XG is Back With Stellar Full-Length Album THE CORE - 核
Photo: XGALX
After an unforgettable first album in 2024, XG, also known as Xtraordinary Genes, is back with their second album THE CORE - 核, a stellar album with 10 amazing songs that each will hold a place in your heart. It’s a jam-packed album that showcases the talent of the XG members.
THE CORE - 核 Tracklist:
“XIGNAL (The Intro)”
“GALA”
“ROCK THE BOAT”
“TAKE MY BREATH”
“NO GOOD”
“HYPNOTIZE” (Title Track)
“UP NOW”
“O.R.B (Obviously Reads Bro)”
“4 SEASONS”
“PS118”
The first thing that stood out to me and many listeners was the pacing and album structure. The intro to the album is the track “XIGNAL (The Intro).” Just like their last album, the members start this one with an intro that gives us a look at what we can expect. The song's futuristic instrumental grabs your attention from the moment it starts. The next song is their pre-release track “GALA.” The moment this track was released, we were all excited for the album. Sticking to that futuristic, voguish music/scene, XG does an amazing job at creating a track that pulls you in, and the “GALA” ballroom theme is so much fun.
@xg.official ⋆｡°✩ 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒏… ✩°｡⋆ #XG #XGALX #XG_GALA ♬ GALA (Clip 3) - XG
@xg.official 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚢, 𝚒𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚒𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝟹𝙳 ₊˚ෆ #XG #CHISA #HINATA #XG_GALA ♬ GALA (Clip 1) - XG
The next three tracks are great songs that will get you hyped for the title track. “ROCK THE BOAT,” “TAKE MY BREATH,” and “NO GOOD” are each equally amazing songs. “ROCK THE BOAT” and “NO GOOD” are the R&B tracks that we were anticipating. XG does such a great job with R&B. All of their voices are perfect for the genre, thanks to their soulful vocal tones that resonate deeply throughout the tracks. “TAKE MY BREATH” is an upbeat dance track that will have you on your feet. With a bright, bubbly sound, “TAKE MY BREATH” will bring a smile to your face and leave you breathless from dancing.
Next is the title track “HYPNOTIZE,” an electrifying dance track that will have you on your feet, serving face, and showing your best dance moves. Harboring on that techno side of EDM, “HYPNOTIZE” is a thrilling track with an addictive beat and lyrics. The members' voices truly suit this genre of music, as we have seen in previous releases. The way they harmonize with one another while still keeping their own original sound is always remarkable to witness. Something that stood out is the flow of the members. For example, during the second verse, member Chisa’s lyrics hit the beat directly, and the verse's flow is super satisfying. Would it be an XG song if it didn’t have an exhilarating choreography? In this track, the members use their arms extensively to emphasize the striking leg movement. The members move in sync, creating a flawless, fun dance that many will want to recreate. “HYPNOTIZE” is a fun song and a great pick for the title track.
@xg.official 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝘾𝙊𝙍𝙀 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙤𝙪𝙩 💪⊹₊⟡⋆ #XG #HYPNOTIZE #XG_THECORE_核 #XGALX ♬ HYPNOTIZE - XG
The next four songs are all unique and showcase the XG magic we know and love. “UP NOW” is a R&B/pop mixture that will have you moving your body to the beat. Utilizing that early 2000’s sound, the members sound amazing with this party track. The next track is straight out of the late ‘90s/early 2000s. Giving us Avril Lavigne, “O.R.B (Obviously Reads Bro)” is a punk-pop track that will have you screaming the lyrics at the top of your lungs. Once I heard this song, it became an instant favorite of mine. It’s such an upbeat, super-fun song to listen to. You always have to have that one ballad on your album, and “4 SEASONS” is that song. With an acoustic guitar playing in the back, in “4 SEASONS,” you get to hear the members' beautiful vocals on full display. Ending the album on a high note, the last song is “PS118.” “PS118” is a track released before the album that featured a big name in the hip-hop scene, Rapsody, and member Jurin. The album version has now become a hip-hop sub-unit track featuring members Jurin, Maya, Harvey, and Cocona.
Everyone, go and check out XG’s new album THE CORE - 核. Itis a great album with a lot of memorable tracks.
Edited by Sandy Ou