Song Review: XLOV – 1&Only

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.

Grade: B-