Stray Kids – Rock-Star (Mini-Album Review)

The record-breaking 4th generation K-Pop boy group make a ground-breaking return with their 8th mini-album ‘Rock-Star’, marking 2023 as truly the year of Stray Kids.

After the remarkable success of full album ‘5 Star’ earlier this year, the boys seem to be on a roll turning out countless releases each more magnificent in visuals and music quality than the last. With a majority of the K-Pop fan community regarding Stray Kids as one of the leaders of the K-Pop phenomenon with their huge international fan following, every new release by the group feels like a momentous occasion.

The album’s opening track, ‘Megaverse’, seems like the perfect culmination of the excitement and tension following the announcement of new album ‘Rock-Star’. With the group inviting their fans and audience to let loose and lose themselves within the “Stray Kids hot megaverse”, the band express joyous self-assurance in their lively, hardcore sound.

Bold lines such as “our composition brings the competition, but we’ve already won in this megaverse” unapologetically flaunt the band’s pride in their main songwriting and producing trio 3Racha, comprised of members Bangchan, Changbin and Han, and their unfailing ability to execute high quality material for the industry-leading powerhouse.

The song begins with Bangchan and Felix’s strong vocals bouncing atop a surging electronic beat that gradually increases in intensity with the addition of Han and Changbin’s feverish raps leading into the pre-chorus. What follows is an explosive EDM chorus that will be sure to rouse any fan into joining in with the members’ energetic chants of “Stray Kids!”

Next comes the title track ‘LALALALA’, and for both fans and those unfamiliar with the group it will certainly make an impression. Here is the unmistakable sound of the ever passionate spirit of Stray Kids, condensed into a 3 minute extravaganza of euphoric highs and symphonic lows. Utilising the Chinese character for joy, pronounced ‘rock’, in the Korean song title, the track unravels the conflicting feelings the band feel before a performance, finally resulting in unbridled enjoyment.

Along with lines such as “Cause we will make it rock”, the group tempt listeners to carelessly dance and sing along with an ear-worm chorus refrain (“lalalala”) and share in the elated feelings of the members. Combining an instantly memorable keyboard intro and loud, hard-hitting choruses contrasting with atmospheric string-led sections, ‘LALALALA’ demands attention from the get-go.

Entries such as ‘Cover Me’ fall on the complete opposite spectrum of Stray Kids’ wildly versatile discography, though are just as majestic. Composed by members Bangchan and Hyunjin, ‘Cover Me’ expresses a character’s desire to be shielded from life’s unforgiving ways during their most vulnerable moments. This is conveyed through solemn but stunning lyrics that conjure imagery of a harsh moonlit night where the members “cry out for someone to cover that light” and wish for the warmth of the sun to return.

Beginning as a subdued acoustic guitar-led ballad, the member’s melancholy vocal performance shines, particularly at the height of the chorus’ soaring electric guitar melody. The entire song is a treat for the ears; each of the singers’ vocal styles highlighted in a manner that evidences how much the members’ self-confidence has grown through the years. This is especially evident when the song reaches a climax with main vocalist Seungmin, who is blessed with a crystal clear croon, emotionally belting “so cover me now” with enough raw power to inspire awe in listeners far and wide.

The 6th track ‘Leave’ feels equally poignant in its heartfelt portrayal of the lingering regret and anguish after a breakup. Starting with a sweeping acoustic guitar intro accompanied by the tender voices of the members, the track’s delicate melody surrounds like a hushed lullaby.

The emotional depth of lyrics such as “Oh baby please don’t hurt me, don’t make me cry”, is amplified through the contrast between rapper Han’s dynamically expressive vocals and singer I.N’s hauntingly serene vocal tone; driving the sorrow home for fans relating to the song’s painful message. Overall, its a bittersweet song perfectly befitting a solitary rainy night.

Score/Excellent: The 8 member boy group never disappoint in their ability to communicate complex emotions and equally powerful messages of self-confidence to fans all around the world. Their striking, raw sound is what often draws attention, but the vulnerability often laid bare in the group’s self-produced releases illuminates them not only as standout idols in the industry, but also as skilled artists.

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