Stray Kids Are Stronger Than Ever With ‘GIANT’

A comeback, a world tour, HOP right around the corner… There is no stopping Stray Kids, and they’re making sure everyone knows that with the release of ‘GIANT.’ Last year, Stray Kids released their first full-length Japanese album with THE SOUND. So we didn’t think we would get a second one so soon after, but here is GIANT, including some of their best OSTs ever and new songs that make their discography even more special and perfect. Stray Kids are too powerful, and they seem to be aware.

‘GIANT’

The best word to describe ‘GIANT’ is grandiose. Stray Kids are no strangers to expressing their past struggles and how they made them stronger, and that’s what ‘GIANT’ is all about. Through their iconic signature “noisy” sound, Stray Kids are truly unbothered as they reaffirm their power and overflow with nothing but confidence. It has killer and unique rap verses and impactful vocals, and it wouldn’t be a Stray Kids song without a play on words – yes, Bang Chan‘s “Do re mi fa, King Giant” will forever be iconic. ‘GIANT’ is precisely what we love about Stray Kids, and it is a perfect example of all the power, resilience, and hard work this album as a whole holds.

Tower of God OST

The first season of Tower of God premiered more than four years ago, and back then, Stray Kids released their most iconic OSTs. ‘TOP‘ was everywhere, and ‘Slump‘ remains one of their best-written songs. We felt they would be back for the second season with songs just as good – and ‘NIGHT’ and ‘Falling Up’ didn’t disappoint. Both songs are full of power, resilience, and that unique flavor Stray Kids brings to their music. GIANT includes both songs in their Japanese version and their English version. It’s been over a month since their release, and we still can’t decide which version hits more – they all deserve a listen.

‘NIGHT’ is the perfect song for an opening. Its strong start that slows down with soft vocals immediately lures you in, and ‘NIGHT’ never stops to have twists and turns that feel perfect. The song’s highlight has to be the pre-chorus, as the rhythm fastens and the energy builds up in a satisfactory and addictive way. ‘NIGHT’ is peak J-Pop-Rock, and Stray Kids pull off that style so well every time, adding their unique touch.

‘Falling Up’ is a softer song but still hits the heart hard. This song is about being let down and reaching rock bottom, yet it’s also about not letting all of it tear you apart. It’s emotional but powerful and hopeful, and its rock sound makes it even more addictive. The inclusion of ‘TOP’ and ‘Slump’ in the lyrics makes the song much more special. And the high note in the bridge… Absolute chef kiss.

‘WHY?’

‘NIGHT’ and ‘Falling Up’ weren’t the only songs to be released before GIANT, and they’re also not the only OSTs in the album. Stray Kids released ‘WHY?’ earlier this year, in April, as their first OST for a Japanese drama, Re: Revenge-In the End of Desire. We want to refer you to this song when we argue that Stray Kids’ OSTs hit harder. ‘WHY?’ is powerful, addictive, and has some of the best flows in any of Stray Kids’ songs. Not many songs fill us with so much energy as this one. Yet, its somewhat dark aura makes it so special, reflecting Stray Kids‘ genius as songwriters. ‘WHY?’ makes you feel like you can overcome anything.

The New Songs

But GIANT isn’t just about songs we’ve loved throughout the year. With a full-length album, we got many incredible new songs, including ‘GIANT.’ With this release, we got the Japanese version of ‘Chk Chk Boom,’ released earlier this year as ATE‘s title track. And it is no surprise that this version hits just as hard – as each version does.

‘Saiyon’ fits so seamlessly in GIANT with its grandiose sound. It’s reminiscent of their upbringing and hard work as they fought the odds and the voices against them. Following the central theme in GIANT, ‘Saiyon’ is about rising despite struggles. Add some of their most poignant lyrics with a hopeful pop melody almost reminiscent of 2010s pop, and their unique flair, despite its light, ‘Saiyon’ never fails to make us emotional.

Mixing heartfelt rap verses with a pop-rock chorus comes easily to Stray Kids. They build an entire song about heartbreak and disappointment around it, giving us ‘Aiwokuretanoninaze’ – which can be translated in English as “you gave me love, so why?” While all other songs represent resilience, this one is all about pain, and it’s full of regret after the end of a relationship. The song hits hard with how many emotions their voices convey.

It has been a while since Stray Kids released a Christmas song, and still, they’ve been living rent-free in our minds. ‘Christmas Love’ will undoubtedly have the same impact on us even three years from now. This song is yet another take on Christmas music, compared to ‘Christmas EveL‘ and ‘24 to 25.’ This song is joyful, lively, and full of the festivities’ joyful energy. The melodies are infectious, the vibes are immaculate, and the vocals and harmonies make this song even more addictive. No one can tell us Stray Kids can’t do the best Christmas songs because they do.

Despite their success, Stray Kids are never scared to balance their power with their struggles and the hard work that led them to where they are now. GIANT is a powerful ode to their path and what made them who they are. With incredible OSTs, a Christmas song, unapologetically loud Stray Kids songs, and rock influence throughout, GIANT represents Stray Kids at their best. And that’s something we’re always down for. We have a month to go for HOP, and we’ll be looping GIANT in until then.

What’s your favorite song out of GIANT? What’s your favorite OST by Stray Kids? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

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