Stray Kids is an eight member K-Pop group that debuted in 2018. In June of 2023, Stray Kids released their third full length album titled “5-STAR” containing twelve tracks. The album highlights the group becoming confident in themselves and their fan base. It discussed many of the lows and struggles that allowed for the dramatic success they have now achieved. “5-STAR” includes a wide variety of tracks ranging from electronic rap-pop all the way to a ballad, and even a pop-rock song that samples “Scotty Doesn’t Know” by Lustra.
The rap tracks feature lyrics like “We draw a line, topline. Who dares to look down on us, top class” and “Hear the people call my name. Here I’m on the hall of fame … Let’s take a picture, a biography of a great man.” These highlight their success and pride in who they have become. These tracks are loud, quick, and bold. However, there are also more understated tracks like “FNF” which recounts members Bang Chan and Felix’s experiences growing up in Australia, and their love for the country. “Youtiful” is a pretty stripped back song that was written to emphasizes how highly Stray Kids thinks of their fans with lyrics like “You know whenever there’s a chance I’ll tell you that you’re amazing as you are” and “You are more than beautiful, one of a kind.”
This album perfectly showcases Stray Kids as a group and their variety as artists. Every song on the album was written by the members of the group, allowing the tracks and lyrics to both reflect the true emotions of the songs.