[This review reflects the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of allkpop.]

Track List:

1. VENOM

2. MANIAC

3. Charmer

4. FREEZE

5. Lonely St.

6. Waiting For Us (Bang Chan, Lee Know, Seungmin, I.N)

7. Muddy Water (Changbin, Hyunjin, HAN, Felix)

It's a lucky number "8" for Stray Kids! Their 8th mini-album, Oddinary, boasts seven new songs for STAY worldwide to enjoy. Beginning with the explosive and trap-infused hip hop song, "VENOM," the members prove that they are not here to play around. This opener is sinister and strong, a powerful entrance to their latest comeback.

Stray Kids' chosen title, "MANIAC," has an addicting rhythm. Without a doubt, the song's focal point is Felix's insane delivery on the chorus, as it gives the song dimension with its somewhat evil feeling. There's an array of talent displayed from each member- whether through singing or rapping- the emotion is right. "MANIC" may be one of Stray Kids' best comebacks to date. 

This undertone of a slightly sinister feeling is continued with "Charmer." Embedded with a flute that mimics that of a 'snake charmer,' this song employs a classic hip-hop approach with a slower tempo. The benefit of the slower tempo allows for a variety of deliveries from the members- the song's strongest point.  

"FREEZE" takes the first aggressive approach to a song on the tracklist. Opting for a much higher energy and speed, "FREEZE" uses trap sensibilities to create an EDM-style progression. Classic to Stray Kids' frenetic signature sound, "FREEZE," is the song that I was expecting to hear on this release.

"Lonely St." hits me like whiplash. After such 'dark' songs, this song's somewhat uplifting feel and guitar backing gave it an odd 2000s pop-punk or pop-rock feel. Not my favorite song on this release by any means.

The last two songs are subunit tracks: "Waiting For Us" by Bang Chan, Lee Know, Seungmin, and I.N. and "Muddy Water" by Changbin, Hyunjin, HAN, and Felix. "Waiting For Us" is a meaningful ballad that's laden with complicated feelings. At times, Stray Kids songs are heavy in delivery, and less so in refinement- but "Waiting For Us" highlights the group does have the uncanny and inarguable ability to sing and sing well at that. 

A piano instrumental leads you into believing that you may be face-to-face with another ballad on "Muddy Water," yet this takes a turn as a heavy-hitting '90s inspired hip-hop track fills your ears. The group offers a classic approach to a cypher- a relatively tame way to end what started off as an explosive album.

MV REVIEW

Stray Kids is seen all across town in their MV for "MANIAC." With a slurry of special effects, this MV echoes the sinister sound of the title song. The choreography is stark and creates a feeling of insanity that goes along with the lyricism of "MANIAC." Covered in streetwear, the group performs throughout the MV in a cool, bad boy style that suits the group well. Though the MV concludes with a less than maniacal ending, we can't help but click the repeat button on this.

MV SCORE:

MV Relevance…..7

MV Production…..8

MV Concept……..7

MV Score: 7.33

ALBUM SCORE:

Album Production…...8

Album Concept……...9

Tracklisting…………...8

Album Score: 8.33

Overall: 7.83