The powerhouse rookie boy group, Stray Kids, dropped their first studio album, GO生 (Go Live). In the lyrics of their title track, “神메뉴 (God’s Menu),” Stray Kids define themselves and their music as unique, and distinctiveness is exactly what this album delivers. Self-composing group Stray Kids surprised everyone with the versatility shown in Go Live. These boys are using their music to change the definition of what a K-Pop group’s music can sound like while also giving motivation and a voice to a new generation of fans.
Stray Kids is an eight-member boy group from JYP Entertainment. Their last comeback, Clé : Levanter, was bittersweet for the fans because it was the first album without member Woojin, who left in October 2019. Stray Kids have turned a new leaf this year, though, and are back with their highly anticipated studio album, Go Live, which was released on June 17, 2020.
The title track and corresponding music video, “神메뉴 (God’s Menu),” dropped on June 17th. The music video and song show off their bad-boy, charismatic side through a hip hop sound and powerful dance moves. Stray Kids have a versatile sound but are mostly known for their fast paced, powerful songs like “神메뉴 (God’s Menu).” However, even in the lyrics of the song, the members say they are “one of a kind” and will continue to break all music barriers. This song is the perfect title track for this album, foreshadowing for the listeners that the album will be a mix of genres.
Diving into the other songs on the album, listeners will find some more pleasant surprises. Earlier this year, Stray Kids released songs, “TOP” and “SLUMP,” for the soundtrack of the Japanese anime “Tower of God.” The group added previously released songs to the album, including both of these songs, as Korean versions. The songs attracted a new audience to their album and many anime fans have flocked over to check out more music by Stray Kids.
Stray Kids serenaded their fans, “Stays,” with plenty of romantic songs on the album in addition to their powerful tracks. The most surprising song on this album has to be the sweet, romantic ballad, “Another Day.” With all the various upbeat songs on the album, “Another Day” presents an acoustic sound which is great for cooling down. It’s one of the best songs on the album because the boys got to show off their vocal abilities in a way that will make hearts flutter.
Among their slower, romantic tracks, arguably the title of most heartfelt song on the album goes to “Phobia.” The song is about loving someone but having fear of losing them. It was later revealed that the song may have been written about the members fearing they may one day lose “Stays,” their fandom. The group is extremely vulnerable and honest with their fans, sharing their feelings and giving them advice often. Their music is no exception, using “Phobia” to pour their hearts out to their fans.
Likewise, the song “Blueprint,” is a vulnerable testimonial about the boys’ struggles with naysayers. Although the song is heartfelt, it’s also upbeat and uplifting. The boys have said many times they want to let their fans know that they aren’t alone and can get through anything. The song talks about the boys’ hardships but how they will overcome them at the end. A music video was released for this song and the images are just as symbolic. The music video was overall very light and fun, yet simple. In the beginning, the boys are looking at mirrors as a way to represent their relationship with themselves. Towards the end of the video, one can see images of wings which usually represent freedom. Stray Kids used their personal experiences to give their fans the perfect inspiring song and video into which they can retreat when things get hard.
An honorable mention would be the previously released single, “Gone Days,” which snuck its way onto Go Live. This song is amazing purely because it speaks to the current generation. Stray Kids are Gen Z idols writing music for Gen Z listeners. The song title is a play on the Korean slang term 꼰대 (kkondae), which commonly refers to an elder or superior who is also a condescending person. In the song, they describe their unhappy feelings toward an older person telling them what to do. Stray Kids literally made an anthem for the “OK Boomer” meme, matching internet culture perfectly. This song will always be iconic, acting as the cherry on top of the cake for the album.
Stray Kids’ album Go Live shows growth both in the group’s image and talent as artists as they branch into many different genres. Through this album, the group proves they can flow through many different genres and all the songs come out like masterpieces. While doing so, they use music to speak to a generation and express their vulnerable side, making their music an overall safe space for their listeners.
This article was written by KPOP-TV Blog Team member Ausia Richardson
