Let’s get into my album reaction!
Stray Kids just got back from their dominATE tour when they dropped their 4th studio album on August 22. However, we have figured out by now they had already finished this album before they went on tour! These guys are incredibly hardworking and are even gearing up for more music that will be released later this year. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, let’s get into the KARMA album!
CEREMONY
The music video for this title track has many layers, but right now I will only draw some parallels between the music and music video to not make this blogpost too long.
With CEREMONY Stray Kids introduces a new chapter in their musical narrative, with still the distinct tone we know and love Stray Kids for. And what can go wrong with instrumentals that consist of quirky noises, an infectious bassline and an electronic beat?
The name of the album gets mentioned in this song as their version of a war cry. Let’s take a closer look at the lines of the pre-chorus:
Working off time
That ratio got us going worldwidе (Worldwide)
Thirsty day and night
They put us in the desert but we survive
Busy giving our light
Unlike them, we’re getting all the spotlight, yeah
Listen to the war cry
Karma, karma, karma, karma
Karma is in this case something positive, the good and hardworking energy the kids put in their work and it shows. They create their own positive karma by focusing on themselves. You can even see it in the music video by the way how Hyunjin shaves his head with hair that’s green that seems to go into the metaphor: the grass is always greener on the other side. But by cutting his own green hair, he just focuses on his own grass.
When taking a closer look at the music video you will notice that the guys are playing against themselves, this highlights that they are their own greatest competition.
By the time we get into the chorus I realised Bang Chan his only lines in the whole song are: Hip-hip. That’s it. There aren’t many lines to distribute in the song to begin with, so I understand not everyone can get many lines. But just two words? However, when watching the music video I immediately drew parallels from Bang Chan’s red coat and his favourite movie The Greatest Showman. Bang Chan is the conductor who starts the war cry, he started it right from the intro. As the leader of the pack, he is the one who makes everyone move forward. A pack that believes in their own power, and as long as they stay true to themselves they will receive good karma.
삐처리 BLEEP
So yes, I know I went out of order while discussing this album, but I just wanted to show another parallel I drew.
“삐처리 (Ppicheori)” is a Korean slang term that is often used to indicate censoring, like when swear words or profanity are bleeped out on TV or radio shows. In the lyrics Stray Kids use the term as a stylistic device to emphasize that all the listed words in the chorus are those negative words that the members want to filter out or drown out.
With this comes empowerment, because by “bleeping out” negativity, Stray Kids empowers themselves and their fans. The message of the song is a powerful assertion of their ability to disregard hate and negativity. Instead of being discouraged by criticism, they choose to actively reject and silence it. And even give fans/listeners a suggestion that they can also “bleep out” negativity in their own lives and focus on the positive.
I was born to take off
You know my life is tied up
To start the album with this song rather than with CEREMONY, they as artists set the scene for the album. It’s almost like they say: okay, so we get it, people will always have something negative to say, but let’s not focus on that. Let’s focus on CEREMONY. Stray Kids is gearing (us) up, and with CEREMONY Bang Chan is leading the pack (including us the fans), but then with the next song, CREED, on the album you hear more about the philosophy behind their thoughts. Gotta say, I LOVE it when artists really take their time to tell a story from top to bottom on an album.
CREED
It’s giving old 3RACHA songs! But they upped it with a captivating melody and repetitive chorus over a dark trap hip-hop beat that embodies commitment as well as determination. It suits the song so well since it talks about how Stray Kids stick to their beliefs and values, holding them close to heart and moving forward with unwavering conviction. Their actions reflect their creed and back up their words with proof.
I give life to my words (Yeah, I’m doing what I say)
I reach heights from the dirt (Yeah, I’m doing what I say)
You know I bite the way I bark (Yeah, I’m doing what I say)
(What I say) Doing what I say (What I say), doing what I say
If I think about Stray Kids one thing that always shines through to me is their authenticity and the way they stay true to themselves. At the same time they are eager and are always striving for excellence. Which many fans, including me, find both motivational and relatable.
엉망 (MESS)
The term “엉망” (eongmang) means in general chaos and disorder. The word directly translates to a state of disarray or being all mixed up. You interpret this in Stray Kids literally or figuratively like a messy situation or complicated feelings. The Kids are known for their high energy performances, so the word would be used in a positive way to convey their powerful and vibrant stage presence. However, they also explore in their music themes finding one’s way, dealing with struggles, and the chaotic nature of the world. Or in this case, the messy aspects of life.
Now, my heart is empty
And all my emotions are scattered and shattered
I am really scared of what will happen if everything stays this way
All the thoughts in my head are a mess
The unraveling complex emotions around mess is set on an emo track with rough guitar sound over a hip-hop beat. Straightforward lyrics express lingering feelings to highlight the messy aspects of life. This song feels like the bridge between CREED and the next song on the album, In My Head. Yes, the Kids have a life philosophy and strong determination, but they are also just human in every (messy) way.
In My Head
This one must be my favourite on the album! The pop punk song, reminiscent of the 90’s and 00’s, features a bright and cheerful guitar soundtrack. It gives the song an edge that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. With lyrics expressing the moments of worry that sometimes arise in the repetitiveness of everyday life. It explores mental unrest and the feeling of being trapped within one’s own thoughts.
The dynamic of the instrument, vocal performance and honest lyrics creates an immersive listening experience. It’s both entertaining as it validates the listener’s own struggles and emotions, which makes it one of the album’s most compelling tracks.
반전 (Half Time)
This album was the first album they put out after the new contract went in, so as a longtime fan it honestly makes me so happy they decided to put out this song now!
First half, it’s still the first half
Do you already see the end? How arrogant
The start is only halfway, so this is the real beginning of a long journey
[…]
I’m at the half time, play time
Now, I’m (Now, I’m) just getting started
At my prime time (Oh)
I’m at the half time (Half time), show time (Show time)
Now, I’m (Now, I’m) just getting started
At my (At my) prime time
Twists after twists in the first half
This album signals that Stray Kids is entering a new phase, which also means they have to overcome obstacles. But they believe that they will achieve success through hard work. The confidence of the Kids shines through with the high energy track that fuses hip hop with sharp beats and punchy rhythms, to highlight the momentum of the turning point they are currently at.
Phoenix
This turning point, Half Time, is their version of a phoenix reborn in flames. An EDM track filled with passion and hopeful energy carries the message of overcoming hardships and leaping higher. It captures the essence of resilience and rebirth. Right from the heavy bass introduction, the song sets an intense yet uplifting mood before flowing into smooth, emotive vocals that carry a sense of hope and determination. I adore how we can hear the different ways of how the members can use their voice, the one we don’t often hear or are more in the background and basically muffled away. No surprise they use this very specific song to let those voices be heard!
The music, voices and lyrics makes Phoenix a compelling anthem of hope and resilience. A song that is both emotionally stirring as it is musically engaging, that acts as a reminder that challenges can lead to growth and renewal.
Ghost
Think Hollow from the Japanese album also named Hollow, with the same stabbing synths, emotional organ sounds, and beat-influenced rhythms. The vocals, which speak to the desire to hold onto hope amidst haunting emotions and emptiness, blend well with the track. Both songs create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and eerie.
Although Ghost leans more into a smoother side of the haunting sound, and immediately sets a mood of reflection and melancholy. The production is minimal but effective, with subtle electronic textures that complement the emotional weight of the vocals and rap.
This song serves as a reflection on invisibility, emotional exhaustion, and the struggle to navigate life under pressure. It captures the feeling of being unseen and disconnected, both by others and by oneself, using ghost imagery to represent detachment and vulnerability.
Furthermore, it expresses the weight of expectations, selfdoubt, and burnout, while also conveying a longing for clarity, hope, and emotional fulfillment. Ghost takes a slower approach compared to the Kids energetic discography in order to give room exploring complex emotions and present a deeply personal perspective on the life challenges.
0801
The answer to Ghost is here! This synthwave pop song features lyrics filled with warm comfort and support, along with a cosy melody.
“You’re doing great”
Even if I hear that hundreds of times
I know that there are definitely days when things just don’t go my way
Just shout it out when you’re tired
Run with me while feeling relieved inside
Promise me one thing
Don’t forget that you’re not alone
August 1st of 2018 was the day that the fandom of Stray Kids got their name, Stay. With the contract renewal and this album being the first of their new contract, this song serves as a heartfelt message to both the members and their fans, reflecting on the journey they have shared since the fandom’s official debut.
0801 explores themes of empathy, resilience, and emotional guidance. It offers reassurance to anyone feeling lost or struggling that has been one of the core messages ever since Stray Kids started. This song is so much deeper than a song made for the fans, it also carries the central idea of being there for someone through their darkest moments.
The production balances warmth and energy perfectly, that is both comforting and uplifting. It makes the song a tender and comforting anthem about staying, listening, and helping others find hope even in difficult times.
Red and blue, we now moved to blue
In the music video of CEREMONY we see Bang Chan first in a red coat before he moves on to the blue suit. Their last comeback had a red theme, and KARMA is clearly blue. So to me personally it makes sense we move back to green. However it seems the Kids broke that cycle, it has been announced that their comeback Do It is on its way this November, and we will move to pink and grey. Which kinda surprised me until I saw the trailer and it has major green storyline vibes. Did Hollow maybe stand in for the green storyline? If so then we should be on the right track, but will we ever know for sure? Honestly I would love a book or movie about the coloured storylines we have in the Stray Kids universe, cause the setup of their story is GIANT (pun intended).
Destiny
Why would I mention the storylines? Well, to say that Stray Kids is just a K-pop group it would fall short. They are incredible producers and storytellers. With KARMA they are telling their story with destiny as their direction. The first two songs set the scene for how they interpret destiny in their own unique way. Stray Kids steadfastly forged their own pathway. Yes, this does come with hurdles, internal conflicts and external chaos. But they keep on expressing their solid philosophy while they also don’t shy away to show their own growth conveyed in the songs spanning various genres. This album marks their current triumphant moment in their career while they are also ready to gear up for whatever is next.
Love,
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