released: June 5, 2021
recorded: 2020-2021
genre: hip hop, kpop, r&b
number of songs: 6
length: 25:49
language: Korean, English
label: Labyrinth Hub, JYP Entertainment
Track 1: Searching For
3:42
Composed by: 3Racha & Leon
Lyrics by: Stray Kids
Produced by: 3Racha & Leon
This serves as the main track of the series. As it revolves around searching for something. The boys ask themselves repeatedly along the way about what is it even they are searching for? They seem to be running around in circles and encountering the same problems. So they vow to find a way out as it might be the answer. But they will soon come to know that it is false. What they are searching for instead is a way that correlates with their past that has finally caught up.
"Running in circles.
Digging our own grave.
What are we looking for?
We keep on
Searching for
Searching for
Nothing."
The producers of the show already confirmed that this OST would have its own music video once the series is over.
Track 2: This Chapter
3:08
Composed by: Bang Chan (3Racha), Han (3Racha)
Lyrics by: Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N.
Produced by: 3Racha
The song is performed by the maknae line of Stray Kids. It focuses on the thin line between their lives before and now. They dare say how it seems like nothing changed but they soon regret their words. The world has moved and they tried not to drift with it but going against the current doesn't stop the next page from turning.
In the song the younger members portray the frustration of not knowing what phase of life they are at. All they know is a page turned but they don't know what part of the story of their lives they are in.
"Who dared to turn the page?
With the same characters yet I swore we all changed.
I'm trying to take hold of the story but I can't
So anyone please just tell me
What is this chapter we're stuck in?"
It was also revealed that the one to lead in the lyric writing of the song was Hyunjin. He then came forward to Han and with this, the maknae line worked together in bringing life to the song.
Track 3: Take Me Home?
4:03
Composed by: Leon, Soyeon, Woozi, Changbin (3Racha)
Lyrics by: Leon, Woozi, Felix, Ash
Produced by: Leon, Soyeon, Woozi
The song revolves around the concept of being an ideal person. Specifically an ideal son and ideal boyfriend. The song is closely intertwined with all of the individual stories of the boys. Wherein they are found to be perfect in someone else's eyes.
They are flattered and honored to be viewed like this. But there is a weight on their shoulders because how they view themselves is far from this. Yet they try hard to be the person that people are proud to take home and introduce to their parents. Going through the facade that made them stuck in their pasts. Not overcoming their fears.
"Got my heart on my sleeve
with a smile on my face.
The man to meet the parents,
won't make no mistake.
I'm ready as you are.
Take me home?"
It initially had the title of "Boyfriend Material," but as they started writing the second verse it didn't fit. As the song revolved around being the ideal person and not limited to being the ideal boyfriend.
To all the fans out there, after a poll found within the series, this song is one of the choices to have its own music video. If it does push through, the leader of Stray Kids spoiled, that people would see the dapper and gentleman side of Stray Kids on screen.
Track 4: Guess What?
2:57
Composed by: 3Racha
Lyrics by: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Hyunjin, I.N.
Produced by: 3Racha
Perfectly weaved in the story, this is a song catered on the experience of unrevealing secrets. Especially of those you thought you knew the most. If taken notice, only two members of the group weren't included in the performance proper.
Guess, what? is one of the most energizing songs among the OSTs. It echoes the sound of misunderstanding and the broken hearts it can lead to. It focuses on that adrenaline high after being free or having fought against something. But in the end, there bridge would give justice to the sudden hit of sadness.
Although if looked in another manner, this song is also linked with youth being astray. It revolved around the promises older generations made. Or older individuals that youth are said to have to live up to. But the youth soon discover that the older generations aren't perfect as well. But the youth aren't hating on them but calling them out on also allowing the younger ones to make their own mistakes.
"Guess what?
We know so much more than what you told
the half truths your lips tried to fold
But oh no!
Guess what?"
Although not performing in the song, Bang Chan wrote it initially first. It was after the table reading and the Labyrinth Hub opened up about the intense scene in the story. This had prompted the leader to producing.
Track 5: Isn't It Easier?
3:24
Composed by: Changbin (3Racha), Leon, Woozi
Lyrics by: Chungha, Sana, Bang Chan (3Racha), Leon, Woozi
Produced by: Leon, Woozi
This track tells somewhat the other side of track number four. This tells of a secret, a part of the past, of two people. This songs asks the question on what was easier. Was it easier to just rekindle a past relationship. Or is the relationship they currently have with the boys easier?
The songs pulls heartstrings as it shows the things people sometimes have to consider in a relationship. It also prompts the boys to soon speak about past flames. Past flames that are either reignited or kept in the past.
"Holding your hand, once upon a summer.
I keep on asking, isn't it easier?
Your eyes that I broke to tears, hardest thing I've done.
But darling listen, isn't it easier?
To stay and hold on. Or to let go and live.
Isn't it easier?"
Leon was the one to initially have the lyrics of the song. He had written it nearly four years ago until it was put to use. The only reason it was taken out of his notebook is because of an inspiration hunt, he and Woozi did to write more songs.
Track 6: Hold Me Back
4:32
Composed by: 3Racha, Leon, Woozi
Lyrics by: 3Racha, Lee Know, Leon
Produced by: 3Racha, Leon, Woozi
Hold Me Back focuses on the positive side of so called restraint. It is the people who love others the most who could tell others off. Who could ground them. So the hyung line decided to have their hand on this song. They made it so that they could show the maknaes why they sometimes have to play the "older" card. It is not to be greater or more deserving but rather because they care so much and know a few things that could help.
It also focuses on how the maknaes are important to their hyungs. The maknaes are the reason why they also choose to be responsible. But at times they do loose their own hold, they get hurt. So they don't want the younger boys to do the same. So they are teaching them self restraint.
"Hold me back
or the sight won't be pretty.
Hold me back
can't control myself already."
The songs appears right after a fight scene wherein the hyungs were involved. This led to the maknaes finding out and facing their fears to help their hyungs.
Track 7: What We Have
4:03
Composed by: 3Racha, Leon
Lyrics by: Stray Kids
Produced by: Leon
This song is the ending song that also expresses the gratitude of the boys. Their gratitude to finding their way, gratitude in overcoming their past, and gratitude to each other. Not just gratitude but love.
It focuses on how being lost and finding the way doesn't have to be scary. It doesn't because there are people in your life who love you so much that they'd stay. They aren't promising they won't change but they'll be there despite all the changes.
So for the nine boys who are very much in love with one another, what they have is them. Something they see as the blessing in their lives that make them even more bountiful.
"I forget what we lost.
I forget all the don't.
Because what we have is more than what I asked for
What we have is more than what they see.
What we have
Whatever this may be to them
What we have is ours."
But wait---there's more.
Labyrinth Hub announced that the songs in the mini album aren't the only songs for the series. In fact, there would be other artists also who would contribute. Not only that but each member would have their own solo song!
So everyone be on the lookout for June 5, 2021!
*the author took time to edit these photos as best as they can, also as a songwriter the author dedicated much of their personal concept in the writing here so hope everyone enjoys and please no copying thanks! - Aid
*update: I'm currently editing chapters and have changed my "signature" at the end of each chapter so---forgive me for the notifications hehe - Aid (25/01/2021)