TITLE: IN LIFE (IN生)
ARTIST: STRAY KIDS
LABEL: JYP ENTERTAINMENT
RELEASED: September 14, 2020
Just three months after their release of the first full length album, Stray Kids is back with a repackage. Do these boys ever sleep? Obviously not because after their 14 track album, they bring us 8 new tracks with 3 unit songs. RISE OF 3RACHA, DANCERACHA, and VOCALRACHA! Since GO Live was SUCH an amazing album, my expectations are high… oh well, lets go deeper into these new tracks.
Back Door – Title Track
Just when I thought I knew what to expect from Stray Kids, they put out a track like Back Door. From the bass riff in the beginning, I knew it was going to be a different sound for them. Yes, they have their pre-chorus vocals that breaks up the rap verses, which by the way are amazing. Then you have Felix of course coming in with his killing parts in that deep tone of his. All the usual pieces are present for this track but it just has a different vibe to a lot of what they’ve done. It’s part anthem, part party song, and splashed with a little groove. It’s not an immediate love affair like I had with God’s Menu but it’s growing on me the more I listen. As for the MV, no matter how many times I watch or try, my focus is always on Hyunjin. Guess I got it bad.
The Tortoise and the Hare
These kids love to give us what we really want. The intro track from GO is now a full track! Just as they did with STOP on LEVANTER, this is a longer and much needed extension of GO LIVE. It’s dark and I feel like I should be listening to this in some sewer. It’s a grungy electronic track that gives this repackage a gritty feel.
B Me
I don’t hate it. But I also don’t love it. The chorus reminds me of another song and I can’t put my finger on it. Anyway, it’s not necessarily a bad song. It has a nice older hip-hop beat layered underneath. The bridge switches up and gives us a more electronic pop vibe. Again, it’s
Any
When I saw this preview, I knew I was going to be hype for this repackage. THIS SONG IS THE TEA! The Boom-Bap hip-hop beat speaks to my soul as much as Changbin’s rap in the beginning. And when the song switches up, I don’t hate it because it turns into this hip-hop electro dance track that I want to just shake my ass to. Thanks for the booty poppin song, 3RACHA.
Ex
It’s a nice song with a nice melody. Stray Kids seems to always have a track on their releases that meet this category of easy going semi ballad. Ex is that song.
We Go (Bang Chan, Changbin, HAN)
I saw this live back in January and I GOT MY LIFE!!! Classic 3RACHA giving us a straight trap track. It was nice to hear and see Chris rap again. It’s been too long it feels like. I love this song but it definitely hits better when live. The autotune didn’t bother me then like it does now.
Wow (Lee Know, Hyunjin, Felix)
Another track that was on the last tour. I am a total simp for Hyunjin so I would have found something I loved about this. But honestly, I really love this track. Sing rapping Felix is a highlight. And again, Hyunjin can do no wrong. Watching all three dance to this was beautiful. Without the visual aid, the song still holds on it own.
My Universe (Seungmin, I.N feat Changbin)
The final of the unit songs, I was confused when I saw Changbin do this song with the sweet babies, but he was definitely needed to bring this song to another level. This song is romantic and just hits you in the chest with the sweetness. I was surprised at how well Seungmin and I.N’s tones compliment each other. But like I said, the deepness of Changbin gives the song a little edge when needed. It just makes me feel good when I listen.
BONUS: We Go, Wow, My Universe MIX
Now here are some of the visuals to go along with the unit songs. Again, amazing live and I miss them so much. Hence why I’ve seen them live 4 times.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As a first repackage, I would say this was a success! Stray Kids really have their own brand of noise and identity that people are really taking notice of. I have a friend who knows nothing of stray and she asks me who the one with the pink hair is. I mean, the power. The rumor that they will have another comeback in December, I just don’t know how they’re going to evolve and show in such a short time. The 8 have their plates filled, that’s for sure.
PRODUCTION : 3.5 / 5
VOCALS / RAPPING : 3.5 / 5
VISUALS / CONCEPT : 4 / 5
OVERALL: 3.5 / 5
Least Favorite Track(s): B Me
Favorite Track(s): Any, Wow
