Stray Kids – Hop (Album Review)

To round off an incredibly successful 2024, K-Pop megastars Stray Kids inspire and entertain on their special album project ‘Hop’ – the group’s first mixtape since their debut in 2018.

Even after dropping a record-breaking mini-album, a supercharged full-length Japanese effort, multiple chart-topping collaborations with internationally renowned stars and contributing to the soundtrack of movie ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, the 8 member boy group have no intentions of slowing down towards the year’s end. Instead, the self-producing group set out to refine their abilities by dedicating an entire album to their love of hip-hop music. Long-time fans may remember the band’s ‘Mixtape’ album back in 2017, which was released even before the group’s official industry debut. Back then, the boy’s passion for music was clear, and now in 2024, the group is back to demonstrate just how far they have grown as idols and musicians.

‘Walkin’ On Water’ is the thrillingly loud and brash number that opens this 12 track mixtape, and what a ride it is. Experimenting with the 90s sounds of boom-bap, the track explodes onto the scene backed by thunderous percussive beats and rapper Felix’s unshakably smooth bass vocal tone. The lyrics speak of an inner strength and self-confidence “Crashing waves but I’ll never fall… Thrashing rain I’ma bring the storm”, which hit particularly hard against the track’s savage instrumental. The chorus’ call of “Water water walkin on, water water walk it off” certainly carries the group’s enthusiasm and confidence that nobody can bring them down. The mixtape also features an alternate ‘(Hip Ver)’ of ‘Walkin’ On Water’, which further focusses in on the bombastic 90s sound that will have listeners bouncing right from the start.

‘Bounce Back’ and ‘U (feat. Tablo)’ are the two other tracks that feature the whole group’s efforts, with both songs playing around with elements of hip-hop and contrasting emotional nuances. While ‘Bounce Back’ contains a powerful message of resilience in the face of adversity (“Stray Kids rock the world, bow your heads”) set against an imposing hard-rock tinged instrumental, ‘U’ sensitively showcases the members’ softer sides while championing their penchant for melodic rap alongside Korean hip-hop royalty Tablo from rap trio Epik High.

From here comes all 8 members’ solo songs that frame their individuality and songwriting skills in a practiced and suave fashion. Group leader Bang Chan is up first with ‘Railway’; an edgy English track that displays the singer’s comfortability with sultry dance-based numbers. “Yeah, this train never sleeps, brace yourself, take a seat” the vocalist warns, before smoothly delivering a melodic chorus that will have listeners swooning in their seats. In contrast to this, ‘Railway’ is followed up by Australian rapper Felix’s sentimental offering ‘Unfair’, whose lyrics riff off the story of Beauty and the Beast to wondrous effect. With a lilting melancholic edge, Felix’s slick vocals flawlessly convey a story of longing for love set against a piano-led hip-hop backing track.

Youngest member I.N delights with his luxurious siren vocals on top of a trippy dance track on ‘Hallucination’. Within this minimalistic song, I.N’s haunting vocals are guaranteed centre stage and lend the track a cool, chic vibe. Lee Know is perhaps another member whose vocal talents were in the past overlooked, and hence his solo ‘Youth’ will capture fans’ attentions with a fun and uplifting sound that perfectly complements the singer’s sweet vocal tone. With its bouncy tempo and energetic vocal delivery, ‘Youth’ naturally brings out the singer’s hidden charms. Both ‘Hallucination’ and ‘Youth’ are a tribute to Stray Kids as artists; celebrating each others’ versatility and displaying their strengths through innovative and arresting musical productions.

Charismatic rappers Hyunjin and Changbin turn up the heat with their songs ‘So Good’ and ‘Ultra’, where each bring their unique vocal tones to the forefront of their mixes – Hyunjin pairing his husky croon with a striking dance beat, and Changbin opting for an intense mix of hip-hop to bolster his fiery rap verses. Both tracks are incredibly cool in their own right, and offer listeners thrillingly original takes on hip-hop.

Rapper Han and singer Seungmin both offer delightfully nostalgic tracks that take flight with a distinctive rock sound. Han’s emotive vocals soar boundlessly on ‘Hold My Hand’, which triumphs with its comforting lyrics (“I wanna make you the happiest one…Hold my hand now”) and instantly joyous instrumental. Similarly, Seungmin’s ‘As We Are’ will charm audiences with its rousing tempo paired with the singer’s honeyed vocal performance, as he recounts his emotional journey on the way to becoming a musician. It’s the perfect way to round off a mixtape that overflows with the versatile talents and passions of all 8 members, who come together to continually create powerful music filled with soul.

Score/Outstanding: If there was any doubt that each and every artist within Stray Kids was destined to follow the path towards music, then ‘Hop’ stands as a testament to each members’ hard work and unfailing passion for their craft. ‘Hop’ demonstrates that the boys will only continue to excel and conquer the world with their music, by showing that they are truly in a league of their own.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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