I don’t always write about Stray Kids’ follow-up singles because they tend to release so many music videos for songs that otherwise go un-promoted. However, this is very slow period for K-pop due to the Paris Olympics pre-empting music shows, so I might as well make an exception for Mountains.
Mountains opens the group’s newest album and reignites sounds they haven’t touched in awhile. The song delivers an anthemic stomp, inviting listeners to clap along with thundering percussion and distorted production. This energy hearkens back to the rock-influenced energy of their debut but struggles to find an equally commanding hook. On first listen, the “mountains, mountains” chorus feels a little silly and slight, but I find it more enjoyable as the song goes on. A more melodic approach would better contrast the rap-heavy verses, but the delivery is confident enough to work and a strong post-chorus adds a welcome sense of heft.
More than anything, Mountains‘ immense instrumental carries the song. It’s a bit We Will Rock You mixed with Imagine Dragons, but not as annoying as that description suggests. Stray Kids excel when going big, and Mountains feels tailor made for stadium performances.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8.25