The renowned South Korean boy band, Stray Kids, released their newest album titled “KARMA” on Aug. 22nd, now standing alongside their previous six studio albums. Consisting of eight members, Stray Kids creates music with a strong emphasis on the exploration of a wide scope of topics, such as togetherness, mental health, public expectations and even love. The types of tone one can expect to hear range from loud hip-hop and rock, to softer melodies with ballads and the occasional anthem.
Stray Kids’ music has the ability to satisfy the cravings of many. One of their previous title tracks, “God Menu,” metaphorically describes their drive to cater to everyone with their music and unique sound, comparing it to serving dishes and cooking food. There is always a Stray Kids song for everyone; the possibilities are endless. After listening to the full album, here is my official ranking of “KARMA,” not including any of the alternate tracks.
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“CREED”
I really like every song in this album, yet “CREED” was the song that left me wanting more from its theme and direction:Dark instrumental coupled alongside the intense rap lyrics about the importance of sticking to your own path and trusting yourself, regardless of what comes next. Other mesh together I found to be underwhelming. The song can be seen as repetitive with its lyrics and sound. The track is definitely a wonderful addition to the album, but it gets outshone easily by the other tracks.
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“Ghost”
This song stands out, as it is predominantly sung in English compared to most of the other songs in the album, which are in Korean. It makes it easier for a wider audience to connect with their music. With the track’s title in mind and the lyrics speaking about feeling like a ghost that’s gone astray, the music contrasts with a more exciting sound compared to the theme. Whether for its deep emotion or for its unconventional melody, this song is still a staple in my playlist.
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“Phoenix”
If there’s one song on this album to recommend for productivity and motivation, this is the one. “Phoenix” is a straightforward song about prevailing through hard times. The title is used as a metaphor to convey rising above the rest and touching the sky with every new opportunity or success that comes your way. It’s a wonderful song that makes me feel hopeful and positive.
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“MESS”
With a more laid-back beat, “MESS” is a song about break-ups and the emotions that plague the partners afterwards. It discusses the fear of a meaningful relationship ending and having to carry on without it, as well as the regret from decisions that could have had better outcomes. “MESS” is a profound song that conveys strong emotion fully throughout. It’s a song I get lost to while listening, and every time it comes to an end, I find myself looking for more.
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“In My Head”
With the guitar strums throughout the whole song, this track is very reminiscent of the pop-rock genre. Its catchy beat and the addition of the vocalizations heard in the chorus make this song like a chant that’s easy to sing along to, even if one doesn’t know the lyrics. A must-have on my playlist if I’m looking for a good time.
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“BLEEP”
The first of my top three is “BLEEP,” a very powerful, loud and resilient song that speaks on the topic of addressing haters and criticism. Using the censorship of the word in the title sends a message of the tenacity of the group to listeners. I love the more combative approach they took with this song and the way it pairs well with its overall instrumentation. “BLEEP” is a wonderful representation of Stray Kids’ more experimental side when it comes to producing and composing music.
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“CEREMONY”
Listening to this track for the first time was an experience I won’t forget. Initially, I wasn’t too excited about the overall tone and sound of the song. However, after a few more listens, it feels as though my previous thoughts are disproven; this song beautifully captivates the themes of hard work and success, with the electrifying beat of the song and the lyrics filled with triumph and celebration. It keeps building until it reaches the peak, making one feel like they can be victorious and achieve the impossible. It’s truly a song worthy of being the title track for “KARMA.”
1.”반전 (Half Time)”
As soon as I heard it, it was love at first listen. “반전 (Half Time)” is a song that feels so alive, not only in its lyrics but also in its bouncy tone and title, which represents a milestone in the group’s life. The ambition and mindset needed to take the next steps, while not knowing what comes next, is something a lot of people can resonate with. This is a song that has the ability to touch the hearts of many while also keeping an infectious energy and that’s what makes “반전 (Half Time)” such a special track.
That concludes my ranking of the “KARMA” album song ranking. Strays Kids never fails to put out quality music made with love every time they drop. “KARMA” yet again displays Stray Kids’ stellar storytelling and clever composing with their own unique twist.
