XG fans are spoiled for choice, as it seems the group are constantly releasing new material. They’re currently on their world tour — a fact I only know because every website I visit seems to be advertising this to me. In the midst of this, they’ve also released new single In The Rain. This track dives further into their mid-tempo R&B side, though there are still plenty of hip-hop influences to be found.
Some of my favorite songs of all time fall within this sonic soundscape, but as with any piece of music those tracks tend to be anchored by immortal melodies. I’ve found it harder to connect with the contemporary R&B scene for this very reason. Emphasis seems to be placed on melodic structures that are almost freeform in a conversational way. This can work for an artist who has a singular vision and personality, but it’s more difficult for an agency-created group like XG. At worst, it veers dangerously close to cosplay. At best… it’s just a little dull.
XG certainly have the talent to support a song like In The Rain. Their vocals sound lovely and are especially effective during the moments where harmony takes precedence. However, the song feels unmoored and overly airy without an instantly-memorable hook to give it focus. The chorus misses this chance, too wordy and circuitous to stick. It’s very much a “vibe,” and you all know how I feel about that.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It’s a chill R&B-hip-hop song, though could use more robust-ness and stronger melodies. Perfect for the coffeeshop music genre (not a compliment but also not an insult)
7.5 (8, 7, 8, 7) for me.
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it’s just boring lol
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Gotta say it feels pretty unique for XG to be giving a music video to each of the tracks in their mini-albums. The song isn’t actually new, bc it dropped with their second EP, Awe. And while I appreciate them giving each of the tracks their flowers, I thought they could be teasing actual new material by now?
Anyway, I enjoyed this very much. They sound great, the vocals are on point. I do agree with the fact that it can be a little bland at some points, but that only makes me think that they could take on a much much bigger song.
I saw them cover FLO’s “Losing You,” and they totally did it justice. I guess a ballad in that style could be a nice addition to their discography.
This is an 8 to me!
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They have a song called “Million Places” releasing next month.
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Thanks I had no idea lol
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It sounds like an underproduced B-side cover from the late 90’s early 00’s girl groups. Its fine, but not something I get excited about having lived through it the first time around.
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wish I had lived through that era though
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It was a good one, and weirdly one of the few eras that modern producers have been unable to recapture in the same way. There was a specific magic to those songs that just hasn’t transferred yet.
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why have we been getting such mediocre songs lately..? I just want another song that’s above 8.5, pls…
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Me too! 😅
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Nah, I feel like people are just being unfair to XG. I doubt I’d read the same review if a bigger group release this very same track. It’s as if the standard are through the roof when it comes to XG, but very low when it comes to other.
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Your second paragraph is very pertinent!
Despite it’s actually not remarkable (had to think about what Red Velvet would have done), I like this elegant song (the bass is great), that totally fits XG’s discography. Congrats again girls!
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the line “in the rain” gets repeated too damn much. Otherwise a good and chill experience
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