their fanbase by providing memorable experiences and exclusive memorabilia.