Born to Be XX
{{Infobox album
| name = Born to Be XX
| type = EP
| artist = Kiss of Life
| cover = Born to be XX Cover.jpg
| caption = Digital cover
| released = {{Start date|2023|11|08}}
| genre = *Dance-pop
| length = {{Duration|m=21|s=12}}
| language = Korean
| label = S2
| prev_title = Kiss of Life
| prev_year = 2023
| next_title = Midas Touch
| next_year = 2024
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Born to Be XX
| type = EP
| single1 = Bad News
| single1date = November 8, 2023
| single2 = Nobody Knows
| single2date = November 8, 2023
}}
}}
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".{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=키스오브라이프, 강렬한 신곡 '배드 뉴스'로 컴백 |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2023/11/859727/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=스타투데이 |language=ko |archive-date=2023-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225170100/https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2023/11/859727/ |url-status=dead }}
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."{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=[SHOWCASE] Kiss of Life shows it was 'Born to be XX' in latest EP |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2023-11-08/entertainment/kpop/Kiss-of-Life-shows-it-was-Born-to-be-XX-in-latest-EP/1908954 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |language=en |archive-date=2024-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829025111/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2023-11-08/entertainment/kpop/Kiss-of-Life-shows-it-was-Born-to-be-XX-in-latest-EP/1908954 |url-status=live }}
Background
On September 28, 2023, S2 Entertainment released a poster indicating that Kiss of Life would make their comeback in November.{{Cite web |title=키스오브라이프 컴백 확정, 11월 신보 'Born to be XX' 발매...커밍순 이미지 공개 - 열린세상 열린방송 MBN |url=https://star.mbn.co.kr/view.php?sc=71600002&year=2023&no=743181 |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=star.mbn.co.kr |language=ko |archive-date=2023-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222043031/https://star.mbn.co.kr/view.php?sc=71600002&year=2023&no=743181 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Ziwei |first=Puah |date=2023-09-28 |title=KISS OF LIFE announce new mini-album, 'Born to Be XX' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kiss-of-life-announce-new-mini-album-born-to-be-xx-3505661 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-10-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021225657/https://www.nme.com/news/music/kiss-of-life-announce-new-mini-album-born-to-be-xx-3505661 |url-status=live }} On October 13, 2023, the group revealed that they would make a comeback on November 8, 2023, by posting a teaser.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-13 |title=Kiss of Life to drop second EP 'Born to be XX' in November |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2023-10-13/entertainment/kpop/Kiss-of-Life-to-drop-second-EP-Born-to-be-XX-in-November/1889270 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Korea JoongAng Daily |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221050518/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2023-10-13/entertainment/kpop/Kiss-of-Life-to-drop-second-EP-Born-to-be-XX-in-November/1889270 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=이 |first=승록 |title=키스오브라이프 컴백한다..."Born to be XX" |url=https://mydaily.co.kr/page/view/2023101316202187613 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=마이데일리 |language=ko |archive-date=2023-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221123137/https://mydaily.co.kr/page/view/2023101316202187613 |url-status=live }}
Promotion
On October 16, 2023, a poster was released featuring the members mugshots with the caption 'Who's the villain'.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-16 |title=키스오브라이프, 빌런으로 변신?...컴백 기대감 ↑ |url=https://www.hankyung.com/article/202310160348H |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=The Korea Economic Daily |language=ko |archive-date=2023-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222112559/https://www.hankyung.com/article/202310160348H |url-status=live }} On October 17, the group released the tracklist of the album.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-20 |title=키스오브라이프, 더블 타이틀로 컴백..."이중적 관점 담아" |url=https://www.xportsnews.com/article/1783559 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=www.xportsnews.com |language=ko |archive-date=2023-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221084917/https://www.xportsnews.com/article/1783559 |url-status=live }} From October 19 to 25 the group released various concept photos.{{Cite web |title=키스오브라이프, 힙한 바이브의 빌런으로 완벽 변신 - 열린세상 열린방송 MBN |url=https://star.mbn.co.kr/view.php?sc=71600002&year=2023&no=800497 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=star.mbn.co.kr |language=ko |archive-date=2023-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221084331/https://star.mbn.co.kr/view.php?sc=71600002&year=2023&no=800497 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=키스오브라이프, 'Born to be XX' 단체 콘셉트 포토 속 독보적 바이브 '시선 집중' |url=http://enter.etoday.co.kr/news/view/249142 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=비즈엔터 |archive-date=2023-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221123149/http://enter.etoday.co.kr/news/view/249142 |url-status=live }} On October 27, a trailer for the EP was released.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-27 |title=키스오브라이프, 빌런으로 돌아온다 |url=https://www.xportsnews.com/article/1786478 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=www.xportsnews.com |language=ko |archive-date=2023-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221123136/https://www.xportsnews.com/article/1786478 |url-status=live }} On October 30, the group released the sneak peek of the tracks.{{Cite web |title=KISS OF LIFE(키스오브라이프), 벨ㆍ쥴리ㆍ나띠 참여 'Born to be XX' 샘플러 영상 공개 |url=http://enter.etoday.co.kr/news/view/249486 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=비즈엔터 |archive-date=2023-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221123137/http://enter.etoday.co.kr/news/view/249486 |url-status=live }}
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,{{Cite web |last=Chin |first=Carmen |date=2023-11-24 |title=KISS OF LIFE – 'Born to Be XX': a diamond in the rough |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/kiss-of-life-born-to-be-xx-review-3548651 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220103837/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/kiss-of-life-born-to-be-xx-review-3548651 |url-status=live }} whereas "Nobody Knows" is a slick, upbeat slice of R&B influenced by the 1970s.{{Cite web |last=손 |first=봉석 |date=2023-11-16 |title=KISS OF LIFE(키스오브라이프) 'Nobody Knows', 빌런이 된 이유 밝혀져 |url=https://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=202311160509003&sec_id=540301 |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=sports.khan.co.kr |language=ko |archive-date=2023-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221125708/https://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=202311160509003&sec_id=540301 |url-status=live }} "TTG" was described as a R&B track which is reminiscent of music from the 2000s,{{Cite web |date=2023-11-07 |title=키스오브라이프, 완성형 아이돌의 귀환..신곡 'Bad News'로 글로벌 팬심 저격 |url=https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/music/2023/11/08/IWGDLO5PM47GSV4IBYD6YTGZXU/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=The Chosun Ilbo |language=ko |archive-date=2023-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222044025/https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/music/2023/11/08/IWGDLO5PM47GSV4IBYD6YTGZXU/ |url-status=live }} and "Gentleman" is a song which has a unique sound with an Afro rhythm, reggae patterns, and soul gospel. "Says It" is a track dedicated to fans written by member Belle, with lyrics that capture the emotions of unrequited love.
Critical reception
= Accolades =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+ Awards and nominations for Born to be XX |
| scope="col" | Organization
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Award ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| Korean Music Awards
| 2024 | style="text-align:left" | Best K-pop Album | {{nom}} |
Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Born to Be XX track listing
| extra_column = Arrangement
| title_width = 20%
| lyrics_width = 30%
| music_width = 30%
| extra_width = 20%
| title1 = Bad News
| length1 = 2:40
| lyrics1 = {{hlist| Rick Bridges|Jonghan|PAPRIKAA|Strawberrybananaclub}}
| music1 = {{hlist|Strawberrybananaclub|Jonghan|Rick Bridges}}
| extra1 = Strawberrybananaclub
| title2 = Nobody Knows
| length2 = 3:15
| lyrics2 = {{hlist|Jo Yoon-kyung|Julie|Rick Bridges}}
| music2 = {{hlist|PAPRIKAA| Im Jungwoo|Adora|VON MENTZER}}
| extra2 = PAPRIKAA
| title3 = My 808
| length3 = 2:39
| lyrics3 = {{hlist|Mia (153/Joombas)| Rick Bridges|Lee Hyeyum (Jamfactory)|Gemma|Belle|Natty}}
| music3 = {{hlist|G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze|Tricia Battani|TMM}}
| extra3 = {{hlist|G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze|Tricia Battani}}
| title4 = TTG
| length4 = 3:29
| lyrics4 = {{hlist|Ondine|Rick Bridges| BYMORE}}
| music4 = {{hlist|BYMORE|Ondine|Adora|Rick Bridges}}
| extra4 = BYMORE
| title5 = Gentleman
| length5 = 2:58
| lyrics5 = Jo Yoon-kyung
| music5 = {{hlist|Thomas Troelsen|Lindy Robbins|Gabe Saporta|Shy Carter}}
| extra5 = Troelsen
| title6 = Says It
| length6 = 3:31
| lyrics6 = {{hlist|Belle|Rick Bridges}}
| music6 = {{hlist|clovd (WSHL:ST)|Kwon Deokgeun (WSHL:ST)| Young Chance| Belle|Eunsol}}
| extra6 = {{hlist|clovd (WSHL:ST)|Kwon Deokgeun (WSHL:ST)}}
| title7 = Bad News
| note7 = English version
| length7 = 2:40
| lyrics7 = {{hlist|Julie| Rick Bridges|Jonghan| PAPRIKAA|Strawberrybananaclub}}
| music7 = {{hlist|Strawberrybananaclub|Jonghan|Rick Bridges}}
| extra7 = Strawberrybananaclub
| total_length = 21:12
}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col 2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Weekly chart performance for Born to Be XX ! scope="col"| Chart (2023) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| scope="row"| South Korean Albums (Circle){{cite web|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=50&hitYear=2023&termGbn=week&yearTime=3|title=Circle Album Chart – Week 50, 2023|website=Circle Chart|language=ko|access-date=December 21, 2023|archive-date=December 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221022646/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=50&hitYear=2023&termGbn=week&yearTime=3|url-status=live}}
| 49 |
|---|
{{col 2}}
=Monthly charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Monthly chart performance for Born to Be XX ! scope="col"| Chart (2023) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| South Korean Albums (Circle){{cite web |title=Circle Album Chart – December 2023 |url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?serviceGbn=&termGbn=month |access-date=December 21, 2023 |website=Circle Chart |language=ko |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708013721/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?serviceGbn=&termGbn=month |url-status=live }}
| 36 |
|---|
{{col-end}}
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Release history and formats for Born to Be XX ! scope="col" |Region ! scope="col" |Date ! scope="col" |Format ! scope="col" |Label |
| scope="row" |South Korea
| rowspan="2" |November 8th, 2023 |CD | rowspan="2" |S2 |
|---|
| scope="row" |Various
|{{Hlist|Digital download|streaming}} |