'Do It' Proves "All We Need is Love, Dreams, and Stray Kids"

As the first group to achieve eight consecutive Billboard 200 top spots, Stray Kids reign supreme with latest EP release DO IT. Do what exactly? Whatever it is, who am I to ignore Lee Know's repetitive demands. Within the EP we have two quintessential Stray Kids tracks with "Do It" and "신선놀음 (DIVINE)," both tracks offering a sexier and darker side to their sound, following suit of their latest full album KARMA. "Holiday" strikes an emotional cord with fans and "Photobook" brings us nostalgia, affection and everything we've been craving since "Cover Me."

Photo JYP Entertainment

Part of "SKZ IT TAPE" series, DO IT dropped on Nov. 21st. Fans throughout the U.S. were treated to official release parties where they could watch the "Do It" music video drop and listen to the album, after spending the night dancing along to previous SKZ tracks.

I don't think Stray Kids has ever had a title track that doesn't immediately get you standing up with excitement. "Do It," encourages you to go for everything you want without hesitation. Each member sends shockwaves through STAY as they each encourage "do it" which a nonchalant attitude, Lee Know and I.N's usual falsetto now a low rumbling from the underworld. The members each really dig into the depths of their sound, offering more sultry and edgy vocals, rhythm and beat. It's slow and deep verses and pre-chorus mixed with it's Reggaeton infused chorus blends highs and lows throughout the track.

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Kim Seungmin takes us to church in second title track, "신선놀음 (DIVINE)," with his insane smooth vocals and growling intro that has us all with our hands clasped pleading for more. Look, I don't even know what the sound of this song could be classified as - with full bellowing vocals, slow 90's hip hop, some jazz and... squeaky toys? - but I do know it all works together. The experimental sounds throughout the track showcases that Stray Kids will continue to do it their way, the perfect encapsulation of the group's exclamation of "This is New Pop." Changbin and HAN ditch their in-your-face fast rap to lend a more chill 90's hip hop sound that still packs a punch. Just when I thought we weren't getting enough Bang Chan, Christopher Bahng closes the song hitting all the highs and ascending us all to the heavens.

"Holiday" takes us to a place of contemplation and longing. In contrast to "Do It," "Holiday" has SKZ emotionally pleading for time away and solace. A breaking point of their hard work and stress leaves them seeking time for themselves. Unlike the other tracks which tend to sink lower in their sound, "Holiday" blends somber lyrics with electronic dance beats. With lyrics like "When I'm gone, don't even try to find me / Let me be 'cause I've been at it for so long / When I'm ready, I'll be back, don't worry," the song leaves a strong impression of burnout and the need to escape. "Holiday" offers a theme that feels relatable to most.

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In the EP's only full Korean track, "Photobook" lends a bittersweet nostalgia. We get a a glimpse of Felix and Hyunjin's delicate singing voices that are so often showcased within their heavy and booming raps. "과거는 다시 돌아오지 않지만 영원히 남아 (the past doesn't come back but it stays forever)" highlights the tracks message of remembering. We hear the members as they speak of a chapter closing while longing to stay within it's pages. Accompanied by swelling instrumentals, the ballad shines in delivering the strength of each member's vocal ability.

Photo JYP Entertainment

I wasn't quite sure about "Do It (Festival Version)" as I felt like "Chk Chk Boom (Festival Version)" was peak remix, however "Do It (Festival Version)" really is that girl at the club. Fill the room with foam and strobe lights and let me just dance, and by me I mean someone else because I'll be on the couch.

In what may feel like the beginning of the end of an era, in only four new tracks, the EP tackles encouragement to push through without hesitation, exploring your identity, longing for peace of mind and looking back on time spent with hope upon meeting next. Even though the timeline is unconfirmed, we can anticipate the kids' upcoming departure as they head off on their mandatory military enlistment, and this particular EP sounds like a love letter to themselves, the other members and STAY as they venture onto their next chapter, whatever that may be.

STRAY KIDS

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