Self-produced K-pop band Stray Kids climbs to the top of the charts with their newest album “Oddinary.” PHOTO CREDIT: Stay Kids
Ever since their debut in 2018, Stray Kids have climbed their way up the charts in South Korea and are now earning top spots on U.S. charts like Billboard, iTunes and Spotify.
The eight members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N. once again prove with their new highly-anticipated album “Oddinary” that they have the chance to rule the K-Pop industry with their immense talent and popularity.
Stray Kids are entirely self-produced, which sets them apart from other K-Pop bands. Their production team consists of the three members Bangchan, Changbin and Han, who are known under their production unit name 3RACHA.
The album title is a combination of the words “odd” and “ordinary” to show that being odd is ordinary, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t embrace everything about yourself, even your odd side. “Oddinary” has already spread across the world, gaining millions of plays across Youtube and Spotify.
The first and fourth tracks, “Venom” and “Freeze” have similar vibes to them, but different sounds and beats. “Venom” is such an awesome motivation song to listen to either on a run or doing something productive. It’s got a hip-hop beat to it and feels like it should belong in a Marvel movie. “Freeze” has an awesome dubstep-like beat to it and it’s one of my favorites from the album.
Both songs were also written by 3RACHA. I personally think “Venom” suits Hyunjin very well because he has subtle vocals and a husky rap voice; and “Freeze” suits Changbin really well because of his raspy rap voice on this type of song was so iconic and made me headbang while driving.
The title track, “Maniac,” is one of the best tracks in their entire discography in my opinion. “God’s Menu” and “Thunderous” are awesome, but this track definitely takes the crown for best. The beats transitioned so nicely and the lyrics are so addictive. Felix is known for his very deep voice when singing and rapping, so having him on the chorus and a rap pre-chorus made this song even better in my opinion; his and I.N.’s voices complimented this song beautifully.
“Charmer” is one of my top three favorites because of every aspect of the song. It has a really interesting flute melody/instrumental beat on the chorus. The vocals and rapping on this song were also so amazing and incredible when I first listened to it. Changbin’s rap in this song made me love it even more, and the entire song really flattered him.
“Lonely St.” and “Waiting For Us” were the despairing songs off of the album. “Lonely St.” was written by Bangchan and Changbin and it has amazing emotional vocals on it. Bangchan and Seungmin both gave their all when singing this song, and it was breathtaking upon the first listen. “Waiting For Us” was written and produced by Bangchan, Lee Know, Seungmin and I.N., the band’s vocal line. It’s such a well-written song with amazing lyrics and a relaxing instrumental beat. This song gives Lee Know, a less represented singer in the group, a chance to really get in touch with his powerful vocals that fans don’t hear often.
“Muddy Water,” features a 90s hip hop feel to it and it’s my favorite song on the album. This song was written and produced by Changbin, Hyunjin, Han and Felix, the band’s rap line. The combination of the beat and the strong lyrics made this song extremely addictive to listen to. This song demonstrates Felix’s and Hyunjin’s amazing rapping and effortless smooth flow. Changbin and Han are the main rappers in the band, and I expected them to give their all in this song, which they absolutely did.
Of all their albums, this one is at the top of my favorites list and I’ve had it on repeat since Friday.
You can listen to “Oddinary” on any platform, and you can buy their physical album online or in stores now. Personally, I’m so excited to see where the band goes next.