Stray Kids returns on Friday with an eight-track EP titled “THIS & THAT,” at 1:00 PM KST, showcasing the group’s signature ability to shift between genres while keeping their unique identity intact. This release follows last year’s mixtape “DO IT,” which made Stray Kids the first musical act to debut eight consecutive releases at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Album Details
At a press event in Seoul on Thursday, just one day before the album’s release, all eight members appeared in coordinated suits to discuss the album’s creation and share behind-the-scenes stories. “It has been so long since our last comeback that every part of the schedule feels exciting,” Changbin said. “We had concerts in Seoul last month, and I hope we can bring that same energy to this album.” He further added, “This time we tried something different, a bit more relaxed and chill. “Just like the title, we wanted to show our confidence in being good at this and that.”
He explained that the group purposely left out the rougher parts that used to define their older music. “We removed some of the unusual, rougher sounds to make the song easier to listen to,” he said. “The hook came together quickly, and we kept humming it while practicing the dance. All members liked it, so we’re confident about it. “All eight songs were written and produced by 3RACHA, the group’s in-house team made up of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han.
Han said they made sure not to repeat themselves on this new album. “We could easily stick to what worked before,” he said. “Instead, we choose a new path every time because that keeps it fun. It’s tough and full of surprises, but we learn a lot. If nothing ever changed, we would get bored ourselves.” Stray Kids just kicked off their new world tour, ‘Stray Kids World Tour ‘RUN IT,’ with five packed shows at Seoul’s KSPO Dome. Now, just days later, they are returning with a brand new album.
“When asked what the group wants to achieve with this new album, Seungmin explained that sales and charts do not come first. ‘When we work on a new project, we don’t aim for specific goals,’ he said. ‘Instead, we focus on showing our fans that we put our all into it. And I just hope these songs reach as many people as possible.'”
Official tracklist for Stray Kids’ EP THIS & THAT:
- RUN IT—3:29
- This & That (Title Track) — 3:05
- After You — 2:52
- FARMING — 2:31
- I Do — 2:53
- Way Out — 2:54
- Back Then — 3:45
- This & That (Festival Version) — 3:42
1. RUN IT
“RUN IT” opens the album with an ambitious, energetic sound combining pop and alternative hip-hop. The song uses powerful brass, marching drums, and world-beat rhythms to create an anthemic atmosphere.
2. This & That
The title track delivers a chill and cool hip-hop sound with a groovy rhythm and catchy melody. Its lyrics embrace freedom of choice and the confidence to pursue different possibilities.
3. After You
“After You” is a progressive house track about the overwhelming emotions of falling in love at first sight. A nostalgic guitar riff and energetic drop help portray the gradual change in emotions that occurs after meeting someone special.
4. FARMING
“‘FARMING’ compares the process of constantly working and building success to farming in video games. Driven by heavy drums and fun synths, the track has a cool hip-hop vibe, and its bouncy chorus keeps it playful while driving home the message of always working toward your goals.”
5. I Do
“I Do” is a rock track built around a simple but powerful rhythm and an energetic, catchy hook. The song encourages listeners to sing along and find strength together, making it one of the most fun and easy-to-enjoy tracks on the album.
6. Way Out
“Way Out” takes a more restrained approach with its acoustic hip-hop production and retro-inspired guitar riff. The song is about the quiet feelings left after a relationship fades.
7. Back Then (그날)
Back Then (그날) brings a nostalgic late-summer vibe to the album. Driven by a live band sound and sweet melody, it captures true love and special memories, while its repeating chants pull you right back into a warm.
8. This & That (Festival Version)
The final track is a ‘Festival Version’ of the title song. It keeps the original’s cool vibe while cranking up the energy, making it extra lively and built to get everyone moving to the beat.
Fans Review
While many STAYs across social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit have praised THIS & THAT for showcasing 3RACHA’s impressive musical growth, refreshing versatility, and the emotional resonance of tracks like Back Then. Some critics argue that the group essentially releases the same kind of track year after year, claiming their core production style has grown stale and repetitive even when they try out a more relaxed sound.
I just finished the whole entire album. I’ve been a fan for the past four years, and I would like to say this is probably one of my favorites.
This comeback is absolute perfection! The vibe, the flow, their style—everything hits so hard! Stray Kids never ever misses! This is a total masterpiece!
Listen to one strayKidz song and you’ve automatically listened to all of their songs.
It’s all the same pattern
They have to be tired of making the same type of songs… but this is good. just nothing different.