Real Friends (XO song)
| "Real Friends" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by XO | ||||
| from the EP Fashionably Late | ||||
| Released | 17 October 2025[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:29 | |||
| Label | Polydor | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers |
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| XO singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Real Friends" on YouTube | ||||
"Real Friends" is a song recorded by British girl group XO that was released on 17 October 2025[1]. It features on the group's debut EP Fashionably Late.[3][4] and is their second single.[5] An acoustic version of "Real Friends" was later released.[6]
It was initially written by Charli XCX, John Ryan and Mattias Larsson,[7] with the demo being offered to the group.[8] Band member Zoe Miller then partially re-wrote it resulting in the entire group getting co-credits for the song. The band later told Rolling Stone they found it "hard to wrap [their] head around" having their names credited with Charli XCX.[8]
totalNtertainment describes the song as an "swaggering and empowered electro-pop anthem that champions those who will always be on your side".[2]CelebMix praised the song calling it a "slick, swaggering slice of electro-pop" noting the Charli XCX-like "shimmering synths [and] sharp hooks", and "rebellious streak that turns vulnerability into power", further complimenting the production as "pulsating".[9] Furthermore, they described it as their "boldest release yet" singling out its "punchy beats" and "unapologetic message about loyalty, independence, and staying true to your squad."[9] Fame dubbed it a "full-body empowerment anthem" and praised their an acoustic version which they felt proved that "the girls' harmonies are no joke".[6]
Personnel
Credits adapted from Spotify.[10]
- Summer Askew – vocals, songwriting
- Shali Bordoni – vocals, songwriting
- Zoe Miller – vocals, songwriting
- Emmy Statham – vocals, songwriting
- Reanna Sujeewon – vocals, songwriting
- Charlotte Aitchison – songwriting
- Maegan Cottone – songwriting, vocal production
- Robin Fredriksson – songwriting, recording engineer, programming
- Mattias Larsson – songwriting, production, programming
- John Ryan – songwriting, production, programming
- Chris Young – vocal production
- Jay Reynolds – mixing engineer, mastering engineer
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 17 October 2025 | Polydor | [1] |
References
- 1 2 3 "New Music Friday: Sam Fender, The Last Dinner Party, Leigh-Anne, Cat Burns and more". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- 1 2 "XO release their new single 'real Friends'". TotalNtertainent. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "XO — 'Fashionably Late': Pop's New Chaos Theory". Fame. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "XO share details of their debut EP, Fashionably Late". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "Fun-loving girl band XO are ready to lift our spirits". NME. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- 1 2 Dee, Vee. "XO Arrive 'Fashionably Late'. And Right on Time". Fame. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
- ↑ "XO share fierce new single 'Real Friends', co-written by Charli XCX". NME. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Meet XO, the next British girl group gunning for the big leagues". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 13 January 2026. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- 1 2 "XO continue to push the parameters of pop on electrifying new single 'Real Friends' co-written by Charli XCX". CelebMix. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "Real Friends - song and lyrics by XO". Spotify. Archived from the original on 11 April 2026. Retrieved 1 April 2026.