In the tapestry of lights that adorns the beautiful cityscape of Seoul, something twinkles amidst the stunning night view of the Han River. Eight men appear, accompanied by the sound of a whistle, creating an impressive formation as they break into song. They stand tall on a rugged structure erected in the middle of the Han River, with one member's bright pink hair billowing as he shouts, "An oddball, that's me..." This is the striking return of the group Stray Kids, with their unique and special new single, "S-Class".

After an eight-month hiatus, Stray Kids released their 3rd full album '5-STAR' on June 2. Unlike their previous works that centered on love songs, the title track "S-Class" has a distinct Stray Kids' color. At first glance, it might seem complex, but it possesses an odd addictiveness reminiscent of their past hits such as "God's Menu" and "Maniac". While blending various genres, the song also adds a novel element. The producing unit 3RACHA, responsible for the song's production, aimed to clearly portray Stray Kids' identity and existence through the track. In the process of contemplating their uniqueness and specialness, an unusual song structure and witty lyrics were born.

"S-Class" serves as a declaration of Stray Kids' eccentricity. As noted in the track's introduction, they describe it as a song that encapsulates their "unique newness and challenge," expressing a message that "among the odd ones, we are the most unique, and among the special ones, we shine the most." The song's progression is indeed eccentric. Starting with Changbin's powerful rap, it flows into Hyunjin's vocals layered over a minimalist beat. Then, a melodic bass line is added with inventive sound effects. An engaging melody is occasionally disrupted by old-school hip-hop reminiscent raps, and a powerful chorus chanting "odd and odd and odd," dominates the track.

The strength of "S-Class" lies in its harmonious amalgamation of various genres. Pop music critic Kim Do-hun described Stray Kids' new album as a "deliberately crafted K-pop blockbuster," a product of the members' passionate performance, spectacular production, and mature growth.

Just as peculiar as the song is its performance. The choreography, which visualizes a star, is magnificent in its uncommon sequence of movements, strangely matching the song. The members' bustling movements for 3 minutes and 15 seconds enhance the song's flamboyance rather than causing a sense of chaos. In the album introduction video uploaded on their official YouTube channel, member Lee Know mentioned, "When you look at the song and performance separately, they may seem weird, but when put together, they fit perfectly, and that's what completes the Stray Kids' vibe."

The music video, shot in various locations in Seoul, prominently features familiar Korean elements, further enhancing the global appeal of Stray Kids' unique performance. Noteworthy is the freshest scene where the members dance on a structure set up in the middle of the Han River using a large crane.

Stray Kids is a group that does what they want and walks the path they choose. As they declared in their debut song "Broken Compass," they prefer wandering without seeking a definitive answer, just like their lyrics: "I won't go where everyone follows / My compass seems broken in their eyes but it moves as I want...." This chosen identity has been consistently maintained from their wandering days to the present where they've turned heads with their unique style and charm.

The new album '5-STAR' takes listeners on an unprecedented journey through Stray Kids' musical landscape. It features 11 tracks, including the title track "S-Class," all of which have been penned, composed, and produced by the members themselves. Each song boasts a distinct style, showcasing the versatility and depth of the group's musical prowess. From the throbbing beat of "Go Wild" to the reflective ballad "Eclipse," Stray Kids demonstrates a mastery of various genres, contributing to the album's diverse and engaging soundscape.

The album, upon its release, immediately attracted widespread acclaim both locally and globally. Fans appreciated the innovative and heartfelt approach Stray Kids adopted in their music, resulting in '5-STAR' topping several global charts. Notably, the album clinched the No.1 spot on the Billboard World Albums Chart, making it their second album to achieve such a feat. It also performed well on various Korean music charts, solidifying Stray Kids' position in the K-pop industry.

Moreover, '5-STAR' marked a significant milestone in the group's career, as it was their first full-length album to surpass a million sales within the first week of its release, according to Hanteo Chart. This achievement is a testament to the growing popularity and influence of Stray Kids globally.

The music video for "S-Class" also garnered immense attention. The video's stunning visuals and vibrant choreography captured the essence of the song while highlighting the members' distinctive individual charms. Within 24 hours of its release, the music video exceeded 10 million views on YouTube, further emphasizing Stray Kids' global influence.

Stray Kids' return with '5-STAR' and "S-Class" not only solidifies their identity as a self-producing idol group but also underscores their commitment to pushing boundaries and innovating within the K-pop genre. Their constant efforts to explore new musical avenues while staying true to their unique style set them apart in the ever-evolving world of music.

The lyrics of "S-Class" encapsulate Stray Kids' attitude towards their journey in the music industry: "We're odd and special, and that's what makes us shine the brightest." This mindset not only resonates with their fans but also captures the essence of their unconventional musical journey. Their unique newness, challenge, and distinctiveness are well-represented in '5-STAR,' making it a milestone album in their career.

With their latest album, Stray Kids continues to break boundaries and redefine their music, creating a distinct sound that resonates with their fans worldwide. As they continue on their unique journey, one can only anticipate what they will bring to the global music scene in the future.

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