Stray Kids Explore Vulnerability Like Never Before In ‘Hollow’

Nothing can stop Stray Kids from releasing more top-tier music, and that includes their biggest tour yet. While Stray Kids are selling out stadiums all around the world, they released a new Japanese comeback: Hollow. After unveiling the song at the Japanese stops of the dominATE World Tour earlier this year, it was clear that ‘Hollow’ was one of their most vulnerable, emotional, and meaningful songs to date – and ‘Hollow’ delivered in every aspect. After ALL IN and Circus, Hollow is Stray Kids‘ third Japanese mini-album, and it’s at the same level of iconicness as those previous mini-albums are – that’s how serious it is.

The Title Track

It is no secret that there is a confident side to Stray Kids where we get loud, bold songs such as ‘S-Class‘ or ‘Thunderous,’ which is usually what the general public knows them for the most. But Stray Kids‘ music contains multitudes, and they’ve given us more melodic songs in their discography that delve into emotions in a very poignant way. And ‘Hollow’ joins the second category with the likes of ‘I am You’ and ‘Levanter.’

‘Hollow’ carries so much meaning and darkness as the lyrics explore loneliness in a very raw and honest way, in a way that reflects that reaching your dream doesn’t solve inner struggles. ‘Hollow’ is a beautiful song in its meaning but also in its melodies. The vocals all throughout the song hit and express the emotions in such a way that ‘Hollow’ haunts you. It has somewhat of an early Stray Kids feel with the themes it touches and the use of melodic EDM, and those are some of the things Stray Kids does the best. But as much as ‘Hollow’ carries darkness, it can also be very healing and bring hope.

If ‘Hollow’ could get any more haunting, it was with a music video made by their longtime collaborator Novvkim. He brought ‘Hollow’ to life with beautiful imagery and a heartbreaking storyline. There are so many details in this music video to be picked apart that give even more meaning to the song, from the outfits to the lighting. Watching it once just won’t be enough. ‘Hollow’ is one of their best music videos yet, and that’s no light task. The best way to experience ‘Hollow’ is with the music video. It captures the essence of the song beautifully. But the truth is that ‘Hollow’ is beautiful and haunting in its every form.

The B-Sides

Before the release of Hollow, Stray Kids were already hyping it up, and now we understand why. One song isn’t enough, Hollow is a masterpiece all throughout its five tracks.

Stray Kids are no strangers to including strong-hitting anthems in their Japanese releases, and ‘Parade’ is worthy of the title of sister of ‘Battle Ground.’ The rap verses and diverse melodies over an addictive hip-hop beat are something Stray Kids will always excel at. In all the vulnerability, ‘Parade’ is a song where they own who they are and endure the pain. It screams Stray Kids from the production to the themes to the energy. The song will be used as an OST for a Japanese horror film – and yeah, we see it. With a signature J-rock sound, ‘Never Alone’ is one of the most memorable b-sides in Hollow. After struggling with loneliness in ‘Hollow,’ they find a home in each other in ‘Never Alone.’ With its grand feel, it’s a song full of sincerity and hope for better days. ‘Never Alone’ is the embodiment of the found family trope in a song, which makes sense given it was inspired by One Piece.

The real gem in Hollow is ‘just a little,’ a hanpop song four years in the making. ‘just a little’ is a heartbreaking ballad with incredible lyricism about the pain of watching a relationship fall apart. The verses have some of the prettiest, most poetic lyrics you’ll read, and apart from its chorus’ melody never leaving your head, it’ll break your heart – that’s hanpop for you. But it wouldn’t be a Japanese release without an anime-opening sounding anime song, and ‘Fate’ is exactly that – even more so than ‘Never Alone.’ It’s bright, joyful, and it marks the ending of the story they give us in Hollow, from pain and loneliness to finding what makes the most sense, a home, a safe place.

What’s your favorite moment in the ‘Hollow’ music video? What’s your favorite B-side? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

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