5-Star (Stray Kids album)

5-Star (Korean: ★★★★★; RR: Seuta Paibeu; stylized as 5-STAR) is the third Korean studio album (and fifth overall) by the South Korean boy band Stray Kids. It was released on June 2, 2023, through JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. The album was primarily written and produced by 3Racha, the group's in-house production unit consisting of members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han.

Background and Release

Following the success of their previous extended plays, Oddinary (2022) and Maxident (2022), Stray Kids announced 5-Star on April 28, 2023, along with a release date and a trailer. The album marked the group's return to a full-length studio release in South Korea after over two years, following Noeasy (2021). Leading up to its release, the group unveiled a series of concept photos, videos, and teasers, building anticipation for the project. The album was released in multiple physical editions, alongside digital and streaming formats.

Music and Themes

5-Star features twelve tracks, including the lead single "S-Class" (Korean: 특). The album continues Stray Kids' signature sound, blending K-pop, hip-hop, EDM, and rock elements, characterized by energetic production and powerful vocal and rap performances. Lyrically, the album explores themes of self-confidence, ambition, uniqueness, and the group's distinctive identity. It reflects on their journey and status, delivering messages of strength and determination. The track "S-Class" exemplifies this, with its bold declaration of the group's exceptional quality and unconventional charm.

Commercial Performance

Upon its release, 5-Star achieved significant commercial success, setting new records for Stray Kids and the K-pop industry. The album debuted at number one on South Korea's Circle Album Chart, selling over 4.6 million copies in its first week, becoming the first album in K-pop history to surpass 4 million first-week sales. It later became the first K-pop album to sell over 5 million copies in South Korea.

Internationally, 5-Star also performed exceptionally well. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, marking Stray Kids' third consecutive album to top the chart, following Oddinary and Maxident. This made Stray Kids the first K-pop act to achieve three number-one albums on the Billboard 200. The album also charted in numerous other countries, reaching the top ten in territories such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

Critical Reception

5-Star generally received positive reviews from music critics. Many praised the album's experimental nature, diverse sound, and the group's consistent involvement in its production. Critics highlighted the powerful and dynamic lead single "S-Class" as a standout track, appreciating its intricate sound design and energetic delivery. The album was lauded for showcasing Stray Kids' growth as artists and their ability to continuously evolve their musical style while staying true to their core identity.

Track Listing