Writer: Bagmita Gogoi (Tinsukia, Assam, India)

Editor: Prachi Vaid (New Delhi, India)

Traversing through the Megaverse, the fourth-generation Rock-Stars of K-pop, Stray Kids, brought forth yet another jaw-dropping, mind-boggling, soul-crushing, and visually enticing album to end the year 2023 on a high note (literally).

The lead single “Lalalala”, from their album Rock-Star, is indeed one that would rock you off your feet. Initially intended to have been included in the group’s third studio album, 5-Star, as a B-side track, the song “Lalalala” was strategically removed and replaced. It was written as a title track, but the members thought “S-Class” was a better fit for 5-Star. 

The song “Lalalala” was presumed to be worthy of performing on stage, as it had the potential to depict Stray Kids’ dynamic strength and energy; the song has an aura that can dominate the stage, and it has an indulgent flow. It was Changbin’s call to do so, and indeed, it is safe to say now that it proved to be a wise decision.

Stray Kids and their Wordplay

The song’s Korean title, “락 (樂)” (pronounced rak, meaning “pleasure”), is a wordplay with “rock.” The song tells a story about children experiencing a range of emotions, including happiness, anger, sorrow, and joy, before a performance. Ultimately, they overcome all their apprehensions, enabling them to put on a successful show.

Stray Kids chose the rock genre to express their diverse emotions. Through this song, they have attempted to lend meaning to those emotions, blending them with a unique Stray Kids flavour, and describing the essence that although one may feel differing emotions in life, we hope that the ultimate emotion we choose is that of ‘pleasure.’ 

Life is alluded to as a wild, rock-and-roll concert where you are supposed to follow only one rule, which is to have an absolute blast! The song aims to paint a vivid picture of a carefree attitude, where the listeners are urged to kick back, toss their worries out the window, and gleefully embrace the sheer joy of existence.

3RACHA, comprising Bangchan, Han, and Changbin, the in-house production unit of the group, carefully crafted the lyrics, wherein life is likened to a beehive—chaotic, buzzing, and full of surprises. Also, it directs us that even if we can’t possibly try and escape the “stings” of life’s challenges, we are supposed to face them head-on, belt-tightened and geared up, and keep on grooving without a pause.

The world is presented as a stage, and it is set with guitars, bass, and drums—symbols of the eclectic mix that life throws our way. The essence here is all about turning up the volume, shouting into the mic of life, and savouring the melody of existence. The song “Lalalala” proves to be an anthem for shaking off unnecessary formalities, unleashing our inner rockstar, and transforming ourselves into stunners on life’s grand stage, where we are the performers—the main characters.

As much as it is fun-filled and exciting, the song also sets up to be in revolt against any limitations or fears. To let yourself feel the rhythm of the world and indulge in the cosmic mysteries, let it rock you, and let luck be your dance partner in this dance battle called life. The invitation is clear: lose yourself in the tune of life until you go crazy with joy, drowning out the negativity that feeds and encapsulates our minds. 

Visuals and Thematic Elements

Directed by Bang Jae-yeob, the visuals very skillfully depict a clash of internal anguish and emotions, and pleasure ultimately takes the trophy in the end. 

The music video vividly depicts powerful yet distinct emotions. Vibrant dancers personify joy, which assumes a different version in clown masks that resemble The Joker from The Dark Knight, alluding to the impermanence of bliss. 

For the emotion of anger, the scene transforms into a dynamic energy, incorporating krump dancers with makeup that exudes fury. The incorporation of a huge ship in the set, with dancers both above and below, adds a dramatic element, making the performers feel like captains amidst a sea of emotions.

Anxiety, in the form of a giant, only diminishes as the children concentrate on their performance, leaving only joy in their minds. To add maximum impact, the set build-up emphasized the size difference between the performers and the giant, indicating how big our fears seem to be. 

In the song’s presentation of ‘joy,’ the energetic atmosphere is heightened by a carefully curated ensemble of performers, including dancers, stunt performers, a giant, drums, a marching band, and an orchestra. The art director played a pivotal role by meticulously conceptualizing the emotions through a visually appealing setup. 

The performance is intense in all its forms, right from the first beat. The final chorus is the cherry on top and all the more energetic. They had an entourage of performers, wherein drone shots were taken to capture the grappling visuals. As Hyunjin rightly said, you can go crazy with this song, and he wasn’t bluffing. 

The camera directions are handheld, and drone shots are used; all in all, it is very well-choreographed, and the camera is one with the choreography. Amazing direction! The incredible pyrotechnics, VFX, and CGI, and a wonderful implementation of transitions. A multitude of atmospheric elements are employed, including underwater bubbles and ashes that flow and blow around, creating depth and tangibility within the scenes.

Contrast creates focus, and that is what they have used to their advantage. Throughout the video, they create tension and subdued darkness, and when the beat drops, the craziness is turned up to maximise satisfaction. 

The final dance break, marked by intense and powerful choreography, brings forth the culmination of emotions. The performance resultantly becomes a symphony of emotions, a testament to the artistry and meticulous planning that went into its creation.

The kids on stage are also representing Stray Kids themselves. Over the years, they too have come across many apprehensions and fears; they too have struggled to get out of those situations, and now this song is a visual representation of those trials and tribulations, where in the end they have overcome it all, urging not to give up. 

“Lalalala” became the group’s first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 90, the first top ten on the Billboard Global 200, and it peaked at number six on the Circle Digital Chart.

So, in the spirit of Stray Kids’ Lalalala, tighten that imaginary guitar strap, toss your worries into the crowd, and join the 24/7 rock-and-roll party that is life, because in this concert, the show never stops. We, ourselves, are the headlining act!

What’s your all-time favourite Stray Kids song? Tell us in the comments!