"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. The song criticises capitalism in the face of climate change over a pop, R&B, avant-pop and electropop backing. It received critical acclaim and was named among the best songs of 2020 by several critics. 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":
"Given that we all know global climate change is accelerating and human extinction is a very real possibility within our lifetime it seemed hilarious to me that brands were still coming out with new makeup palettes every month and public figures were doing a gigantic house tour of their gated property in Calabasas in the same week as doing a ‘sad about Australian wild fires’ Instagram post. I mean I’m guilty of turning a blind eye too, because otherwise it makes me depressed. We’re all hypocrites because we are all capitalists, and it’s a trap that I don’t see us getting out of. I wanted to reflect the chaos of this post-truth climate change denying world in the metal guitar stabs that flare up like an underlying zit between the 2000s R&B beat that reminds you of a time when everything was alright."[1]
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.[10] 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!".[11]
In the video, Sawayama portrays a "QVC-like" "robotic" saleswoman[12] who attends a shopping channel broadcast to promote a beverage named "RINA Water", which consists 99% of 24-karat gold and 1% of plasma.[13][14] Later it is revealed that the liquid is extracted from a creature which is chained in an underground factory.[11]
Live performance
On 26 October 2020, Sawayama gave her first televised performance ever on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she performed "XS".[15]
Digital download/streaming – Bree Runway Remix[18][19]
"XS" (Bree Runway Remix) – 3:22
Reception
Critical response
"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 "[the song] 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 "excess" as if it were the name of a designer perfume, the scent of “more” intoxicating."[20]
