Stray Kids’ fourth studio album, KARMA, brims with inventive turns and unexpected delights.
Once again steered by 3RACHA—Bang Chan, Changbin and HAN—the collection builds on the distinct sound they’ve honed since GO LIVE (2020), NOEASY (2021) and 5-STAR (2023). Yet on KARMA, the group achieves a rare sense of cohesion, elevating their production and storytelling to new heights.
Encompassing eleven tracks—including “CEREMONY” in both Festival and English editions—the album traverses genres from trap-infused beats to synth-driven house. Through it all, the central motif shines clearly: transforming adverse fate into triumph. As the members explain in the [INTRO “KARMA”] podcast video, each song embodies their belief in turning negative karma into something uplifting.
Notably, KARMA features a record number of English lyrics and compositions tailored for live performance. Most songs hover around the three-minute mark—a deliberate contrast to the lengthier arrangements on their prior EP ATE—underscoring their intent to deliver potent, concise statements.
Remarkably, every track bears 3RACHA’s production stamp despite the group’s relentless schedule: last November’s Japanese album GIANT and an eleven-month world tour dominATE that spanned 54 shows in 34 cities and 27 stadiums from August 2024 to July 2025. Their ability to juggle global performances and studio sessions speaks volumes about their work ethic and creative drive.
Now in their eighth year, Stray Kids show no signs of slowing down. Riding the momentum of their massive tour, they distilled that energy into KARMA, an album that celebrates their journey while reaffirming faith in their identity. The result: a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 chart dated September 6, marking their seventh chart-topping arrival.
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“BLEEP”
Opening with a hard-hitting boom-bap beat, “BLEEP” delivers Stray Kids’ trademark defiance. The clever hook—“Rumors, bleep / Boomers, bleep / Crisis, bleep / Hardship, bleep”—turns outside noise into an anthem of resilience. Changbin’s thunderous verse, interplay of Seungmin and I.N’s vocals, and Lee Know and HAN’s smooth rap-sing transitions make this track an exhilarating introduction.
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“0801”
Built on a heartbeat-like pulse and warm harmonies, “0801” is a tender ode to STAYs—Stray Kids’ devoted fanbase. Unique in its structure, the song flips the usual K-pop formula by leading with English verses before Korean, lending it broad pop appeal. Live, the refrain “I’ll STAY forever, oh I’ll STAY here” is destined to move audiences to tears.
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“Phoenix”
Despite its majestic name, “Phoenix” bursts forth as an energetic EDM track. Inspired by Avicii’s uplifting style, its bright future-house riffs and euphoric drops position it among Stray Kids’ boldest electronic experiments to date.
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“MESS”
Fusing crisp guitar lines with heavy hip-hop beats, “MESS” captures post-breakup turmoil through HAN’s emotive production. Although streamlined from its original length, the track retains its raw vulnerability, making one eager to hear its live rendition.
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“CREED”
With scratch-like effects ushering in its dark, trap-laden atmosphere, “CREED” exudes solemn power. Resonant soundscapes and commanding bars from Hyunjin, Felix and Changbin ground the album’s core message of self-belief and resolve.
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“Ghost”
Juxtaposing a buoyant beat with lyrics about emptiness, “Ghost” rewards repeated listens. Layered synths, organ textures and Felix’s deep vocals reveal subtle details that underscore Stray Kids’ signature dynamism.
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“Half Time”
Evoking the spirit of a halftime rally, this track channels competitive energy through shifting pitches and chant-style vocals. I.N’s “Uno, dos, tres, quatro” and the group’s anthemic chorus punctuate the album’s midpoint with determination and flair.
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“In My Head”
Infused with pop-rock guitar riffs and drums, “In My Head” nods to early 2000s pop-punk while showcasing Stray Kids’ versatility. Its instantly memorable chorus promises to ignite arenas when performed live.
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“CEREMONY”
Bridging Brazilian funk grooves with trap-laden drops, “CEREMONY” celebrates success with playful chants of “Hip-Hip (Hooray)”—a wink to the group’s Australian members. Its spacious chorus contrasts the band’s typical high-octane style, while Changbin’s bold rap—“We’re moving forward with maximum power”—seals its triumphant spirit.
