Hip-hop, rock and solo’s… with this album you are in for a ride!
On December 13 Stray Kids dropped a mixtape including their solo’s from their current DominATE Tour. Let’s get into my (short) album review.
Walkin On Water
What I noticed from the start is that the song and music video pull several parallels from their previous title track, “Thunderous”, from their 2021 album NoEasy. While “Thunderous” lyrics focus on calling out the naysayers for being villainous, “Walkin On Water” mocks them for their inability to keep up with Stray Kids. Both music videos incorporate Joseon dynasty settings with modern aesthetics like costuming and vehicles.
However, “Walkin On Water” shows a more mature side of the group and feels in line with their earlier released song “TOP” from their 2023 album 5-Star. The song focuses on mocking those who have continued to speak against the hard work and talent of Stray Kids. With lines like ‘When you’re sinking, I’m fishing, that’s my flow’, ‘You thought this would be easy?’ (a small nod to NoEasy), and ‘I’ve climbed up to a place not anyone can stand on’, Stray Kids are highlighting that their success was one of challenges and persistence, leading them to a supernatural place few can achieve.
I absolutely love how they include the fans in this song too. I.N line could have so many meanings: “So stay, join the game”. Or “STAY (the fandom)” you are with us.
The song utilises sources and samples from Boom Bap, a subgenre of hip-hop made popular in the 1980s and 90s, with elements of rock guitar. I love this combination since even though they started out as a group that leaned more towards hip-hop, I personally think that all their voices together suit rock the best.
Bounce Back
Bang Chan: ‘This is barely chapter two of our play’. Yes, it is! Last year during the release of ATE it was announced that Stray Kids extended their contract. They all decided that they want to keep on being a group as long as possible. I like that they put this line in there.
Han was the primary writer on the song and in the album’s intro video, he spoke about how this song does not have a specific target in mind, but it is ultimately a song that says “so what?” to criticism. It kinda feels like a follow up of their last song, also with hip-hop and rock mixed together.
U (Feat. TABLO)
Of course TABLO, member of hip-hop trio Epik High, is the perfect fit to be featured on an album like this! The combination of melodic rap, R&B vocals, and drum & bass samples fit all nine of them very well.
“U” is a double entendre of both the word ‘you’ and a U-turn, ultimately turning around and ‘going back to you’. It is interesting to put this kind of theme after the two previous songs, but then again this is a mixtape, so naturally all songs are quite mixed and don’t necessarily fall in line with a certain theme or vibe.
Walking On Water – HIP Ver.
Gotta love a different version of a song!
Railway – Bang Chan
The mv and the lyrics are not what you think at first. The song might sound bold and sultry, but when you listen closely to it (or watch the mv even), the solo is much more vulnerable and introspective. It’s not about passion or desire but about an internal struggle, a battle with oneself that feels deeply personal and raw.
The delicate melody and Chan’s emotive voice set a reflective tone that feels almost haunting. This translates in the mv to an intimate and slightly unsettling atmosphere, especially with the Romanian phrase, ‘My castle belongs to the darkness’. It’s not a story of acceptance but of resistance, of trying to control what he believes doesn’t belong.
Honestly I could write a whole essay about the mv, the lyrics and everything else related to the song. So maybe I will do a deep dive into it next month.
Unfair – Felix
This was actually the most unexpected song to me on this album. We get to hear Felix’s voice in ways we don’t hear often, but it does beautifully capture the classic tale “Beauty and the Beast” from the Beasts pov. The song tells the story of feeling misunderstood and trapped until love brings hope and the possibility of being seen for who they truly are. “Unfair” is a heartfelt song about despair, love, and self-acceptance.
HALLUCINATION – I.N
This song was almost a Changbin solo or it would have been a group song. But after I.N asked if he could use it as his solo song, Changbin rewrote the rap and melody part to fit I.N’s voice and vibe he wanted to give off.
“Hallucination” is about an intense and surreal love that feels like a hallucination. Captivated by a person who appears and disappears like an illusion, leaving him longing for their presence. This is a side I.N wanted to show for a long time, and it does suit him really well.
Youth – Lee Know
Compared to all the other songs on this album, “Youth” is considered one of the standout tracks. The song showcases Lee Know’s unique vocal style and explores themes of youth, nostalgia, and the passage of time. It’s a heartfelt, full of deeper emotions track that fit Lee Know very well. Also the playfulness reminds me of their Rock-star and Maxident albums.
So Good – Hyunjin
Normally when we listen to Hyunjin solo’s, his songs have very deep meanings and mostly a sad vibe. This time around when Hyunjin wrote his solo song, he focused on the good aspects of life and his easygoing side while keeping the stage in mind. He gathered all the ‘whatever, isn’t life good?’ sides of himself, to create a track with a hip-hop base and mainly rap that is meant for a performance.
ULTRA – Changbin
An energetic anthem that captures the spirit of pushing beyond limits and embracing unstoppable energy. The song’s powerful lyrics convey themes of breaking free from stress, embracing challenges, and being proud of who you are. And feels very in line with the group songs on this album and is a good follow up after the last solo song.
Hold my hand – HAN
This song is the answer after HAN’s earlier released solo song “Alien”. “Hold My Hand” delves into the struggles of battling inner demons and the weight of emotional turmoil. The powerful chorus emphasizes a deep desire to wipe away tears and offer solace to his past version. It delves into the heartfelt journey of love, resilience, and the hope for a brighter future.
그렇게, 천천히, 우리 (As we are) – Seungmin
The perfect solo to end the album with! I love that they didn’t choose to end the album with a different version of the title track, but rather with a heartfelt message.
This song, especially the music video, shows Seungmin’s childhood dreams of becoming a baseball player, whilst also being very interested in music. The last chorus is when he runs away in the opposite direction to become a singer. It actually ties in subjects that were also seen in the group songs, but described with different emotions and pov.
Do you have a favourite song on this album?
Love,
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