Album Review: Stray Kids’ HOP
by Vy Le | December 23rd, 2024
Stray Kids’ latest album, HOP, is an impressive mix of creativity and individuality. The combination of solo tracks and group efforts highlights their versatility, with each member showcasing their own unique style. It feels personal and intentional, while still coming together as a cohesive whole. Here are some of the standout moments:
Walkin On Water
Initially, I wasn’t impressed with “Walkin On Water”. It felt a bit underwhelming as a title track, with only the part where they sing “water” in a British accent standing out. However, after a few more listens, it grew on me. The hip-hop element is vibrant, and the emphasis on drums and percussion gives it a distinct flair. If “Back Door” was all about the bass, “Walkin On Water” is driven by its rhythm section.
The music video also deserves a mention. The cool color palette, the horses, the motorcycles, and everything else tie together beautifully. Ever since “God’s Menu”, I have looked forward to seeing what outrageous visuals Stray Kids bring to their videos, and this one does not disappoint.
Bounce Back
This is Stray Kids’ diss track to the haters, a declaration of their resilience and success. The whistle and siren sound at the beginning reminds me of earlier works like “District 9” and “Grow Up”. I.N’s second verse stands out with its lazy, almost indifferent vocal delivery, perfectly capturing the song’s carefree attitude.
Lyrics like "Even if we die, we'll survive, keep bounce back" emphasize the importance of resilience. "Hall, arena, dome, and stadium / Who would have expected it?" nods to their journey from being labeled as a “flop” to selling out some of the world’s biggest venues.
U (ft. Tablo)
This track is a masterpiece and my favorite on the album. The reverb on the vocals and the flute-like effect on the “You, ooh-ooh” refrain create an ethereal atmosphere. Tablo’s voice blends seamlessly with the group, making it feel like he’s always been a part of Stray Kids.
The theme of love and devotion shines through with lines like "Even when I’m lost, I look at you," while Tablo’s powerful outro reinforces the emotional core of the song: “You know that I’d die, that I’d die for you.”
Railway (Bang Chan)
Bang Chan channels The Weeknd with this one, and I am here for it. The engine sound at the beginning sets you up for something grand and dramatic, but what follows is an intimate vibe that feels like “Red Lights” reinvented. It is a perfect representation of Bang Chan’s creative style, seductive, layered, and endlessly replayable.
Unfair (Felix)
This track is easily one of the most exciting moments on the album. Felix plays around with his vocal registers so much that it feels like three different rappers are featured on the track, which makes it so fun to listen to. I wasn’t really into “Deep end”, but “Unfair” completely changed my mind about what his solos can bring to the table.
What grabbed me, though, was how he uses rhymes to make the song flow so naturally. Lines like "I'm staring down at my own petals falling / One by one and piece by piece" set such a vulnerable tone. Then you get pairs like "there - nightmares," "see - me," and "life - night" that just roll off the tongue perfectly. Even softer rhymes like "beauty - me" and "love - above" make the track sound smooth and catchy without being over the top.
HALLUCINATION (I.N)
I.N’s solo feels quintessentially Stray Kids while still being distinctively his own. The instrumental reminds me of tracks like “ITEM” and “Domino”; the repeated references to hallucinations create this surreal, almost hypnotic atmosphere. The line "I want to make it sure / It's real, even if it’s a dream" captures the introspective and slightly uneasy tone that defines the track.
Youth (Lee Know)
“Youth” is such a feel-good track. It gives off summer vibes and has this carefree energy that makes you want to stop and enjoy the moment. The chorus is catchy without repetition, keeping it fresh and fun to listen to.
The lyrics celebrate small joys, like "I smiled at the smallest things," making it feel personal and relatable. It is like Lee Know is reflecting on a simpler, happier time. Lines like "Feeling like I’m Superman, I’m like, woah" capture the boundless energy and confidence of youth.
So Good (Hyunjin)
Hyunjin’s “So Good” feels like a reflection of how he has been expressing himself lately, free, creative, and unapologetically himself. The vibe change towards the end is so satisfying, and the repetition of "Life is so good" feels uplifting without being overbearing.
This track really mirrors Hyunjin’s current era, where he is embracing his individuality and experimenting with style, as seen on his Instagram. It is fun, bold, and a perfect representation of who he is.
ULTRA (Changbin)
ULTRA feels like the soundtrack to a superhero’s transformation. The build-up at the start sets the stage for something explosive, and the song delivers with fiery energy and lyrics like "Ultra, ultra, I’m feeling ultra." It’s motivational and intense, leaving you feeling unstoppable by the end.
Hold My Hand (Han)
Hold My Hand feels like it could be straight out of an anime soundtrack. It has such an emotional and heartfelt vibe, and Han’s delivery makes every word hit perfectly. The lyrics focus on wanting to see someone happy, with lines like "Baby, hold my hand now" symbolizing both emotional and physical support.
The standout for me is "Every time I see you cry, I felt like drowning in the dark." It is so vulnerable, and the melody amplifies the emotions beautifully. This track is raw, sweet, and one of those songs that lingers in your mind long after it ends.
As we are (Seungmin)
Seungmin’s solo feels like it could play during the final episode of a K-drama. The build-up in the first chorus completely pulls back, which surprised me in the best way, creating such a soft and intimate moment. The lyrics, like "Even if we look imperfect / Even if we're compared to others at times," are so comforting and relatable. It feels like a song about accepting life for what it is and finding peace in imperfection. The simplicity and warmth of this track make it deeply personal and one of those songs that just stay with you.
My Picks
- U (ft. Tablo)
- Unfair (Felix)
- As we are (Seungmin)
HOP might just be my favorite Stray Kids album yet. The solo tracks feel like windows into the members’ personalities, while the group tracks tie everything together with their signature edge. This album shows just how much they’ve grown as artists, and each track feels intentional and honest. Stray Kids continues to set the bar higher for themselves, and HOP is another reminder of why they are one of the most exciting groups in music right now.
Listen to "合 (HOP)" now 💦
