Battle of the B’s: Best B-Side Tracks – Stray Kids

As a certifiable Stray, I didn’t think picking B-Sides would take long or be as hard. I was clearly wrong. When listening back and trying to pick the stand outs, I realized that people really be sleeping on these boys and they need their recognition! They’ve been through so much in such a short period of time, but they still crank out some good solid music. Now, come listen to the ones that get overlooked.

Mixtape (Pre-Debut EP, 2018)

YAYAYA – I can say for a fact that this is the song that officially made me a stay. I saw it live for the first time at KCON NY 2018 and was wow’d at the performance level of the group. These rookies performed a song with the confidence of a senior group and I was loving the rock element with the hip hop. I was in love.

I am NOT (Debut EP, 2018)

Grow Up – I love a song that is super emotional with a nice hook. That’s exactly what this song is. It’s the perfect encore, lighters or cellphones in the air, just swaying back and forth.

I am WHO (Second EP, 2018)

Insomnia – This whole EP is a B-side master class. I legit could have put each song here but this one stands out because it’s a blend of many genres that doesn’t sound like a mess. The R&B riffs really sell it for me. Now watch this adorable video of them in my city acting like baby fools.

I am YOU (Third EP, 2018)

N/S – This is straight hood… stray kids version. This is a song that you would think belonged to a KHH artist but nope, little babies of JYP. But Felix’s Barry White voice fits this mood SO much. Addicted.

Clé 1: MIROH (Fourth EP, 2019)

Victory Song – This is the era where Stray Kids became men. Rude ass men. And this song had a hand in the change. It’s one of the best hype songs and if it isn’t on your workout playlist, then you’re missing something. The way Felix and Hyunjin open the verses… demons I tell you.

Clé 2: Yellow Wood (First Special Album, 2019)

TMT – This is the only album I refuse to acknowledge. It’s the mehist of them all. But this song I don’t hate. The club vibe that the pre-chorus and chorus have save it for me.

Clé : LEVANTER (Fifth EP, 2019)

Booster – Again, another album I’m not crazy about, but this song is pretty good. I like the pre-release and title track the most but I don’t think I can talk about Double Knot anymore. This album I feel is meh because of the transition from a 9 to 8 member group, but we don’t talk about that no more…

GO生 (First Studio Album, 2020)

EASY – Their first album is up there with I am WHO on the level of perfection of b-sides. But if you don’t rep Easy, then you don’t know what the amazingness that is Stray Kids. This probably has 3RACHA’s best rap verses. They are BEASTS!

IN生 (Repackage First Studio Album, 2020)

ANY – I love how this is a fun rap song at the end of the day. It makes me wanna dance and drop it low. But because I’m a noona with the knees of an ahjumma, I will refrain. Either way, this song is the perfect addition to any dance playlist.

NOEASY (Second Studio Album, 2021)

Surfin’ (Lee Know, Changbin, Felix) – I could have easily picked any of the songs from this album because it was truly no skip. However, it was the fun summery bop I kept coming back to. I love songs that invoke emotions and this one has a strong happy emotion. I just feel good when I listen to it. I need to blast it and get my best life when I do.

Christmas EveL (First Single Album, 2021)

24 to 25 – Who would have thought Stray kids would do a soft as hella Christmas song? Not I. And it’s actually really good. Whereas Christmas EveL is what we expect from SKZ, this is so soft and acoustic and makes you feel all warm and gooey inside. I love it and want them to do more Christmas music. Move over, Michael Buble.

Oddinary (Sixth EP, 2022)

Venom- Everything about this song is amazing. From the raps to the melodic pre-chorus, everything is haunting and sucks you in like you’ve been caught by a spider’s web. The industrial sounds are quite addicting and the song and video show how rough around the edges SKZ can be.

Maxident (Seventh EP, 2022)

Can’t Stop – It’s shocking I didn’t pick 3RACHA but VocalRacha came through with the fun rock-filled jam. I love how this reminds me of an anime theme song or something. It embodies the youthfulness of the two maknae’s and also shows how not every song needs a rap to make it pop. Adore it so much.

SKZ-REPLAY (Third Compilation Album, 2022)

I hate to admit – I wasn’t going to add this because a lot of the songs were pre-released tracks but there was something about this song that outshone the rest. Maybe it was Chris’ raw emotion that comes through in his vocals and lyrics? Either way, it is a highlight of the two CD compilation album.