Throwback Thursday: It’s Giving Title Track Part 2
Photo: XGALX
Back in July, we talked about some B-sides that would be amazing as title tracks. There are so many tracks out there that the moment you hear it, you think, “Hm, this would have been a great title track.” So, let’s take it back and talk about some B-sides that would have been a phenomenal title track in another universe.
XG - “IS THIS LOVE”
On November 8, 2024, the futuristic space girls XG released their first full-length album, AWE—a jam-packed eight-song collection that showcases the girls' vocal and genre range. The album features very hard-hitting tracks with a captivating drill beat or hip-hop-heavy beats, but it also showcases the R&B side of XG that they excel in. One song in particular is their R&B-heavy, very well-known B-side “IS THIS LOVE.” It’s an R&B track that has a danceable beat and jaw-dropping vocals. Throughout the song, you can hear the girls harmonize seamlessly and perform heartwarming falsetto notes. The raps in this song will drag you in and have you moving along to the rhythm. This song stands out on the album and has become a favorite among many. To this day, many are still streaming it and trying to cover that iconic dance break at the end. It's such a good song that it would have been a great title track.
IVE - “Either Way”
On October 13, 2023, Starship Entertainment girl group IVE released their stellar mini-album, I’VE MINE - EP, an unforgettable EP with six songs that showed the range of IVE. Their title track, “Baddie,” is an upbeat dance track that will have you up out of your seat feeling like a baddie. The B-sides range from bubbly pop tracks to R&B slow-jams that will have you gripping at your chest, singing your heart out. One song that will make you do that is the EP's third track “Either Way.” This R&B track is a complete 180 from the title track, but still has the same power. The track is a beautiful ballad that showcases the girls' powerful vocals. This could have a great title track. It would have been exciting to see IVE promote a ballad. When it was prereleased as a single before the EP, everyone was on the edge of their seats, entranced by what they were hearing. It’s such a breathtaking track that would have been an unforgettable title track.
BOYNEXTDOOR - “But Sometimes”
On September 4, 2023, the KOZ Entertainment/HYBE boy group BOYNEXTDOOR released their lovely first comeback EP, WHY. It’s an EP with six songs that truly capture that signature retro, upbeat, and joy-filled sound that BOYNEXTDOOR has. One B-side on the EP that became a favorite for many, including myself, is their retro-sounding track “But Sometimes.” It’s a groovy track with addictive bass/electric guitar riffs, pronounced drums, fascinating raps, and powerful vocals. Throughout the song, you can hear the boys harmonizing with one another, and if you listen closely, you can hear the different tones of each member. The raps in this song hit every beat, so the flow follows the rhythm and will have you moving your head along to the beat. “But Sometimes” is a fun song with a deep story about a breakup. With its addictive nature, it would have been a great title track.
Edited by Bryn Claybourne