“IYKYK,” XG’s New Mini-Album Is A Banger
Ever since their debut, XG has been on a roll. These girls have put out banger after banger, and recently, they dropped their new mini-album, AWE. Compared to their previous mini-album, this one is more on the R&B side of the genre. AWE is jam-packed and a joy to listen to.
AWE - Tracklist:
“HOWL”
“HOWLING”
“SPACE MEETING Skit”
“IYKYK”
“SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT”
“IN THE RAIN”
“WOKE UP REMIXX (FEAT. Jay Park, OZworld, AKLO, Paloalto, VERBAL, Awich, TAK, and Dok2)
“IS THIS LOVE”
AWE Album Review
The mini-album starts with the sound of the wilderness. In “HOWL,” you can hear animals in the background and what can be described as being in a forest. You can then hear the howling of a world. This opening sets the tone for the entire album. Then enters the chimes and majestic singing in the background. The sound of an orchestra starts to play, and you feel like you are in a fairytale. It’s beautiful and a great opener.
The title track, “HOWLING,” is hype. The drill/jersey beat will catch your attention when you heat it. Then the girls start. The rap is intense and captivating the moment it starts. The rappers in XG have such an amazing flow, and their raps to this beat are a perfect match. Then we hear the chorus. Their vocals are matched with a more tame, R&B version of the beat in the beginning. This instantly became one of my favorite title tracks from them. Their signature rap and R&B sound can be heard throughout this song, and I love it.
The music video is refreshing. Their ongoing concept of them being like these alien beings merging with the wolf concept looks so interesting together. There are scenes when the girls are seen in bright colorful clothing, and then there is a contrast of them seen in more dark clothing. The black-and-white scenes are like watching a film. Then we got to see the choreography. There is one part that stood out to me; the moment they howl like a wolf. It is so satisfying, especially the way they do it all together with the backup dancers is so beautiful to watch. This is such a great title track, and I can’t wait to see what the stages will look like during the promotions.
@xg.official ✩⁺₊⋆｡˚︎✩.·◝☾𝒮𝒽ℴ𝓌𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝒽ℴ𝓌 𝒳𝒢 ℋ𝒪𝒲ℒ𝒮☾.⋆◝✩⁺₊✩ #XG #HOWLING #XG_HOWLING #XG_AWE #XGALX ♬ HOWLING - XG
The next song on the mini-album is a skit. “SPACE MEETING Skit” is a short section in the album where you can hear the members talking, but there is this mysterious voice in the background. A man. It’s a short segment that has such a dark aura to it. It sounds like we are in a spaceship. Everything sounds so futuristic, and it transports us to the next song.
“IYKYK” is a prerelease that makes you want to dance. This addictive dance track is upbeat and bubbly. The track is so much fun to listen to and will bring a smile to your face. Another song that was released before the mini-album is their house music-inspired dance track, “SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT.” This is another addictive track. I find myself just singing this song throughout the day. “Something ain’t right. You been acting funny lately. You ain’t gotta lie. Got me out here looking crazy.” Both are such fun songs and was instantly added to my playlist.
@xg.official Come explore the infinite universe with us🪐💫🛸 #XG #IYKYK #XG_IYKYK #XG_AWE #XGALX ♬ IYKYK - XG
@xg.official SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT but it’s definitely not JURIA 🐿️ ✨ #XG #JURIA #SOMETHINGAINTRIGHT #XG_SOMETHINGAINTRIGHT #XGALX ♬ SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHT - XG
The next song is the R&B track we were waiting on. “IN THE RAIN” is a smooth R&B track that makes you feel like you are in one of those late 90s, early 2000s music videos. The girl's vocals are soulful and carry so much emotion. I can picture them singing this on stage, all of the mics lined up, and them just singing their hearts out. It’s, of course, a favorite of mine and will be on repeat.
It has been a while since I’ve seen so many artists on one song. “WOKE UP” got a remix and added so many talented rappers to the song. Jay Park, OZworld, AKLO, Paloalto, VERBAL, Awich, TAK, and Dok2 did not come to play in this song. It’s so cool to hear the many different languages and rap styles in this song. I love how different this song is, and it had me jamming the entire time.
The last song on the mini-album is a cute, upbeat pop and R&B track. “IS THIS LOVE” is the perfect way to end this jam-packed album. This sing-and-dance-along will have you on your feet. I can see this being played at the end of a concert. I can picture the confetti coming down and everyone on their feet jumping. It’s a fun song that instantly got favored.
I need everyone to check out AWE. The girls really put their all into this album, and you gotta hear how good it is. So, check out AWE for a fun time.
“HOWLING” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 10/10
“HOWLING” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 9.5/10
AWE ALBUM SCORE: 9.5/10
Total Score: 9.7/10
Edited by Rachael Lovette