STAYC Breaks the STEREOTYPE in New Album
The STAYC girls are back again! In their second comeback of 2021, STAYC returns with their first mini-album STEREOTYPE, featuring a title track of the same name, five months after the insanely popular track “ASAP.” The girls’ “teen fresh” concept for this comeback has taken a slightly mature route by promoting social messages throughout the album’s tracks.
"STEREOTYPE"
“STEREOTYPE” is more than just the next addictive song to add to your K-Pop playlist! According to their online media showcase for the song’s release, Seeun revealed that the track was given to them over two years ago while they were still trainees, and before the lineup of STAYC had been finalized; however, there were some changes made in order to make it what it is today. The song’s sole message is about breaking free of the prejudice and stereotypes that they face, wanting to be seen as they truly are on the inside instead of being judged by their outward appearance alone.
Written by Black Eyed Pilseung and Jeon goon, the song has a diverse mix of soft ballad pop and electronic-pop, featuring fun synths and an upbeat tempo that maximizes STAYC’s energy and refreshing vocals. At the beginning of the track, we hear Sieun start by saying, “There’s something to tell you, do you want me to share with you,” before transitioning to J saying STAYC’s signature phrase, “STAYC girls, it’s going down,” at the beginning of the track—a phrase that is certain to stick around for the sextet’s future title tracks. In the lyrics, there are lines like “Don’t look with your tinted glasses on,” and “Don’t judge me with your prejudiced eyes,” that go hand-in-hand in promoting the message not to judge someone based on their outer appearance or stereotype. It’s an important message in general that everyone in our world should remember.
In STAYC’s music video, there are many details that stand out, in particular the visuals and fashion! From schoolgirl uniforms, flowy gowns, and cheerleading outfits, the girls wear attractive and eye-catching attire in addition to reversal/twist eye makeup to express a flashy yet innocent side in the video. The aegyo aesthetic that STAYC and their stylists have created in this video showcases a bubbly yet mature side of the sextet for this concept.
You can tell that the girls are enjoying themselves with their adorable friendship and chemistry shown in scenes together, portraying them as classmates and friends supporting one another. After the song’s bridge, Isa is seen in a pink dress singing the chorus, where her isolated vocals and beauty will give you goosebumps. Aside from this jaw-dropping moment, you can’t forget the comedic moments in this video, especially when Yoon throws a basketball into a hoop, where it turns into an abnormally large pink bunny plushie. In terms of the choreography, STAYC has once again found a way to create a cute and addictive dance that SWITH are certain to learn for STAYC’s TikTok challenge of the track. Overall, these girls exude confidence and energy in each comeback, remaining true to their refreshing “teen fresh” concepts!
B-Sides
In "I'll BE THERE," the track begins with a soft guitar playing in the back, before hearing melancholic vocals in what’s certain to be a sad song. Based on the lyrics, this song is about waiting for a love that’s long gone and still living in a reality that no longer exists. They’ve been warned to forget about their ex-lover and stop living in the past, but it appears they don’t want to let them go. The lyrics in the bridge describing their true pain when they’re alone will make you shed a tear, especially if you connect this track with your own memories of a past relationship. “I’ll BE THERE” is a nice change of pace from sweet pop songs because it expresses the raw and bittersweet feelings of waiting for someone that no longer wants you. This soft ballad is one B-side that you won’t forget about.
"SLOW DOWN" is a track that expresses wanting love to come naturally even if the feelings are mutual, preventing things from going too fast. The upbeat tropical sounds give the track a playful vibe because of the message it contains about love. With lyrics like “Honestly, I like you a little bit, but let’s slow it down a little bit,” and “I secretly don’t hesitate either, but let’s not rush it,” only further confirm wanting this love, but reminding them that they want to enjoy it without being in a hurry. It’s certain to have you reminisce on a love that left you feeling the same way STAYC describes in their lyrics.
STEREOTYPE ends with "COMPLEX," which has a similar sentiment to “I’ll BE THERE.” With acoustic instrumentation starting the track, the sound elicits another feeling of a complicated love or their “complex.” The lyrics describe reminiscing about a past lover who never leaves their mind, preventing them from being happy and finding someone new. But then there are lines like “You’re never coming back, not coming back no matter what,” and “At that time I’ll be done thinking about you,” that are used to remind themselves of the reality that they won’t be back and they have to move on, even if it’s complicated. Aside from the song, hearing the impressive high notes from Sieun’s ad-libs in the final chorus will leave you in awe of her talent and the range that STAYC has overall.
With tracks that have meaningful social messages, STAYC’s success comes from honesty and words of wisdom we all need to hear to remind ourselves who we are in this world. For those who’ve watched STAYC’s beautiful growth and range as rookies since their “SO BAD” era, it must feel so enriching and heartwarming to watch these girls gain popularity and get the love they truly deserve. SWITHs can stream STAYC’s new mini-album on Spotify or YouTube Music and make sure to follow their official TikTok account to see who participates in the #StereotypeChallenge with them in the coming days!