IVE are back and they “want it all” in 4th EP title track, “XOXZ”

Photo: Starship Entertainment

Whatever IVE wants, IVE shall get, and in their latest EP release, IVE SECRET, and its title track “XOXZ,” IVE "want, want, want it all.”*

With writing credits from Wonyoung, "XOXZ" is a song that takes IVE down an experimental pop route, differing from the songs previously released by the Starship Entertainment girl group. As always, the vocals are strong and consist of impressive harmonies and unique tones yet varying slightly to how they vocally approach their other songs.

With an 808 kick beat dominating each verse and choruses, "XOXZ" feels gritty and fierce with the girls approaching the track with more of a rap style vocal than we're used to. The way the words "Give me the X/ give me the O/ Give me the L-O-V-E" and "Give me the max / give me the top/ Give me the good energy" roll off the tongue in a low toned rap in the chorus is highly addictive to listen and sing-a-long along to. Whilst not my favorite title track from IVE (as much as I do enjoy “XOXZ”), I think this might be one of my favorite choruses from an IVE song purely because of how sharp and fun those chorus lines feel to sing.

Whilst on an experimental side of pop, the melody and arrangement of “XOXZ” seem to also carry influences of hip-hop and R&B, further showcasing a different side to IVE that feels fresh while simultaneously staying true to IVE's brand. No two singles from IVE have ever felt the same, which is what I enjoy from IVE. Each title track brings something new and exciting to their discography with “XOXZ” being the latest addition.

With the music video, IVE takes us on an epic adventure through dreams, with them leading us into a high quality sequence of different colorful, cinematic, dreamy, and fantastical scenes composed of stunning visuals and cool effects. The music video feels as if we have been thrown into a live action version of an animated movie with the members of IVE starring as the main characters.

Being the opening track of the EP, “XOXZ” is followed by the cheerful "Wild Bird," the disco-pop "Dear, My Feelings," the industrial pop influenced "GOTCHA (Baddest Eros),” and the playful "삐빅 (❤️beats)," with the comforting "Midnight Kiss" bringing IVE SECRET to an end.

Whether a committed DIVE (IVE's fandom name) or a casual listener, IVE always have something for everyone to listen to within their EPs. So, take a listen to IVE SECRET and enjoy the varying colors of IVE and their sound today.

*lyrics from music video captions