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After 7 long months since their last studio album, Stray Kids are back with ‘ODDINARY’.
A combination of music genres, ‘ODDINARY’ incorporates hip hop, trap, EDM and rock throughout the seven songs. In an online press conference, the meaning of the album name was revealed:
“The album name puts together odd and ordinary. We all have an odd side to us even amid the ordinary, and we wanted to say that being odd is actually the ordinary.”
The rise in Stray Kids’ commercial popularity since their debut in 2018 is evident as 'ODDINARY' became the group’s, and JYP Entertainment’s, first million-seller before release; wracking up an impressive 1.3 million pre-orders. Additionally, the second day of release saw a further half a million copies sold.
As of writing, 'ODDINARY' has debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard Albums Chart (2nd April), marking the group’s first entry and first chart-topper. Additionally, it also peaked at Number 95 on the UK Album Chart - Stray Kids’ first entry into the UK music charts.
VENOM
As suggested by the Korean title, 거미줄 (Spider Web), lyrics and accompanying music video, VENOM uses the concept of a spider, its web and venom as a metaphor to convey being trapped by a person’s manipulation or charming behaviour.
A trap/hip-hop track, VENOM is perhaps a darker sound than Stray Kids’ previous releases, especially when compared to past opening tracks.
Stray Kids’ ongoing ability to experiment with the unusual remains evident, as VENOM incorporates a range of sounds to mimic that of a tightly woven spider's web. The melodious voices of Seungmin, Lee Know, Bang Chan and I.N and the distinctive rapping styles of Changbin, HAN, Felix and Hyunjin, work in harmony alongside an infectious beat; creating simplicity in the seemingly complex and providing an addictive listen that sets precedent for the following tracks perfectly.
MANIAC
The title track for 'ODDINARY', MANIAC tells the story of those showing their true self as they no longer hide behind societal expectations and what is considered ‘normal’. Comparing themselves to Frankenstein having a few loose screws, as those who are ‘odd’ break free from ‘ordinary’ norms. For Stray Kids, revealing your real self is inevitable otherwise you’re not living, but simply surviving.
Similarly to VENOM, Stray Kids’ maintain their exceptional ability to experiment with sounds as MANIAC integrates the use of chirping birds and drill sounds to break down the powerful electro-pop chorus.
It wouldn’t be a Stray Kids title track without the unprecedented use of Felix’s well-known cavernous voice. In this case, the timing is perfect as it works in conjunction with the chorus breakdown.
The use of each member's voice adds another element to the track as the contrast between the chorus and the other verses almost appears to be representative of the real you vs the societal you.
Charmer
Stray Kids span cultures with new sounds in the third track Charmer. With middle eastern influences that feature the sound of a snake charmer’s flute, Charmer favours a hip-hop sound that encapsulates confidence.
The melodic flute sound captures the attention and quickly becomes addictive, which, when considering the lyrics, is a distinctive intention; an inspiring use of sound. Stray Kids use Charmer as a way to acknowledge their abilities as the song claims that they are so good it’s impossible not to like them; that you’ll eventually fall prey to their charms.
FREEZE
Setting it apart from the other six tracks, FREEZE utilises an EDM-heavy beat to elicit feelings of excitement that become increasingly evident as the song continues.
With lyrics that talk about overcoming obstacles in pursuit of your dreams, the ‘nosey’ sound that Stray Kids own so well works contrasts seamlessly with the vocals.
Lonely St.
Coming in strong with feelings of nostalgia is Lonely St. The soft rock influences and light grunge aesthetic is a recognition of earlier sounds, Voices in particular - intentional or otherwise.
Similar to FREEZE, Lonely St. sets itself apart from the rest of the album but in an entirely different way. Favouring a slower, more vulnerable pace, Lonely St. expresses feelings of loneliness in youth, narrated through an ‘inner voice’. Despite this, Lonely St. offers comfort in acknowledgement and shows that hope remains in darkness.
Waiting For Us (Bang Chan, Lee Know, Seungmin, I.N)
Keeping with the softer, quieter sound is Waiting For Us featuring members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Seungmin and I.N. The change of pace has provided the vocal line with the perfect platform to showcase the versatility of their talent and skills.
Showing listeners a newer side to the group, Waiting For Us is a soft rock, soulful ballad that describes missing someone and promising to wait for them. When considering the sincerity of the lyrics, it can be suggested that Waiting For Us is for Stays due to the halt in concerts and events as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Muddy Water (Changbin, Hyunjin, HAN, Felix)
Bringing the album to a close is the old-school track Muddy Water featuring members Changbin, Hyunjin, HAN and Felix. With 90s hip-hop influences, the final track showcases a cooler, calmer and self-assured side to the group.
Referencing their younger selves, the lyrics illustrate their journey to strength and the obstacles that have made them who they are today. Similarly to Waiting For Us, Muddy Water exhibits the rap line's ability to incorporate different styles of rap into one track.
Completing the album with tracks that offer up the skills of all members is a true testament to Stray Kids’ abilities in producing an exceptionally clean-cut piece of work that is a true pleasure to listen to from start to finish.