New Album, Renewed Contract, Music Video, Two Headlining Festivals with one to follow, new song on Deadpool and Wolverine OST(releasing July 24th), STAYS are well fed recently.
Stray Kids most recent album ATE was released on July 19th and features eight tracks including title track 'Chk Chk Boom'. Producer team 3RACHA, members Bang Chan, Changbin and Han, continue to elevate the sound of the group while coursing through different genres all while always being able to remain true to their sound.
MOUNTAINS
This is an anthem to bring out your inner warrior. With a heavy back beat and lyrics like “Aint nobody stopping me I’m walking like a Titan”, this song builds it’s triumphant feel throughout. 'MOUNTAINS' can be expected to be used as Stray Kids make a grand entrance on stage in upcoming performances.
Giving us battle cry energy and pulling that energy through the track are I.N(아이엔) and Seungmin(승민) belting "WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH" the whole song.
This is such a strong opening track because it comes right at you showing us the power of Stray Kids.
Chk Chk Boom (Including Video)
You are going to be so sick of me when it comes to this song.
The color of each of the members in this song is so strong while all shining and showing their versatility.
YouTube JYP Entertainment
The video opens with a cameo from Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds and while I have not seen any Deadpool or Wolverine related films I am fully aware of Chris Brander. Their cameo adds a layer of excitement as they and the group share equal love and admiration for one another.
Now, for starters catch me wide eyed at Chan’s(방찬) first appearance, 'lazy rap' and his center moment throughout the second chorus.
Hyunjin's(현진) mullet, Lee Know(리노) crushing his solos in the chorus, punk rock Han(한) and Felix(필릭스), baby bread's edgy feature in the first verse and Seungmin giving us his 'lazy' intro to the second chorus - there is so much to bring joy within this music video and song. With black and red color concepts the video is eye catching throughout. Visually the edgier style and darker colors work so well within the group and theme of the song.
One word. CHANGBIN. Ok two. SEO CHANGBIN!(창빈) While there are many standout moments in this video amongst the members I seriously gasped seeing him front and center in a dance feature while spitting his unique and stylized sound. I can not get enough of this part.
Filmed in NY, I wonder all the times I have been to NY how come I have never seen Stray Kids dancing in the streets?
With many memorable bangers in the Stray Kids Megaverse, 'Chk Chk Boom' will stand right beside track '神메뉴(God’s Menu)' , giving fans a jolt of electricity, catchy chorus and high powered choreography. 'Chk Chk Boom' immediately skyrockets to a top place of SKZ songs.
JJAM
You know it’s going to be a banger when Changbin enters the chat first. Hyunjin bursts through following with his textures and fast rap throughout the chorus. My favorite menace adds his ‘I know, you know, Lee Know’ and bringing so much joy every time I hear it. Not only that, but we get to hear the cat add some grit to the second chorus “stick sticky JJAM”. Han and Changbin hit us with their legendary fast rap and punchy diction while ping ponging back and forth line by line.
As someone who only eats the sandwich with peanut butter this is a 'JJAM' I can get into.
I Like It
Me too. This track starts out with Seungmin’s smooth and always stable vocals. The song creates a more laid back sultry sound, providing a shift in the album, and could be considered the most ‘pop’ off the album. ‘Don’t ask ‘what are we?’’, totes Chan, and if that’s what it takes we won’t. The group has mentioned that the the song represents a bad guy and I find it so pure that Stray Kids idea of a ‘bad guy’ in their music is someone who doesn’t want a relationship and wants to keep it casual.
Runners
Felix’s deep voice, straight from the underbelly of the devil, contrast to Felix himself, an angel in human form, starts us off with lyrics “I’m just getting started yea I know, I’m on my way ‘cause this is all about me”. 'Runners' is the only full English track on the album, maybe it can hold off the “can you speak English” livestream commenters for a bit. The song showcases Stray Kids determination to keep running towards their goals even in the face of others trying to knock them down. I love hearing the members use both their higher and lower registers throughout.
또다시밤 (twilight)
This piano track offers a more solemn jazz-like number showcasing a softer side to SKZ vocals. Coming straight from the mind of Han, did we expect anything less than a lyrical gut punch? The pacing and style of this songs fits the timbre in I.N's vocals so well. It's always great to have a track on a Stray Kids album that allows us to focus on the strength of the members vocals.
Stray Kids
Hearing Felix’s gentle intro to this song you can already feel the emotion that will be presented throughout. “There ain’t no last step out” the group sings as they reminisce on their time spent and look towards the future together. In the UNVEIL we see callbacks to Hellevator, MIROH and District 9, and the members have said this made them very emotional. "Stray Kids still gonna rock on the hellevator, yea we head to the top" is such a culmination of where they came from to where they are now.
The song presents a beautiful sense of nostalgia while holding passion for the future as a group.
YouTube JYP Entertainment
Chk Chk Boom (Festival Version)
'Chk Chk Boom' on crack.
Check out ATE on streaming platform.
Cover Photo JYP Entertainment
Love your take on all of the tracks!