XLOV debuted earlier this year with a concept that boldly challenges gender norms. This is an exciting development for K-pop and has potential to spawn equally exciting music. So far, the presentation has been more interesting than the songs, and that continues with the pleasant but slight 1&Only.
Afrobeats has become a huge genre touchstone for this generation of K-pop and has now become so ubiquitous that it takes a fascinating song to stand out. The style offers great potential for performance, which is likely why XLOV have boarded the Afrobeats train. The guys sound fantastic on 1&Only, delivering lush vocal turns that circle around the groove with plenty of character and confidence. It’s been awhile since I’ve heard a K-pop group sing this way. Their voices almost become another part of the instrumental, tied so strongly to the rhythm.
Because the group’s performance is such a focus of 1&Only, it doesn’t leave much room for dynamic shifts in melody. Rather than hit you over the head with spectacular refrains, the track takes a more laidback, sinuous approach. This reminds me of Kiss Of Life’s Sticky last year, which went on to enjoy great longevity. I’m not sure that 1&Only packs the same punch, but it might work as a more subdued addition to your 2025 summer playlist.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
hi nick! do you think there’s any buried treasure in kiss of life new album?
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This is fine ig. I don’t see myself visit this often.
7.75 (8, 8, 8, 7) for me.
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When Imma Be, which turned out to be a huge grower for me, came out, I remember thinking the styling was a bit tame for a ‘genderless concept’ debut. This is more like it! The choreo is fire as well and I’ll always be excited to watch Rui dance. Visuals aside the song is fine but could definitely be more exciting.
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It’s awesome what they’re bringing with their presentation, it helps them stand out and expands the possibilities for what they can do next. I have no Interest in heading kpop groups do afrobeat, but I’ll make an exception for them since it’s actually enjoyable. Afrobeats typically isn’t very dynamic in the way some of your (and my) kpop favorites are. Granted, they can push it a bit more than xlov did. It’s solid. I’ll enjoy for now, but considering their unique visuals I hope we’ll settle on a unique sound eventually
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As someone who checked out of the k-pop sphere for a bit, I’m sad I didn’t discover them during their Imma Be debut, but glad to have discovered them this time. Haven’t been this invested in a group since Pixy (RIP), and this song has been on repeat even if I acknowledge that it’s not really that ambitious of a song. It’s quite catchy though, and the vocals sound really good.
Aside from that, this song better be in the Top 10 of your choreography lists at the end of the year.
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