Stray Kids Rings In The New Year With ‘SKZ 2021’

Fourth-generation K-pop powerhouse Stray Kids concludes the year on a high note with the release of their surprise album SKZ 2021.

Led by the Korean version of their Japanese record “Scars”, the latest album celebrates the octet’s sui generis discography with re-recorded versions of their previous work. The 14-track project houses some of their most popular B-side tracks such “Awaken,” “Third Eye,” “ROCK” as well as tracks from their mixtape projects. 

Originally released on October 6th, 2021, “Scars” is a delightful addition to Stray Kids’ unconventionally illustrious discography. Written 3RACHA (the group’s production trio comprising members Bang Chan, Han and Changbin) and co-composed alongside Armadillo, the track is a modern ballad with added tempo, giving it a fresh EDM finish. With themes ranging from perseverance and ambition to determination, the track’s unique composition gives the overarching message a motivational spin: “All these scars are somehow like a tattoo/ I’ll bare it all/ I’ll show it all and/ Even the days I want to throw away/ I won’t avoid it, no matter what happens/ I don’t care, let go, even if I collapse, even if I collapse.”

It can also be viewed as a reflective body of work, documenting the group’s growth over the years. With this angle in mind, the ‘scars’ align themselves to battle scars at a significant level, keeping the track raw and honest. While Stray Kids is self-aware of the scars and their effects, the group understands its value and is willing to bear more in order to grow as artists. 

2021 has been a thunderous year for the group. With the record-breaking success of their second studio album Noeasy, the South Korean octet stepped on the pedal, amplifying their global dominance. They kept their momentum going with the release of their first-ever holiday record Christmas EveL on November 29th. 

Stream SKZ 2021 below.