OOOOOOO we’re baaaaack! I’ve been missing being in my Stay era/mode. l loved 5-STAR and “Collision” is not only my favorite song from that album, it’s become one of my favorite SKZ b-sides and songs in general. I listen to it so much. I cannot praise “Collision” enough. But “LALALALA” and ROCK-STAR weren’t really it for me.
So there was a lot riding on ATE for me. I mean, it wasn’t like I was gonna drop Stray Kids, but I think they would have fallen a bit on my faves list. And if there’s one thing I always look forward to with SKZ is the album roll out. The visuals this era alone made me want to get a physical copy.
And we know I am not immune to the dark brown/black hair Hyunjin agenda. So even if I only had one song I liked this era, I won. I’ll link the concept images here. But these are easily some of my favorite Stray Kids concepts. Mostly the more rock aesthetic ones. The ones with the cactus are a little lackluster to me set design wise. I love the styling going on there. Felix looks amazing in all of them. Lee Know’s kitchen photoshoot, pun intended, is chef’s kiss. Adore everthing going on there.
I really enjoy a concept where everyone looks their best. Like, the clothing and hair that really suits them is showcase to enhance their visuals. Things are working in everyone’s favor here, and I’m here for it. I keep scrolling back through and looking intently at each photo, and I think this is some of the best styling the group has had. I think we’re past the giving a random member some ugly outfit just because. Everyone looks so stunning. I’m so happy.
I.N’s bob and auburn hair is something I didn’t know I needed in my life. He’s killin it. I’m thinking back to my DKB article, where I was talking about the members having “natural” hair colors. It’s okay to have the “boring” hair every once in a while. Not everyone needs to have neon color hair every comeback. And I think this time around, too, it really gives the accessories a chance to shine. Because as soon as I stop looking at their hair and face I start noticing the rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.
Clothing wise, they kept it simple too. A few trendy pieces here and there. But I think the simplicity here as also why these concepts work so well. They look incredibly editorial, which are my favorite types of photos and album concepts. Okay, let’s get into the music!
“Mountains” is our album opener, and it immediately had me craving a SKZ concert. It’s so grand sounding, but I know it’s even better live. I’m also a sucker for a Changbin yelling moment. And we get that with the repetition of “mountains, mountains” in the chorus. I can already image my light stick bobbing up and down in rhythm to this song. The ‘whoas’ and ‘ohhs’ are my other highlights in “Mountains”.
The girl, the moment, one of the soty right here!!! When they released the teaser with Lee Know’s vocals in the chorus and center, I knew it’d be a banger. And the choreography!! Man, they did it again!!!
The trailer teaser did kind of piss me off because of how short but catchy it was. “Chk Chk Boom” is one of those songs you know most of the lyrics for after your first listen.
And that’s one of my favorite things about most SKZ titles. They’re blockbuster tracks. They make use of the attention grabbing, boom a title track should be. You want people to check out the rest of the album. But you have to get their attention first, and Stray Kids is excellent at doing that.
I love the inclusion of Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in the video of “Chk Chk Boom”. Perfect timing. We love a good promo cycle and the multi-marketing going on here. Also, Chan’s feet all up on the news station desk at the end of the video is taking me out. I.N looking bored and Changbin trying not to laugh, there’s so much to unpack here. Felix’s silver hair is sooo pretty on him. I forgot Changbin had purple hair for a bit. I like it on him.
Han just standing there looking hot as hell. I really like his and Seungmin’s loose stands of hair hanging like that. I love that trend that’s going on too right now in Kpop. They just all look so good.
I also love the color pallet going on in that end scene as well. Them matching Ryan’s Deadpool suit? Genius. The last like 3 SKZ videos have been them causing chaos in the city, but they’ve been keeping it entertaining each time.
“JJAM” is fine. Idk how many more of these food related songs I can take, lol. I do like they brought back that winding string sound like in “Venom”. But that’s about it on this track. I like “I Like It” more. Another catchy, fun track. A bit more pop-y this time with a mix of drill. At this point in ATE it’s like every OTHER song I saved. It’s a short song, but I’m glad they didn’t drag it out another 30 seconds with filler.
The beat to “Runners” is everything, but lyrically I’m disinterested. The piano and cafe, jazzy vibes in “twilight” is wonderful. Easy addition to my rainy day playlist. I love when SKZ make music like this. I was wondering when they’d make a song called “Stray Kids”. I do like it, but it’s not one I visit a lot on the album. I usually just skipped to the festival version of “Chk Chk Boom” which is the last song on the album, officially.
They really lean into that PinkPantheress, Power Puff Girl beat in this album. I like it. I like the continued use of Drill. This album really feels like a continuation of the same direction they’ve been going in since like 2022, but with a few new aspects to it. But it still feels very SKZ.
There’s more consistency and familiarity going on with this album. I think that’s why I enjoy it so much. It’s not one of my top albums of the year, but it’s enough food for me to still get excited about a SKZ release. And that’s really all I wanted out of ATE, which they did 💁🏾♀️.
But I’m curious, what did y’all think of this album? If you aren’t a STAY (I’m so inconsistent with all caps on fandom names, I’m sorry, lol) did this album or “Chk Chk Boom” change your mind? If you are a STAY or a causal, what are your fave tracks? Tell me everything in the comments!
This is the last of my early-mid summer catch up albums. Next will be J by Jaehyun and some other recent releases. It feels nice to be almost caught up. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for blog updates and Kpop memes and other general nonsense. I’ll see ya next article!
Take care,
Ash💫
This SKOO version is too short, I need more. Okay, I’m done for real, lool.
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