XS (song)
"XS" is a song by Japanese singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama, released on 2 March 2020, as the third single from her debut studio album, Sawayama, via the label Dirty Hit. An avant-pop, electropop, nu metal, and R&B tune with bubblegum pop influences, its lyrics criticise capitalism in the face of climate change.
"XS" received critical acclaim for its anti-capitalist lyrics and drew comparisons to the music of the 1990s and 2000s. It was also included on several end-of-year song lists in 2020. A remix featuring English singer 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 1990s- and 2000s-inspired pop, avant-pop, electropop, nu metal, and R&B song with "upbeat bubblegum pop vibes". It is composed in the key of D minor with a tempo of 117 beats per minute. "XS" begins with an "eerie" buildup of violins, while a "shredding" guitar riff appears before and after the chorus. The song's use of acoustic guitars drew comparisons to Justin Timberlake's "Like I Love You".
Reception
"XS" was well-received. While reviewing Sawayama's second album Hold the Girl, Cat Zhang of Pitchfork named "XS" her debut album's best song, commenting that " was intended as arch anti-capitalist critique in an age of climate crisis, but its luxe vision was a better sell for being the rich, not eating them; Sawayama whispered '"XS" was listed on several end-of-year lists from 2020, including those from Billboard, DIY, NME, and Slate.
| Publication | Accolade | Rank | |
| Billboard | The 20 Best LGBTQ Songs of 2020 | ||
| Billboard | The 30 Best Pop Songs of 2020: Staff Picks | ||
| Dazed | The 20 best tracks of 2020 | 4 | |
| DIY | DIY's Tracks of 2020 | 8 | |
| The Guardian | The 20 Best Songs of 2020 | 10 | |
| The Line of Best Fit | The Best Songs of 2020 Ranked | 3 | |
| NME | The 50 best songs of 2020 | 7 | |
| Our Culture Mag | The 25 Best Songs of 2020 | 18 | |
| Slate | The Best Albums of 2020 Plus Best Songs |
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 11 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" – 3:22