Eight months later, Stray Kids makes a comeback with the full-length album, KARMA, that feels like a “CEREMONY” while listening.
On August 22, Stray Kids unveils KARMA, their fourth full-length album, which includes nine new tracks and another version of the powerful title track “CEREMONY.”
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About the album
KARMA is their first comeback this year, which they have been working on for 11 months while on tour. Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, the members of 3RACHA, participated in making the 11 tracks in the album.
We’re happy that we prepared it without any regrets. We’re happy to greet many people with this full-length album.
Through songs of various genres, Stray Kids’ new album KARMA embodies the solid philosophy and growth narrative of those who have forged their path without wavering despite countless external gazes and internal conflicts.
Changbin stated:
The reason we chose the album title ‘Karma’ is because we wanted to create an album that contains positive karma for the achievements and fruits we’ve achieved with STAY so far. The sports concept came to mind for the first time during the stadium tour, and as we experienced it, looking at our concert halls, the part where we communicate with our fans on stage reminded me of a ceremony, so that’s how we came up with the concept.
8 years with Stray Kids
It’s already been eight years since Stray Kids debuted; the members share their sentiments about being together for a long time.
Member Changbin said:
I think we’ve received so much love that it’s unbelievable. In the beginning, we had a lot of concerns about whether our music was right and what we should do. I also remember seeing a lot of negative comments. There was that uncertainty, but the members believed in us and looked to our fans, so I think we continued on with confidence and conviction. I think that stubbornness worked as good karma for us, so it was a dreamlike moment. That’s how we overcame it.
Member Han continued, “Despite the many ups and downs over the past eight years, no one has broken down. We’ve been there for each other whenever things have been tough, and we’ve helped each other grow. If we started from branches, I think we’ve become trees with strong roots now. I want to continue to be wonderful to each other and stay healthy and together for a long time. I really love you.”
The leader, Bang Chan, also stated that their goal is to spread the word about their music and that they hope to continue performing as Stray Kids for a long time.
Stray Kids KARMA Tracklist
BLEEP
This song creates a chilly ambiance through its instrumentals. “BLEEP” will make you dance just like any Stray Kids song— a classic one.
CEREMONY
With a powerful trap EDM and Bailey Funk beat, the song “CEREMONY” conveys a message of triumphing over hardship and acknowledging accomplishments. It reflects the group’s view that they should be honored for their victories. It’s a perfect song for any winning moment in your life.
CREED
“CREED” highlights the rap part, especially the lazy tone. A swagger type of tune, their individual tones elevate the song. If you like hip-hop, you will surely like this track.
MESS
A solid song written in 2021, “Mess” features autotuned sounds, yet the melody and lyrics make it more intriguing. The chorus is so addicting that you’ll know Han wrote this type of music. Listening to this song will make you experience the emotion they want to convey, which is one of scattered emotion, as the title says. A sad ballad by Han? Obviously a need.
In My Head
Something that would remind you of the music you used to listen to when you were younger, in the style of emo pop. A song that wonderfully suits in a concert when people waving their hands enjoying every second of it, trying to experience the nostalgia.
Half Time
The song “Half Time” appears precisely halfway through the album. I love the random yelling as well as the pre-chorus part. The most Stray Kids-like sounding track on the album. This lowkey reminds me of their songs “Blind Spot” and “CASE143.”
Phoenix
“Phoenix” is a strong-vibes song. A song you want to turn up to the highest volume while listening in your room. It contains a variety of elements, including soft EDM.
Ghost
I honestly didn’t think it would sound like this, especially given the title “Ghost.” Nevertheless, the instrumental is pretty good overall, and the song has a nice treadmill-running vibe.
0810
A beautiful fan song. With its fresh sound and melody, “0801,” by Stray Kids, seems like a love song for its fans (Stay).
“I’ll sing for you for the rest of your life”—who wouldn’t want that? We’re all in this Stray Kids for life.
Meanwhile, KARMA has sold well over 3 million copies in its first week of release. In addition, the title track “CEREMONY” has six music awards as of right now and earns the biggest launch by a K-pop boy group on the Spotify counter in 2025.
They recently announced their World Tour two-day encore show, dominATE: celebrATE, at the 30k capacity Incheon Asiad Main Stadium, which will take place next month.
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Source: Osen, Stray Kids Official Accounts
