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XS (song)
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox single
| name = XS
| cover = Rina Sawayama - XS.png
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Rina Sawayama
| album = Sawayama
| recorded = 2019
| studio =
| released = 2 March 2020
| genre =
| length = 3:21
| label = Dirty Hit
| writer =
| producer =
| chronology = Rina Sawayama
| prev_title = Comme des Garons (Like the Boys)
| prev_year = 2020
| title = XS
| year = 2020
| next_title = Chosen Family
| next_year = 2020
| misc =
}}
"'XS'" is a song by Japanese-British singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama, released on 2 March 2020, as the third single off of her debut studio album, 'Sawayama', via the label Dirty Hit. The song criticises capitalism in the face of climate change over a pop, R&B, avant-pop and electropop backing. A remix featuring British artist Bree Runway, was released on 10 July 2020.
Background, themes and composition
Sawayama said in a statement that "XS" is a song that "mocks capitalism in a sinking world":
"XS" is a 2000s-inspired pop, R&B, avant-pop and electropop song with "upbeat bubblegum pop vibes" composed in the key of D minor with a tempo of 117 beats per minute. It begins with an "eerie" buildup of violins, while a "shredding" guitar riff appears before and after the chorus.
Music video
The music video for "XS" was uploaded on YouTube on 17 April 2020, the same day as Sawayama's self-titled debut album was released. It currently has over 8 million views, making it the most-viewed video on Sawayama's channel. It was directed by Ali Kurr, who had also previously directed the music video for her other single, "STFU!".
In the video, Sawayama portrays a "QVC-like" "robotic" saleswoman who attends a shopping channel broadcast to promote a beverage named "RINA Water", which consists 99% of 24-karat gold and 1% of plasma. Later it is revealed that the liquid is extracted from a creature which is chained in an underground factory.
Live performance
On 26 October 2020, Sawayama gave her first televised performance ever on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', where she performed "XS".
Track listing
*'Digital download/streaming'
#"XS" 3:21
*'Digital download/streaming Bree Runway Remix'
#"XS" (Bree Runway Remix) 3:22
Reception
Critical response
"XS" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. From over 20 outlets, global critic aggregator Acclaimed Music placed "XS" as the 21st best song of 2020.Accolades
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"|+Critics' rankings for "XS"
|-
! scope="col"| Publication
! scope="col"| Accolade
! scope="col"| Rank
! scope="col" class="unsortable"|
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2 | 'Billboard'
| The 20 Best LGBTQ Songs of 2020
|
|
|-
| The 30 Best Pop Songs of 2020: Staff Picks
|
|
|-
! scope="row"| 'The Guardian'
| The 20 Best Songs of 2020
|
|
|-
! scope="row"| 'Slate'
| The Best Albums of 2020 Plus Best Songs
|
|
|-
|}
References
Category:Rina Sawayama songs
Category:2020 songs
Category:2020 singles
Category:Dirty Hit singles
Category:Songs about consumerism
Category:Songs about climate change
Category:Avant-pop songs
Category:Songs written by Nate Campany
Category:Songs against capitalism
Category:Environmental songs
Category:Songs written by Rina Sawayama
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