Celebrating my 18th birthday, my family and I played “Guess the Song.” My sister, knowing I am a fan of Stray Kids, started playing some of their songs, which I recognized almost immediately. However, my curiosity was piqued when I heard a song I didn’t recognize. When I checked the description and release date, my jaw dropped. “GIANT” had been posted only seven hours before it appeared in my recommended videos. To my surprise, it wasn’t just a single but an entire album titled “GIANT.” This discovery felt like an unexpected birthday gift that I eagerly unwrapped.
I brushed off my guilt for not knowing they were releasing another album and explored “GIANT.” The album consists of seven new songs, two of which are translated into English—a rare move for a K-pop group. In just half an hour, I finished listening—and I was not disappointed. Each song was catchy, creatively written, and expertly produced.
My favorite track is “Falling Up.” The lyrics—”I shed my blood, sweat, and tears; head to the top; I give it my all; I got no slump”—convey a powerful, relatable message. The song’s impressive vocals enhance rather than overpower its hip-hop rhythm.
Another standout song is “Christmas Love.” Although it’s a holiday-themed track, it stands out from other seasonal songs. Its major key gives it a bright, uplifting feel. “Christmas Love” gets me into the holiday spirit even more than Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” While that may seem like an exaggeration, the song emphasizes that Christmas is about spreading joy and love. Both tracks share a similar message, but “Christmas Love” delivers it with a softer, yet equally cheerful, tone.
“GIANT” deviates from the norm by being performed in Japanese rather than Korean. It’s uncommon for K-pop groups to sing in Japanese, especially Stray Kids, who are not fluent in the language. One of the reasons I admire Stray Kids is their dedication to their craft. Every song is meticulously constructed with engaging lyrics and compelling melodies. I also enjoy searching for deeper meanings in music, which is something that initially drew me to K-pop.
Stray Kids are undoubtedly giants in the K-pop industry, yet “GIANT” explores their struggle with sometimes feeling otherwise. The pre-chorus of the title track states: “They call us ‘God of Gods,’ To use our powers that we hold, For their own desires, watch them explode, I’m known as a giant No no no, I am but I deny it, We’ve got places to go, we’ve got places to flow I am not satisfied, I want more.” Despite their success, the group conveys a relentless drive to improve and reach new heights. The album reinforces a recurring theme in Stray Kids’ music—pushing oneself to achieve greater goals.
My only critique of “GIANT” is that its themes of ambition and relentless self-improvement may be hard for some listeners to relate to. Everyday people are not seen as giants or gold medalists, making it harder to connect with that perspective.
If you’re new to Stray Kids or K-pop, “GIANT” might not be the best introduction, as it’s entirely in Japanese. Instead, I recommend starting with their “Oddinary” album and listening to the English versions of “Falling Up” and “NIGHT” as a gateway into their music style. Overall, “GIANT” is yet another testament to Stray Kids’ talent and artistry. For me, it was the perfect birthday gift.
