It may have been only three months since the release of KARMA, but Stray Kids aren’t taking a break from giving us some of our favorite releases of the year. They surprised everyone when, right as they wrapped up their DominATE World Tour in Seoul, they unveiled the somber trailer for DO IT. It’s the second installment of SKZ-TAPE, following the release of HOP last year, and, just like HOP, it explores a different side of Stray Kids and features some of their best songs of the year. All four songs are unforgettable new gems added to Stray Kids‘ discography, and here’s why.
‘Do It’
Stray Kids have already tapped into reggaeton influence, especially with their 2024 comeback, ‘Chk Chk Boom,’ so we already knew they would absolutely own ‘Do It.’ And yet, our expectations were blown out of the water. ‘Do It’ is an assertive, fun, catchy song that uses the best of reggaeton rhythm, combining it with Stray Kids‘ most unique and addictive rap verses and satisfying pop melodies.
While ‘Chk Chk Boom‘ and ‘Do It’ sit at the same table, they’re somehow quite different: ‘Do It’ is sultry, seductive. While it might seem an easy listen which will make you listen to it on loop, there are so many details in the production and the song that make it the banger that it is – and that’s Stray Kids‘ specialty. Just like their previous releases, we got a festival version for ‘Do It,’ and if the original didn’t already have you on your feet dancing, this version will.
‘DIVINE’
It’s been four years since Stray Kids released two title tracks on one album, and we can see why ‘Do It’ and ‘DIVINE’ were the right songs to bring it back. ‘DIVINE’ is 90s hip-hop and R&B excellence, in the style of Stray Kids, of course, including elements from traditional Korean culture. Starting with Seungmin delivering one of the most impressive intros in Stray Kids‘ history, ‘DIVINE’ is impactful beyond comprehension. On top of having yet again mind-blowing rap flows, the chorus gets stuck in your head, and the production throughout the song is fun, cheeky, and adds even more layers. ‘DIVINE’ is the perfect proof of 3RACHA‘s production genius. And just when you thought this banger couldn’t get any better, Bang Chan serves one of his best vocal moments. ‘DIVINE’ is Stray Kids having fun at mixing and playing with genres, and it’s what they do the best.
‘Holiday’
‘Holiday’ was written alongside the KARMA B-side ‘Ghost,’ and the two share a similar vibe, both in sound and lyrics. However, while ‘Ghost’ has a helpless feeling to it, ‘Holiday’ seeks hope, for a break and a way out. ‘Holiday’ is a vulnerable song that explores burnout, set to a lively beat. Despite the heavy emotions, ‘Holiday’ serves as comfort and as a ray of sunshine. Bang Chan‘s writing style runs throughout this song; combined with Han‘s unique flow and touch, it makes a perfect song that contrasts lyrics with the beat – something Stray Kids are experts at.
‘Photobook’
Stray Kids‘ Japanese B-sides have always hit in indescribable ways, and ‘Photobook’ could perfectly be one of them. The song is deeply inspired by band music. You can hear the guitars, the drums, and the build-up into this beautiful, heart wrenching song full of mind-blowing vocals and emotional melodies. ‘Photobook’ explores nostalgia and gratefulness for their journey together in such a beautiful way. Han‘s high note, followed by the outro as they chant the last chorus together, and Lee Know topping it all with his sweet voice, make ‘Photobook’ an instant highlight on the album.
What’s your favorite song out of DO IT? Are you more team ‘DO IT’ or team ‘DIVINE?’ Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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