Coolest Pop Song of the Week: XG, "Something Ain’t Right"
As the workweek begins, we’re here to help you power through with some stellar new pop tunes. This week, we’re featuring XG’s high-velocity new single, "Something Ain’t Right," and their upcoming second mini-album, set to drop on November 8.
XG’s Rising Star
XG, short for "Xtraordinary Girls," is a Japanese collective that has been making waves in the music scene since their debut in 2022. With their unique blend of hip-hop, dance, pop, and R&B, the group has demonstrated their ability to craft infectious tracks that recall the modern K-pop superstars. The group’s members, Cocona, Maya, Jurin, Harvey, Juria, Chisa, and Hinata, are not only talented vocalists and rappers but also skilled performers who bring their music to life.
"Something Ain’t Right"
The latest single from XG, "Something Ain’t Right," is a nod to garage and house music, but it’s the group’s interpretation of late ’90s rhythmic pop that truly sets the track apart. The beat is reminiscent of Mya, 3LW, and Blaque’s workout-ready bops, but XG revamps the formula for a new take on relationship suspicions. Chisa’s powerful vocals shine throughout the track, particularly in the final chorus, where she belts out the lyrics with conviction.
More New Pop Songs Worth Checking Out
Here are some more new pop songs worth exploring this week:
Jorja Smith, "High"
Jorja Smith has built a reputation for oscillating between soulful R&B and more uptempo dance fare. "High" is a floor-filler with breathless percussion and vocals that skitter and echo with passion.
Amy Shark feat. Tom DeLonge, "My Only Friend"
Amy Shark’s heartfelt tribute to a loved one struggling features a touching guitar lick from Blink-182’s Tom DeLonge. The track is a touching tribute to the importance of human connection.
Tiësto feat. Alana Springsteen, "Hot Honey"
Legendary trance DJ Tiësto teams up with Alana Springsteen for a thumping country-adjacent collaboration that showcases Springsteen’s vocal subtleties.
The Knocks feat. Yelle, "All the Time / Tout le temps"
The Knocks and Yelle join forces for a French bop that blends languages, features a plinking synth run reminiscent of La Roux’s "Bulletproof," and gets your head banging.
Conclusion
XG’s "Something Ain’t Right" is a standout track that showcases the group’s unique sound and style. With their established sense of self and understanding of the pop mode in which they operate, XG is a group worth seeking out and appreciating. Whether you’re a fan of K-pop, J-pop, or just great pop music in general, XG is definitely worth checking out.
FAQs
Q: Who is XG?
A: XG is a Japanese collective composed of seven members: Cocona, Maya, Jurin, Harvey, Juria, Chisa, and Hinata.
Q: What is the meaning behind "Something Ain’t Right"?
A: The song is about relationship suspicions and the uncertainty that comes with it.
Q: What is the significance of the track’s late ’90s rhythmic pop influence?
A: The influence is a nod to the era’s iconic pop tracks, but XG revamps the formula to create a new take on relationship suspicions.
Q: What is the group’s next project?
A: XG’s second mini-album is set to drop on November 8, featuring "Something Ain’t Right" as a single.
Q: How can I keep up with XG’s latest music and updates?
A: Follow XG on social media and streaming platforms to stay up-to-date on their latest releases and projects.