Following the information of Stray Children incomes their third consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with their greatest gross sales week but, 5-Star confirms the significance behind the extreme consideration the Ok-pop boy band put into every tune — even when the songs take years to make it on an album.
“2022 was crammed with so many unbelievable occasions; all of it looks like a dream,” HAN tells Billboard when reflecting on the group’s chart success forward of their new venture. “All I can take into consideration is how deeply grateful we’re for every little thing and the way a lot this expertise has motivated us to work even more durable and develop much more. The purpose of this album is to emphasise Stray Children’ distinctive coloration, which may be outlined as ‘unusual but particular.’ I hope that 5-STAR will probably be yet one more breakthrough for our group and change into an album that many individuals acknowledge as a legendary one.”
The brand new, 12-track venture is the band’s first full-length LP since 2021’s Noeasy and sees SKZ problem themselves in new methods, like their bold, genre-hopping lead single “S-Class”; standout B-side “TOPLINE” (which incorporates their first-ever album characteristic in Korea’s legendary rapper Tiger JK); and “THE SOUND (Korean Ver.),” which transforms their beloved Japanese single for Ok-pop audiences.
“The thought for the title 5-STAR got here from the lyrics of ‘S-Class,’ taking part in across the phrases ‘particular’ and ‘star,’” says Stray Children chief Bang Chan. “5-STAR represents the individuality and confidence that we put into our work.”
Stray Children members Bang Chan, HAN, Changbin and Felix have songwriting, composition and manufacturing credit throughout each observe on 5-STAR. Nonetheless, the group emphasizes the teamwork required to carry collectively all their new music.
“Suggestions the place everybody must be concerned is basically vital in relation to a venture,” Bang Chan provides. “If some folks made songs, then the others play an vital function to offer suggestions concerning the songs—further ideas and concepts round efficiency, recording, ideas are all very important in the entire course of and the opposite members take part completely.”
The group’s vocal star Seungmin provides, “I helped carry the great songs our members made to life by singing my coronary heart out,” whereas youngest member I.N notes, “I didn’t actually take part within the manufacturing course of this time, however I did push very laborious for ‘S-Class’ to be the title observe [single].”
Trying forward, the group isn’t placing further pressures on themselves past pushing additional with their future music and reside exhibits. Hyunjin guarantees, “We are going to proceed to carry out many levels and can develop to even bigger venues in order that we are able to meet and work together with extra folks.” On the similar time, Lee Know says, “Stray Children’ subsequent [step] will probably be crammed with many new challenges, similar to what we’ve proven the world to date.”
Felix concludes, “We simply hope to be wholesome so as to get by means of the challenges that await us.”
Rejoice Stray Children’ newest five-star album by going with the members observe by observe by means of 5-STAR.
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“Corridor of Fame”
Lyrics by: Bang Chan (3RACHA), Changbin (3RACHA), HAN (3RACHA)
Composed by: Bang Chan (3RACHA), Changbin (3RACHA), HAN (3RACHA), VERSACHOI
Organized by: VERSACHOI, Bang Chan (3RACHA)
Bang Chan: “Corridor of Fame” actually brings out the boldness that we, Stray Children, have put into our work; promising that we’ll attempt to make historical past and engrave our names on the “Corridor of Fame.”
Lee Know: We thought that it might be a good suggestion to set this as the primary observe due to the burden that the title itself, “Corridor of Fame,” holds. As this album is a particular one, this observe serves to be the right starting.
Bang Chan: We additionally thought that going with “Corridor of Fame” for the opening tune could be an amazing concept due to the impression that the tune has, displaying Stray Children’ confidence proper from the get go.
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“S-Class”
Picture Credit score: Ssam Kim Lyrics by: Bang Chan (3RACHA), Changbin (3RACHA), HAN (3RACHA)
Composed by: Bang Chan (3RACHA), Changbin (3RACHA), HAN (3RACHA), Chae Ganghae, RESTART
Organized by: Chae Ganghae, RESTART, Bang Chan (3RACHA)
Changbin: Merely put, “S-Class” is “Stray Children-esque freshness and dare” in its essence, similar to the title. The observe embodies the message “The strangest among the many uncommon, the brightest of the particular.”
What’s particular about this observe is how recent it feels as a result of we used numerous sound sources and tune types which create the phantasm that there are a selection of various tracks mixed as one. I’d say the distinctive and addictive rhythm within the hook is what particularly stands out.
Hyunjin: “S-Class” is concerning the strangest among the many uncommon. I believe what makes this observe stand out is how there are numerous musical genres combined and mixed collectively to create a seamless observe.
Whereas all the tracks we thought-about for the title had been nice, we ended up selecting “S-Class” because the title as a result of this was the tune that actually screamed Stray Children. Experimentation isn’t actually one thing that’s new to us as a result of we’re at all times making an attempt to push our boundaries. I believe this helps us strengthen our distinctive coloration.
Changbin: The huge scale of the observe’s soundscape is what makes it the right title observe—once I listened to it, I might distinctively think about it going with a really Stray Children-esque efficiency. I believe the considerably annoying but addictive level choreography and the distinctive choreo within the hook will probably be one thing that followers will bear in mind.
Hyunjin: To STAY, please stay up for the addictiveness and power our efficiency holds!
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“ITEM”
Lyrics by: Bang Chan (3RACHA), Changbin (3RACHA), HAN (3RACHA)
Composed by: Bang Chan (3RACHA), Changbin (3RACHA), HAN (3RACHA), VERSACHOI
Organized by: VERSACHOI, Bang Chan (3RACHA)
Changbin: “ITEM’ is about our confidence, about how we don’t want any “ITEM” or “ITEMs” to raise our abilities. All we’d like is ourselves. The distinctive and quirky sounds all through that remind considered one of a online game and witty lyrics all assist to liven up Stray Children’ charms and every member’s distinctive model. We labored further laborious to emphasise plosive sounds to make the lyrics to face out extra. We additionally modified up the vocal tone to make the observe sound extra fascinating.
Hyunjin: “ITEM” is such an lively observe that can certainly have you ever hooked at your first pay attention.
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“Tremendous Bowl”
Lyrics by: 3RACHA, Felix
Music by: 3RACHA, Zack Djurich
Organized by: Bang Chan, Zack Djurich
HAN: “Tremendous Bowl” pays homage to the massive Tremendous Bowl occasion, and depicts Stray Children’ music as a dish of meals whereas utilizing many alternative components to seize listeners’ ears. Whereas we had been making this tune, all of us had been very excited to have the ability to present a unique aspect of us—the lyric writing course of was additionally fascinating as a result of as we labored on the lyrics, it actually struck us how the tune feels new and revolutionary. Bang Chan first drafted out the construction; I can’t overlook how exhilarating it felt once I first heard the demo information.
Whereas the general recording course of went far more easily than how I anticipated it to be, as a result of all of the lyrics being in English and due to the quick tempo, getting a number of the pronunciation proper was a little bit of a problem. However finally every little thing turned out to be of top quality, all because of Bang Chan who did a superb job of directing.
I.N: We thought that singing this observe in English would go well with the observe higher, so we ended up created this authentic English observe.
Felix: The tune “Tremendous Bowl” was initially meant to be our first full album title, nonetheless, we determined to carry onto it till the proper time comes—and so we did after almost three years. This tune brings loads of reminiscences and loads of good vibes, it’s one of many best songs we’ll bear in mind.
I.N: And “Tremendous Bowl” was truly the opposite candidate for GO LIVE‘s title observe, “God’s Menu.” I personally love this observe so I bear in mind actually pushing to have it included on this album. I’m so joyful that it has lastly made it, after three complete years.
HAN: We wrote this observe across the similar time as after we labored on “God’s Menu.” On the time we had been actually into the idea of cooking, which explains why we ended up with “Gods’ Menu” and “Tremendous Bowl.” Whereas “God’s Menu” is the extra addicting observe that goals at Korean listeners, “Tremendous Bowl” is geared extra in direction of international listeners, therefore the explanation why the lyrics are all English.
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“TOPLINE” that includes Tiger JK
Picture Credit score: Choi Soo-Younger/Multi-Bits through Getty Photographs Lyrics by: 3RACHA, Tiger JK
Music by: 3RACHA, Versachoi
Organized by: Versachoi
HAN: I consider this can be a observe that may actually present Stray Children’ model of hip-hop, particularly as a result of your entire observe is centered round increase bap. Whereas listening to the tune after writing it, we realized the way it reminded us of Tiger JK—truly, 3RACHA used to at all times speak about how a lot we needed to work with him. I used to be method too hyper once I was recording this observe, which might be why it turned out to be one of the crucial enjoyable recording experiences. I used to be so, so joyful that we had been capable of lastly create a full-out hip-hop observe.
We truly recorded our information individually. Tiger JK has been one of many artists I’ve regarded as much as ever since I used to be little and we got the chance to carry out with him for the [Mnet Asian Music Awards] MAMA stage final 12 months. After the efficiency I bear in mind we went as much as him and instructed him “Hey, we have now this superb observe that we might love for the chance to work on with you,” to which he willingly agreed. Our firms then started the dialogue, and we ended up with this collaboration.
I bear in mind once I went as much as him first through the “UNVEIL : TRACK” filming to thank him for coming, he instructed us how a lot of a enjoyable expertise it was to have the ability to work collectively. I used to be so, so honored and flattered. We’ve got additionally promised to work collectively on different tasks if we are able to.Seungmin: Concerning the recording course of, we truly recorded our components first after which despatched over our recordings to Tiger JK, who then proceeded to fill in his components. Tiger JK stored telling us how superb we’re, however actually it felt so unreal to have the ability to simply stand subsequent to him. I bear in mind we stored looking at him in awe, particularly when he was appearing and filming his scenes.
“TOPLINE” is a metaphor that compares our ambitions with a “topline,” illustrating the message that we’re those who cleared the path. It was such a valuable expertise to have the ability to movie our with Tiger JK as a result of he’s such an enormous, superb artist we’ve at all times regarded as much as. I believe that is what makes this observe shine even brighter!
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“DLC”
Picture Credit score: Ssam Kim Lyrics by: Changbin, Restart
Music by: Changbin, Restart
Organized by: Changbin, Restart
Changbin: “DLC” is about how we should always simply overlook about all these petty, distracting ideas and worries and simply dance like loopy. Once I made this tune, I envisioned folks listening to and immersing themselves within the tune, dancing and hanging out collectively. The repetitive hook leaves a long-lasting impression, and the robust brass, moombahton rhythm carry the observe’s power and rhythm to life.
Whereas the observe will certainly make you dance, if you happen to look deeper into the lyrics you’ll discover that the lyrics are also quite unhappy. We tried our greatest as an instance these emotions after we had been recording. “DLC” is certainly an acronym, however as a substitute of making a brand new phrase, we thought shortening “dance like loopy” to DLC because the title would go well with higher.
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“GET LIT”
Lyrics by: HAN
Music by: HAN, Restart, Chae
Organized by: Restart, Chae
HAN: “GET LIT” is about how everybody ought to pour their every little thing into one thing whereas listening to this tune. What’s notable concerning the observe is its addictive hook; it truly didn’t take that lengthy to make. It solely took us three hours to file, add harmonies, and finalize the observe—this exhibits how catchy the observe is and the way a lot it had been ringing in our ears. The lyrics had been additionally what I’ve at all times needed to strive, which made the lyric writing course of a breeze. I bear in mind how excited the members regarded after we had been recording for this observe.
Felix: This tune has many behind-the-scenes [stories]! Recording “GET LIT” was not solely enjoyable, however the “UNVEIL : TRACK” video additionally turned out to be hype and introduced loads of power to the room. I consider this will probably be a really good and hype tune to maintain STAY energized.
HAN: What’s completely different about “GET LIT” from my [previously written] songs is that once I made “GET LIT” I used to be always interested by how I didn’t need it to be melodical and lyrical, and that I needed some type of efficiency to go along with it. The style can also be completely different. I actually assume I ended up making “GET LIT” as a result of on the time, I felt like I needed to pour my all into one thing.
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“Collision”
Lyrics by: HAN
Music by: HAN, Millionboy
Organized by: Millionboy
HAN: This tune compares like to the collision of two planets; two burning planets dealing with one another are pulling in direction of one another at a raging velocity, solely to crash and explode, leaving the remaining extra components to drift round in area. That is the concept obtained me began on this observe as a result of I assumed that this picture considerably mirrored the start and finish of a relationship. Normally, once I’m in control of directing recording classes, quite than sticking to the information model I deal with bringing out every member’s distinctive qualities, that means that even when it seems completely different from the information we often find yourself going with it. However this wasn’t the case for this observe, as a result of I had particular particulars I needed to execute in thoughts—this would possibly’ve burdened the members however fortunately everybody was very cooperative. The cooperation is what elevated the standard of the observe.
I.N: This observe truly required loads of vocal vibrato abilities so we tried our greatest to carry out the vibrato when recording, which was undoubtedly a problem, however loads of enjoyable.
HAN: One thing that has modified from my earlier releases could be the diversification of genres. Actually, I’ve written loads of minimalistic tracks, however as a result of “GET LIT” was the primary time I’ve written a observe that goes with performances, I did really feel loads of strain. However, I had loads of enjoyable through the manufacturing course of. I’d say I’ve grown my very own manufacturing methodology.
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“FNF”
Lyrics by: Bang Chan, Felix
Music by: Bang Chan, Felix, Trippy
Organized by: Bang Chan, Felix, Trippy
Bang Chan: The tune’s message is concerning the extreme bushfires that occurred in Australia, which is house to distinctive natural world. We alluded the lyrics to shedding a liked one, grieving their presence and displaying that we’ll always remember what has been misplaced. The writing course of is completely different for each tune however with “FNF” I made the tune first, then rearranged the construction, then requested Felix to jot down his emotions for the lyrics.
Felix: “FNF” has loads of double that means as a result of we relate to folks and STAY by means of lyrics, and needed to speak concerning the bushfire incidents that occurred in our house, Australia. Even to this present day there are numerous bushfires so we needed to unfold the message and specific how we really feel. It’s been some time since I wrote and composed for tune, so whereas it was a bit nerve wracking it was additionally enjoyable to expertise the method for the primary time in such a very long time.
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“Youtiful”
Lyrics by: Bang Chan
Music by: Bang Chan, Nickko Younger
Organized by: Nickko Younger
Seungmin: This heartwarming tune delivers the message of how everybody is gorgeous and superb simply the best way they’re! I hope STAY hearken to this every time they’re feeling down, in order that this tune may help enhance their shallowness. All of our members sang in English, so I’m optimistic that our message will be capable to attain STAY from all all over the world!
Bang Chan: I assume you possibly can name “Youtiful” a really heartwarming tune. Hoping that the message may give power to the listeners, the lyrics are primarily based on the nice and cozy phrases and phrases that we obtained. We needed to indicate that it’s additionally meant for STAYs and everybody else on this planet. English is my native language, so I assume it did carry out my honest feelings. English can also be the common language, so I hoped that the message of the tune would attain out to everybody on the market. But additionally wordplay is fairly vital for Stray Children, ever for the reason that begin we’ve created distinctive titles as a result of we consider that it brings a bit of extra impression and makes the tune a bit of extra memorable.
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“THE SOUND (Korean Model)”
Lyrics by: 3RACHA
Music by: 3RACHA, Zack Djurich, Kyle Reynolds, Chris LaRocca
Organized by: Bang Chan, Zack Djurich, Kyle Reynolds, Chris LaRocca
Hyunjin: This was truly our Japanese album’s title observe so many STAY love this tune, and we determined so as to add it to our Korean album as nicely! I consider the powerfulness that this observe emits actually fits Stray Children nicely.
Lee Know: This tune was one which we initially recorded in Japanese so fortunately we had been already accustomed to the melody and circulation of the observe—which undoubtedly helped velocity up the recording course of! As a result of STAY had been wanting ahead to this model, and since it’s such a strong observe, we actually needed so as to add it to this album.
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“Mixtape : Time Out”
Picture Credit score: JYP Leisure Lyrics by: 3RACHA
Music by: 3RACHA, Versachoi, Jun2
Organized by: Bang Chan, Versachoi, Jun2
Changbin: We made this observe in reminiscence of all of the joyful moments we spent collectively throughout our summer season journey to Gangwon-do. Similar to the title “Time Out,” we expressed the message “throw away all of your worries far, distant and journey with us together with the tender breeze” by means of the refreshing rock style.
I.N: 3RACHA wrote this observe after being impressed by our group journey. That’s why if you happen to pay attention carefully, you possibly can hear sounds of us laughing—these sounds had been taken from video clips we filmed throughout our journey. The sounds of us laughing have change into a part of the music! STAY, please give our new album tons and plenty of love. We will probably be displaying you a lot sides of us so please stay up for every little thing!
Seungmin: 5-STAR comprises so many superb songs. We’re so able to be again, so please stay up for what we have now in retailer. We may even strive our greatest to indicate solely our greatest!