Since their Japanese debut in 2020, Stray Kids have amassed a rather large J-pop discography. JYP Entertainment has always been good at keeping multiple markets fed, and Stray Kids’ self-producing status ensures a certain level of continuity between their multi-language catalogs. New single Hollow hails from their upcoming third Japanese mini album and sees them taking on a more melodic approach.
It’s tough with Stray Kids because I often find myself wishing they’d lean more into melody and dispatch with the (often gimmicky) shout-chanting that characterizes many of their tracks. Yet, when they do opt for something softer like Hollow, the melodies rarely hit with me. Hollow has a somewhat colorless palette, fusing gritty synth to a mid-tempo beat that feels plodding despite moments of liftoff. Each element, from the instrumental to the vocals, is smothered by this hazy bed of filters that drains character from the track. This makes it hard for any individual piece to break through and fully capture attention.
Production aside, Hollow is quite workmanlike in its approach. Everything about it is relentlessly fine, from the requisite rap verse to the cycling structure of the chorus. However, it all feels flat to me. It’s like a placeholder single — something the group was contractually obligated to deliver with no real passion or flair behind it.
Hooks
7
Production
7
Longevity
7
Bias
7
RATING
7