With Stray Kids recently turning one year old and the release of their newest project Clé 1: Miroh, I figured we'd take a look back at some of my favorite tracks of JYP's newest boy group and possibly give anyone who's reading it an introduction to the sonic landscape of Stray Kids. Here are some of the essential Stray Kids songs.
1. "My Pace"(2018) from I Am Who
While I had heard about Stray Kids since their March debut in 2018 (and was consequently blown away by the talent showcased in a group only at the start line of their careers), it wasn't until their comeback release with "My Pace" in August of that year (and their equally impressive B-sides from their sophomore album "I Am Who") that I was sold. Stray Kids doesn't tone it down when it comes to their aggressive sound, but if "District 9" is edgy and serious, "My Pace" is rebellious youthful joy.
2. "해장국 (Hero's Soup)" (2018) from I Am You
Stray Kids embraced a gentler, softer side with their fall release (and last 2018 release) with I Am You, and "해장국 (Hero's Soup)" is the kind of soft, mellow Stray Kids that is rare but warmly welcomed nonetheless. I just really love the lyrics in this. It's sad but showcases Stray Kids' maturity. One of their rappers Felix also has a surprisingly sweet set of (sung!) lines. I shed a little tear whenever I listen to this song.
3. "District 9" (2018) from I Am Not
Marking the group's official debut, boy did these boys make a name for themselves. I was blown away by the group's commitment to their sound and their breath-taking execution of that aggressive, hip-hop + rock + EDM influenced sound. One year later, "District 9" hasn't lost that intensity and energy after many repeated listens.
4. "Rock" (2018) I Am Not
Showcasing the eccentric, weirdly charming energy of Stray Kids, "Rock" is the kind of song you can't not bop your head along. Propelling it's fierce, high-energy vocals is the equally intense, edgy, loud production. "Rock" is a wild ride of a song. It's best if you just hold on for the ride.
5. "19" (2019) from Clé 1: Miroh
Written and composed mainly by Stray Kids' youngest producer Han (born in 2000, which is hard to believe considering how talented the kid is), "19" is the kind of sad bop that perfectly sums up the nostalgic, just-want-to-stop-the-clock mindset one has transitioning to adulthood. Reading the lyrics for the first time really affects you in a lot of ways, and Stray Kids' ability to perfectly sum up how their generation feels is why this group is so great and why this song is deserving for an essential track (at least in my opinion).
6. "M.I.A." (2018) from I Am Who
Another one of those sad bops Stray Kids is so good at making, "M.I.A." is a clever play on words of the English acronym meaning "Missing in Action" and the Korean word 미아 (romanized to mi-ah), which loosely translates to "lost child". This double meaning across languages is meaningful, and the lyrics set up the speaker addressing someone who they no longer recognize anymore. This whole looking-into-the-mirror-and-not-recognizing-yourself theme is "M.I.A." in a nutshell, and it really hits the nail on its head with its emotional impact. I'm not even mad about the auto-tune, because the idea of distortion of the voice fits so well into the lyrical meaning of not even to recognize yourself to the point of even your voice not being recognizable to you.
7. Their EP intros (2018-19) from the I Am Not ("Not!") I Am Who ("Who?"), and Clé 1: Miroh ("Entrance")
Stray Kids' production has always been top-notch, and they've developed a habit thus far of introducing their albums with an atmospheric, thematic intro. Take I Am Not's percussive, old-school hip-hop inspired production and spoken word approach to their intro in "Not!", written and produced by leader Bang Chan. "They say people are born different/But why does it feel like we’re all the same," Bang Chan passionately delivers in the very opening. "Us brainwashed into the same system/They expect perfection/So how can we be different," he continues, before the track (now with the addition of members Seungmin and Lee Know) references other I Am Not tracks such as "Mirror" and "Awaken".
I Am Who's intro "Who?" is like walking into a dream, written by members Han, Felix, and Woojin, and produced by Han. Felix asks the central question to the album in the beginning: "I am WHO/I am WHAT/What’s the reason for my real existence/Don’t know why/Don’t know why". Lyrics in "Who?" that reference I Am Who tracks include "question, question" (a reference to track "Question"), "Tonight too, thinking through the night/Sleepless night, insomnia" ("Insomnia"), "voice, voice" ("Voices"), and "I lost my path like a lost child" ("M.I.A.").
Last but not least is "Entrance" from Clé 1: Miroh, produced by Bang Chan. Chan speaks in French, asking "Où suis-je?Quelle est cette grande porte que je viens d'entrer?" which roughly translates to "Where am I? What is this great door that I have just entered?" This not only connects with the album's title (clé in French means "key"), but it also establishes our album's concept and the setting this album's story takes place. The Congo drums and the vocal samples from the other tracks on the EP blend into a truly awe-inspiring instrumental track, as if one has entered a city jungle. In the words of their label's founder Park Jinyoung himself, "high quality for no reason".
8. "극과 극 (N/S)" (2018) from I Am You
While I Am You was less edgy overall and showcased Stray Kids' softer, brighter sides to their personalities and dynamics as a group, the boys threw in "N/S" for the heck of it and obliterated all of their fans with a track rapped by all members of the group. "N/S" is nothing but good fun and their low-budget music video filmed in the streets of Bangkok, Thailand is a reflection of that. Highlight of the track has to go to the battle-of-the-deepest-raps-in-K-pop section between lead rapper Felix and main rapper Changbin.
9. "Miroh" (2019) from Clé 1: Miroh
While I have loved everything Stray Kids has had to offer in 2018, I sort of missed the edgy, fierce energy of their debut song "District 9" that was missing off the their lead single in their previous EP I Am You. "Miroh" is a sort of callback to where it all started with Stray Kids, with the release of this track on their one-year anniversary far from coincidental. "Miroh" is an eccentric dance track, ruled by unconventional song structure and shot with a jolt of intense energy that culminates in the head-banging EDM chorus drop. It's fun and wild and very much Stray Kids, and you'll have to listen to it again and again to even begin to understand the complexities of the track.
Honorable Mentions: Their Mixtape tracks (aka pre-debut material): "Hellevator" and "YAYAYA"
Honestly, to become a true DAY6 fan (or My Day), you have to take the long route and listen to all of their songs. But if you're a bit confused as to where to start on the band's flawless discography, here are some great jumping points you should consider:
1. "Shoot Me" (2018)
DAY6's long-awaited 2018 comeback did not disappoint, delivering their most sonically-aggressive Korean song. With reggae leanings and a rather eerie, Halloween-esque production, "Shoot Me" shows how much the band has grown during their hiatus, and I look forward to what they have in store in the future.
2. "When you love someone" (2017)
As part of their monthly comeback release schedule in 2017, DAY6 pushed themselves to explore different music genres with each month. Their October song "When you love someone" offered a melancholy and relaxing song to the mix, which is perfect for fall. If you like calmer songs, "When you love someone" is your cup of tea. I'm especially in love with the way keyboardist Wonpil sings the chorus. I'm also a personal fan of the lyrics and the accompanying music video:
3. "Dance Dance" (2017)
DAY6's May comeback was with undeniably-jam-worthy bop "Dance Dance". As the title suggests, this is a feel-good track that can get even the people with two left feet to want to dance their heart away. Upbeat, deliriously fun DAY6 songs are rare, but that just makes them gems.
4. "Blood" (2016)
With the song's falsetto-heavy chorus, I get extreme Maroon 5 vibes from this song, and that's what makes the song so great. DAY6's early days saw them drawing inspiration from western pop-rock music, and "Blood" is a testament to that interest in that genre:
5. "I Wait" (2017)
DAY6 kicked off their Every DAY6 project with January song "I Wait", which is the type of moody, angsty, rock sound that you would want from a monthly comeback. The song also utilizes Korean and English wordplay really well with the background "I wait" and "아왜" ("ah wae") vocals. A creative touch that you might not have been aware of!
6. "Feeling Good" (2018)
Off the same album as "Shoot Me", "Feeling Good" is one of those rare feel-good DAY6 tracks that must be cherished at all costs. Perfect for summer, "Feeling Good" immediately sucks you in and is perfect for blasting during summer car rides or late-night beach parties.
7. "You Were Beautiful" (2017)
This song is one of those songs, if you know what I mean. It's the My Day cult favorite for most fans, and it speaks to a very profound human feeling that the song has managed to express so well. Arguably it is one of DAY6's saddest songs, but that's why it's so powerful.
8. "Man In A Movie" (2017)
Yeah, this is an actual B-side for the group. Their B-sides are that good. Lyricist Young K, who wrote the lyrics for this song on his own, has said that he really loves this song, and that he was inspired to write it after seeing Me Before You in theaters. The production of this song is super unconventional, yet DAY6's personality continues to shine so clearly in the song. This has more of a classic rock feel to it, and honestly, it sounds like it would fit really well in a movie soundtrack.
9. "Congratulations" (2015)
The legendary debut song. Most K-pop artists can't claim that their debut song was that great (not a big deal, since the point of releasing music is to improve as musicians), but "Congratulations" remains a classic forever. I have yet to hear about a DAY6 concert that didn't have "Congratulations" on their set list. If you want to get into DAY6, "Congratulations" is a must.
10. "I'm Serious" (2017)
As part of their April release, "I'm Serious" offered a sound that's perfect for the transition of seasons. A favorite to perform by members after more than a year since its release, it makes sense that such a great and versatile song remains its longevity. It's also a personal favorite for me. For one thing, this is one of those classic sounds-happy-but-read-the-lyrics Day6 songs that add an interesting juxtaposition to it. Even with that said, listening to it just raises your mood.
11. "Letting Go" (2016)
After their debut in September of 2015, Day6 suffered a serious scandal in only a short few months: one of the members, Junhyeok, was accused of dating a fan and subsequently left the group in February of 2016 for the sake of choosing not to mar Day6's reputation. While the members wrote and recorded this song before Junhyeok's departure, it's safe to say that the music video and the lyrics of the song have remained tied to the former member. "Letting Go" bursts with the sort of angsty emotion that has become a trademark for Day6, but I think this song is the OG. It's so angsty that it almost makes the listener feel like they've let out their anger and hurt and despair in the song. Member and leader Sungjin is the real MVP in this song, especially when he belts out the heart-wrenching chorus. Listen to the rebooted version, and you're treated to a Bohemian-Rhapsody-esque bridge and more intense production.
Curious about NCT’s (currently) only fixed, 9-member unit? Here are the songs that capture NCT 127 in a nutshell.
1. “Limitless” (2017)
This is my personal favorite in terms of NCT 127 singles/title tracks. This song is the NCT's experimental concept fully realized, providing a song that is melodic and undeniably pop but still digging into experimental sounds and interesting choices in production. It's a song that makes sense for NCT 127, but it also transcends any perceptions of the group.
2. “Cherry Bomb” (2017)
Personally, I don’t really consider this a good song (the English lyrics are just… cringe, and the song never settles), but it is a very hype song. The production is really eerie, and I do admire how it pushes the boundaries of typical K-pop. This song has brought international recognition to the group and NCT as a whole, and NCT 127 won their first music show trophy with the song, so I think it captures a very big milestone for NCT 127. It even got nominated for a prestigious Korean Music Award (awards chosen by music critics, not by popularity). The choreography is really powerful, intense, and unsettling yet satisfying to watch at the same time (one word: splits). The song does have its perfect moments, with Mark’s parts, especially the bridge section, being a true delight (this boy is seriously so talented). Whether you love it or hate it, it’s hard to deny the lasting impression “Cherry Bomb” leaves.
3. “Touch” (2017)
I was delighted when I heard that the group would be doing a complete 180 with their concepts and choose a soft, refreshing concept for “Touch”. The song is a delight. You kind of feel like floating on clouds when you’re listening to this song, and the chorus is undeniably euphoric and sweet. Main vocalist Taeil gets to utilize his amazing voice in this song (his adlibs really are no joke). This song really shows just how versatile of a group NCT is.
4. “Firetruck” (2016)
This is an... interesting debut. It certainly makes a statement about the kind of group NCT 127 wants to be, but besides the choreography, this song and the era it came with it has been a rather low-point in NCT 127's career, and I think many fans would rather choose to highlight other NCT 127 songs.
5. 0 Mile (2017)
A promoted B-side off of their Cherry Bomb EP, this is a stylistic deviation from their aggressive titular track "Cherry Bomb" by offering an upbeat pop song, something a bit more conventional yet still pleasing to listen to.
You should also check out: "Good Thing" (2017), "Back 2 U" (2017), "Summer 127" (2017), and their newest release (and Japan debut song) "Chain" (2018)
Curious about 13-member boy group Seventeen? Want to get a crash course on their discography? Here are the Seventeen essentials (my personal opinion, obviously).
1. "Very Nice" (2016)
This is the first song that made me become a Seventeen fan, and the first dance practice I watched. This captures Seventeen's essence in a neat package. It's explosive, fun, and super addictive, with one of the greatest hooks the group has produced.
2. "Don't Wanna Cry" (2017)
This is definitely one of Seventeen's most well-known songs, and with good reason. It gave the group the sort of domestic and international recognition it hadn't previously seen before, and it's a definitely a sonic departure from their funk-driven pop, more playful concepts. Leaning into an EDM-influenced track and choreography inspired by modern-dance, "Don't Wanna Cry" has become one of Seventeen's most ubiquitous songs, their second-coming of sorts.
3. "Clap" (2017)
This is definitely a song that grows on you. I initially didn't like it, but the energetic performance from the group sells you on this happy-go-lucky song about not letting your sad moments get you down. The group takes risks with inverting perceptions about the group, choosing to have members that previously stayed in the background of previous title tracks sing the chorus. It pays off and then some, making this song a return to Seventeen's signature funk style while showing how much they have matured as artists and idols.
4. "Pretty U" (2016)
This was the song that really jump-started the popularity that the group experiences now. It's fun and breezy, but definitely packs enough oomph to really showcase the sort of versatility that Seventeen possesses. Many fans consider this their greatest title song.
5. "Highlight" (2016)
The first Seventeen track I ever listened to, this dance track is originally performed by Seventeen's performance sub-unit, also known as their dance line. There's something truly epic about the song, never losing its energy and sounding incredibly mainstream yet totally unique at the same time. It's entrancing, catchy, and truly iconic.
6. "Thanks" (2018)
Written as a "thank you" song for their fans, "Thanks" is surprisingly grave, even as it has elements of a dance track. Again highlighting the skills of sometimes less-emphasized members, the song continues to push the idea of what Seventeen sounds as a group while also introducing new elements to their signature sound. Member and producer/songwriter Woozi opts for a sort of current trend with the sonic landscape of "Thanks" that still requires multiple listens. The choreography is surprisingly intense and very emotive, showcasing the group's renowned synchronicity. It's a meaningful song for their fans, who were the ones that have seen the group come from a bankrupt company to becoming one of the three most influential and successful K-pop boy groups of this generation of idols. This is their way of expressing their gratitude. The song's Korean title is "고맙다" (romanization: gomapda), which is a more sincere/serious way of saying "thank you" in Korean.
7. "Thinkin' about you" (2018)
Sure, this song is kind of a basic pop love song, but the lyrics have meaningful narratives, raw emotional confessions, and beautiful imagery about past love and the nostalgic, mixed feelings surrounding past experiences with love. The production is impeccable, and it highlights what makes Seventeen so great.
8. "Adore U" (2015)
Seventeen's debut song made a strong statement about the kind of concept the group was aiming for, and boy was it exciting. It remains Seventeen's one of most iconic songs, which isn't always the case for debut songs of other groups. Even if you prefer Seventeen's more aggressive, darker sound in their more recent discography, you still have to appreciate what "Adore U" has done for the group.
9. "Mansae" (2015)
This song is just SO addictive. "Mansae" in Korean roughly translates to "hooray", and the song certainly captures that sort of euphoric feeling in its execution. This song literally makes you want to jump for joy, and the choreography certainly matches the high-energy style of the song and its lyrical content.
10. "Habit" (2017)
A B-side from their Al1 EP, "Habit" is a powerful ballad that highlights Seventeen's talented vocalists (aka their "vocal team"). The group's not known for melancholy tracks, but when they make one, boy do they deliver.
Considered by a very passionate portion of fans as the superior NCT unit, this graduation-based unit consisting of teen, underage members (the lineup, in descending age order, currently consists of Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung) is distinctive for their very different style of music compared to the older members. Here are the NCT Dream essentials:
1. “My First and Last” (2017)
Known as the song that saw NCT as a whole win their first music show award, "My First and Last" is undeniably catchy, pleasant, and mainstream, even as it is sonically interesting (the production is truly something). The choreography is insane (keep in mind that the oldest member was only 17 years old when they promoted it), and the vocal performances are incredible (another fact to make you feel worse: the youngest member was around fifteen when they promoted this). It'll go down as one of NCT's milestone songs, and I think it's NCT Dream's best song.
2. “Go” (2018)
As a part of NCT's larger 2018 project, "Go" saw the Dreamies switch up their soft, bubblegum-pop image for something much more rebellious, mature, and experimental. As acknowledged by the members of NCT, it does seem like NCT 127 and NCT Dream switched concepts for their 2018 project. "Go" is an anthem, literally screamed by the members of Dream as they declare their teenage rebelliousness. This comeback also marks the return of member Jaemin, who went on hiatus due to health reasons for around 1.5 years after debuting with the group in 2016. It's refreshing to see Dream play a concept that's more in-line with their age, and the song is a bit of an earworm.
3. “My Page” (2017)
A B-side track from their first mini-album, "My Page" showcases Dream's exceptionally well-developed vocal talents. The chorus is infectious and bright, and the song is just extremely underrated. It's truly a hidden gem in NCT discography as a whole.
4. “We Young” (2017)
It is a very summer song, and Dream leans well into that concept with their nautical outfits. Like all NCT Dream songs, the song is catchy and has infectious hooks.
5. “Chewing Gum” (2016)
NCT Dream's iconic debut song, "Chewing Gum" is definitely not for everyone, but it is still incredibly addicting (the hook is catchy; you can't deny it). It secures NCT Dream's image well enough, and the choreography (with hover boards) is incredible. There's no denying that even as they play up their cutesy boy concept, NCT Dream is incredibly talented and only have room to grow.
One essential listening guide for 18-member group NCT would be long and be out-of-date really soon as the group continues to expand, so I chose to instead highlight the individual units of NCT for the sake of length, and I really want to spend my time with each unit, because each unit is so different and requires a more comprehensive guide.
NCT U's rotational concept (meaning members will change based on each song due to the fact that they are chosen to best represent the concept) means that the group is all over the place when it comes to any sort of musical identity. Rather than causing a hindrance to the group, it makes every new song exciting, different, and a thrill to listen to. Here are the NCT U essentials:
1. "Baby Don't Stop" (2018), performed by Taeyong and Ten
If you're unfamiliar with this blog, let it be known that the writer is OBSESSED with this song. I seriously cannot stop listening to it. I have new realizations every day about this song that make me love it even more. The production takes you on a journey of twists and turns. Ten's singing is stunning and such a surprise. The choreography is mesmerizing. Taeyong singing is such a delight and surprisingly soothing. The fact that the song's lyrics use gender-neutral nouns is low-key super progressive. The fact that Ten starts off the song and immediately draws you in, as opposed to Taeyong, who usually starts off NCT songs he's in. The whispered chorus is such an ear worm and really sexy. On paper, Ten and Taeyong’s voices shouldn’t sound so damn good together, but it does. Taeyong, known for his gravelly rapping tone, doesn’t overwhelm nor distract the listener from Ten’s smooth, effortless vocal delivery. Sonically, it’s just amazing. It’s so satisfying to listen to. Everything about this song is just perfect. It’s subversive, playful, experimental, unconventional, funky, and a complete delight.
2. "Yestoday - Extended Version" (2018), as performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Mark, and Lucas
This song deviates quite far from every other NCT U song. While in the vein of a hip-hop track, nothing about this song is particularly aggressive. It's meditative, emotionally vulnerable, and soulful, backed by a gorgeous, shimmery, ethereal backtrack. Taeyong, Mark, and Lucas dominate the song with their disparate rap verses, with Doyoung's gorgeous voice weaving between those verses to act as a sort of narrator. Taeyong and Mark write and rap about very personal experiences in this song, something you don't really see much from an SM group.
3. "The 7th Sense" (2016), as performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, and Mark
This remains NCT's most well-known song. NCT U's debut song is truly amazing. It's hard to concisely describe this song. Nothing about it is particularly melodic, but the haunting hook is undeniably catchy. NCT U is known for hard, dominant bass lines, and you can certainly credit "The 7th Sense" and its cult following for encouraging SM to continue using those bass lines. The choreography is incredible, and the lyrics are actually really deep, discussing the nature of dreams. It is a very confident debut, a song that makes a very timeless statement while still being incredibly experimental. Fans still consider this the superior NCT song, and it's hard to argue against that.
4. "Without You" (2016), as performed by Taeil, Doyoung, and Jaehyun
This rock-infused song was a surprise, given I expected a somber ballad from NCT U's vocalists at the time of their debut (I mean, the title is "Without You"). As someone whose favorite member is main vocalist Doyoung, I fell in love with his voice even more, and it really shows how talented NCT's vocalists are in general.
5. "Boss" (2018), as performed by Taeyong, Doyoung, Jaehyun, WinWin, Jungwoo, Lucas, and Mark
The first song released for NCT's ambitious 2018 project, "Boss" certainly makes a statement about the kind of confident, unique, and experimental style that permeates NCT U's image. It's also a fantastic introduction to new members Jungwoo and Lucas, who both shine bright in the music video. As someone who didn't think much about NCT before the release of "Boss" (I watched "The 7th Sense" once in January 2018 and didn't think much of them until recently), it certainly was an excellent way to reintroduce myself to how much the group has evolved in the near two years since they've debuted.
