Stray Kids: Their best B-sides
There’s more to Stray Kids than just noise music!
Image: Stray Kids on X/Twitter.
The 8-member boy group is a powerhouse when it comes to writing and producing music. Thanks to the constant dedication shown by the members of 3RACHA – Changbin, Han, and Bang Chan – over their six-year career, Stray Kids have already released a multitude of songs spanning a variety of genres.
If you’re a new STAY wondering where to start with the group’s overwhelming discography, look no further than this list of our favourite Stray Kids B-sides.
Surfin’
If you’re looking for the perfect summer track, “Surfin’” is for you. This song by Changbin, Lee Know, and Felix provides fans with a refreshing soundtrack for their holidays. The steelpan beats throughout “Surfin’” match the members’ light vocals perfectly.
Airplane
“Airplane” is another calming track to enjoy on a hot summer’s day. Seungmin and I.N stand out on this track with their vocals, which pair perfectly with the staccato guitar riff heard throughout.
The song’s carefree lyrics match the light and breezy instrumentals: “Pack your things and get on the airplane / Let’s go together, follow me to the airplane / We are, we are, we high, we high / Far, far, I’d go anywhere if it’s with you”.
Awkward Silence
Let Stray Kids cheer you up with their positive vibes on “Awkward Silence”. The synthesised keyboard and upbeat instrumentals of the song, contrasted with Changbin’s brash vocals, make the chorus exciting and almost comical.
The members encourage fans to sing along with the track’s refrain, and it’s hard not to when you have some Aussie motivation from Felix.
Charmer
Stray Kids aim to capture the hearts of their fans with this song, and they do exactly that.
The boys know that their talent and charm are irresistible and spell that out with this track: “Too much attention, oh, it’s focused on me / Even if I’m tired of it / It can’t be helped, yeah, yeah / I am too much of a charmer, I’m the charmer”. The snake charmer flute used throughout the track is a nice nod to the song’s title.
VENOM
To open their album ODDINARY, Stray Kids needed something that would grab the attention of the audience.
“VENOM” does exactly this. In comparison to their usually loud and energetic title tracks, the emptiness of “VENOM” only increases its power. The synth creaking sounds throughout give the track a sinister feel that’s simply addictive.
Maknae On Top
The youngest member of the group, I.N, gets special treatment in his solo song featuring Changbin and Bang Chan.
The cheeky lyrics are filled with I.N’s innocent charm, which makes him so loveable. The Latin-inspired instrumentals and jazzy trumpet sounds make “Maknae On Top” a must-listen for new fans.
DOMINO
If you’re a fan of Stray Kids’ title tracks, “DOMINO” will be a hit with you for sure. The use of glissando to mimic the sound of dominos falling is a clever addition to the song’s instrumentals. The drum and bass dance break, followed by Felix’s deep voice in the toned-down bridge, will keep new listeners hooked until the very end.
Super Bowl
Stray Kids truly did cook up a storm with their track “Super Bowl”. The song oozes confidence with its very forward lyrics: “Finger lickin’, yeah, we cookin’ up a Super Bowl / In the kitchen, Michelin, irresistible / Feeling prime, state of mind / Finger lickin’, yeah, we cookin’ up a Super Bowl”.
The use of whispers in the chorus adds to the effortless energy that the group gives off throughout this song.
TOPLINE (Feat. Tiger JK)
This is the only track on this list that contains a feature from another artist, and it’s from the iconic Tiger JK.
The heavy synth drum beats and commanding vocals from the members make “TOPLINE” a statement of a song. The members’ ability to keep up with Tiger JK in their rap verses confirms Stray Kids as a group overflowing with talent.
Easy
With “Easy”, Stray Kids once again prove that their coolness comes naturally to them. The highly synthesised instrumentals throughout the song’s verses, compared to the repetitive, hazy chorus, keep listeners on their toes. The boys really do make it look easy with the nonchalant tone in which they sing the chorus.
Which Stray Kids track had you obsessed with the boys from the first listen? Let us know in the comments below.
Edited by Nicole Tilby.