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Oddinary
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Oddinary
A green head with screws as Frankenstein, covered its eyes by the EP's logo "ODDINARY", with the black background and purple beam
Digital cover
EP by
ReleasedMarch 18, 2022
Studio
  • JYPE (Seoul)
  • Channie's "Room" (Seoul)
Genre
Length22:03
Language
  • Korean
  • English
Label
Producer
Stray Kids chronology
SKZ2021
(2021)
Oddinary
(2022)
Circus
(2022)
Singles from Oddinary
  1. "Maniac"
    Released: March 18, 2022

Oddinary is the sixth extended play and ninth overall recorded by South Korean boy band Stray Kids. It was released on March 18, 2022, through JYP Entertainment and Republic Records, seven months after the band's second studio album Noeasy (2021). The EP is Stray Kids' first release on Republic Records, which they signed in February 2022. A blend of "odd" and "ordinary", Oddinary represents "all of us who have something odd about ourselves" and the concept "odd things will soon become ordinary".

Material on the EP was primarily written and produced by 3Racha, an in-house production team of Stray Kids and other members; other producers on Oddinary include Versachoi, DallasK, Trippy, Jun2, Nickko Young, and Millionboy, with whom most of the group has previously worked. It consists of seven tracks, of which "Maniac" serves as lead single, and includes various musical genres such as hip-hop, trap, EDM, and rock. Upon its release, the EP received positive reviews from music critics. To promote Oddinary, Stray Kids embarked on their second concert tour, Maniac World Tour, which commenced in late April 2022.

Oddinary peaked at number one on the album charts in South Korea, Finland, Poland, and the United States; and entered the top 10 in Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Hungary, Japan, Lithuania, Sweden, and Switzerland. It marked Stray Kids' first appearance on the US Billboard 200 and the UK Official Albums Chart, among others. The EP has sold over 1.7 million copies, becoming the group's second million-selling album after Noeasy, and was certified million by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA). According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Oddinary was the fourteenth best-selling album worldwide in 2022.

Background

[edit]

Stray Kids uploaded the video "Step Out 2022" via their social media on January 1, 2022; the video outlined the group's accomplishments in 2021 and plans for the new year, which included releasing two albums.[1] On February 10, it was announced the group had signed an exclusive contract with Republic Records for promotions in the United States.[2][3] The group held their second fan meeting at Olympic Hall on February 12 and 13, the second day of which was webcast as a paid livestream via Beyond Live.[4] At the end of the event, Stray Kids premiered a comeback trailer for their upcoming EP Oddinary, which was scheduled for release on March 18. The trailer was later uploaded on their social media accounts.[5] According to band member Bang Chan: "With the title Oddinary, we want to bring the message that everyone has their own odd in them, and that's totally ordinary".[6]

The EP's title, Oddinary, is a portmanteau of two words: "odd" and "ordinary". It represents "all of us who are ordinary also have odd sides" and the idea that "odd things will soon become ordinary".[7] In a StarNews interview on March 4, Stray Kids said the EP would show their "potential energy", be "crazy" in the meaning of "extraordinary", and show a "new side".[8] Their label JYP Entertainment stated the group "will solidify its presence and continue its surge in popularity through the extraordinary music, concept, and performance of the new well-made release".[9]

Music and lyrics

[edit]

Oddinary is twenty-two minutes and three seconds long, and consists of seven tracks[10] in various musical genres including hip-hop, trap, EDM, and rock.[11] All of the tracks were mainly produced and written by Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, who worked as the in-house production team under the moniker 3Racha. Other members also participated in writing the tracks; Lee Know, Seungmin, and I.N co-wrote "Waiting for Us" while Hyunjin and Felix co-wrote "Muddy Water". Other songwriter-producers Versachoi, DallasK, Trippy, Jun2, Nickko Young, and Millionboy, most of whom the group has worked with previous records, also co-wrote songs for the release.[10]

In an online press conference to promote Oddinary, Changbin stated the EP has added relaxation, composure, and moderation more than the previous release, which focused on explosive energy, while according to Bang Chan: "We wanted to tell that the part of you which can seem odd and strange to people around you can serve as a special factor that can make you cooler and more gorgeous".[12][13] In the introduction video Intro "Oddinary", leader Bang Chan said every song on the EP blends into the main theme of Oddinary.[14]

Songs

[edit]
Lyrically, "Maniac" compares "odd" people to Frankenstein (pictured).

Oddinary opens with the trap hip-hop[11] track "Venom", which suggests the impossibility of escaping someone's fatal charm, metaphorized as a spider, its web, and venom.[15] It is followed by "Maniac", a trap[16] electropop[17] song whose bass-synth drop,[18] bird-chirping,[18] and power drill sound[17] tell the story of "odd " people who break the society's social norms and expectations,[19] comparing them with Frankenstein's monster.[16] The third track "Charmer" is a hip-hop[20] song that includes a snake-charmer-like flute sound[11] that is inspired by the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin;[21] it is about self-confidence, which can charm others.[18] According to critics, "Maniac" and "Charmer" are influenced by Middle Eastern music.[18][11] "Freeze", the fourth track, is a riddim,[17] dubstep,[11][21] and EDM[21] song that is influenced by hip-hop beats[19] and expresses the intention to overcome a problem, the excitement of breaking free, and the pursuit of dreams.[18] The song was compared with the game freeze tag.[17]

The fifth track "Lonely St." is a rock[22] song that describes loneliness and feeling lost,[23] and the inner narrative of youths; it includes imagery of a person walking along an abandoned street.[20] It is characterized by "rough" and "delicate" vocals;[22] makes much use of Auto-Tune;[11] and includes hand-claps, light grunge guitar,[18] and trap beats.[20] "Waiting for Us", the sixth track, is sung by Bang Chan, Lee Know, Seungmin, and I.N., and is described as a "heartfelt", soulful,[20] soft rock,[18] and indie rock[20] ballad[21] that talks about missing someone who promises to wait indefinitely for them.[17][21] Oddinary concludes with Changbin's, Hyunjin's, Han's, and Felix's "Muddy Water", a jazzy[18] '90s hip-hop,[11] boom bap,[21] and old-school[11][18] that discusses actions that reject contemporary societal values.[21]

Release and promotion

[edit]
A scene in the trailer, where Felix enters the "ORDINARY" building, before changing to "ODDINARY".

On February 13, 2022, Stray Kids premiered a video trailer for their upcoming EP Oddinary at the end of a fan meeting at SKZ's Chocolate Factory.[5] On February 28, the trailer was uploaded to the band's social media accounts.[7] Directed by Kwon Yong-soo,[24] The video depicts band member Felix holding a padlock, boarding a bus, and entering a building with the neon sign "ORDINARY", which suddenly changes to read "ODDINARY". He meets the other members, who attempt to corner him. The trailer shows Hyunjin whispering in Felix's left ear, followed by the caption "Do you want to be ODDINARY?" and a series of ellipses. Hyunjin pushes Felix from the window before jumping after him, and breaking and unlocking the padlock. At the end, Felix, wearing a different outfit, walks to stand with the other members, showing his left eye turning green.[5][25][26][7]

Pre-orders for Oddinary began on the same day as the trailer release,[27] coming in three editions on CD—a limited Frankenstein version and two standard versions, Scanning and Mask Off,[28] including the Target exclusive versions[29] alongside a pre-save on Apple Music and Spotify.[30] The complete track listing of the EP was posted on March 3, confirming "Maniac" as the lead single.[10] Concept teaser images were uploaded on social media in three sets from March 4–5, 7–8, and 11–12. The first set depicts the band members in black clothes standing in front of a radiograph or shadow of a head with screws.[31][32] The second shows the members wearing black-and-white costumes with a black mannequin and metal detectors.[33][34] In the third, the members wear colorful outfits with exploding firecrackers and cracked, smiling, emoticon props in the background.[35][36]

Stray Kids teased the tracks via excerpt videos titled "Unveil: Track" for "Venom" on March 6,[37] "Lonely St." on March 10,[22] and "Freeze" on March 13,[19] and as well as a mashup video that revealed the other tracks on March 14.[38] Three music-video teasers for "Maniac" were released on March 15–17.[39][40][41] Before the release, they uploaded the 20-minute documentary video Intro "Oddinary"[42] and held an online press conference.[12][13] Oddinary was released on March 18, in conjunction with an accompanying music video for "Maniac", at retail stores, and on digital music and streaming platforms.[43][44][16] It was the band's first release on Republic Records after signing with label in February 2022.[45] In addition to the lead single, the music videos for "Venom", "Lonely St.", and "Freeze" were released on March 23, 27, and 28, respectively,[15][46][47] Individual-member-cover jewel case versions of Oddinary were released on March 28.[48]

Stray Kids began promoting Oddinary with the debut performance of "Maniac" at KBS2's Music Bank,[49] and CBS's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on March 18, the same date as the release.[50] However, on that day, JYP Entertainment announced that subsequent promotions had been postponed due to most members, except Felix and I.N, testing positive for COVID-19.[51] On March 26, the label announced that Stray Kids would continue promoting at the music shows beginning at Show Champion on March 30,[52][53] including M Countdown,[54][55] Music Bank,[56][57] Inkigayo,[58][59] and Show! Music Core.[60] The group also performed "Maniac" at Virtual Gayo Top 10 on March 25,[61] and MTV Fresh Out Live on April 1.[62]

In support of Oddinary, Stray Kids announced their second concert tour, titled "Maniac", on March 7, 2022, while teasing the EP. The 42-show tour opened with shows from April 29 to May 1 at Jamsil Indoor Stadium, Seoul, South Korea,[63] and traveled to Japan, the United States, and the Asia Pacific region. It was the group's first concert tour in two years since their first tour, District 9: Unlock.[64][65] In this tour, besides "Maniac", Stray Kids performed all of Oddinary for the first time,[66] except "Freeze", which was first performed at 37th Golden Disc Awards on January 7, 2023,[67] and later included on the setlist on March 22, 2023, at Atlanta show of the tour.[68]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[69]
NMEStarStarStarStar[18]

Upon its release, Oddinary received positive reviews from music critics. Rolling Stone India's Divyansha Dongre described it as a "powerful" EP and wrote of the group's "commitment towards re-defining their style and artistic growth".[16] Tamar Herman from South China Morning Post said the EP "has gathered a lot of buzz".[70] Nandini Iyengar of Bollywood Hungama praised Stray Kids for "proving their musical capabilities" and using everyday words more meaningfully on the EP.[20] Writing for NME, Tássia Assis gave the EP four stars out of five, noting the EP reflectes Stray Kids' "extraordinary passion, wit, and growth", and praised it as an "elegant step forward for a group who, hopefully, will never get tired of raising questions".[18]

Crystal Bell from Teen Vogue said of Oddinary: "The nature of that essence can best be described by the meaning of ODDINARY itself ... so why not embrace the things that made you different? It's the same principle that's been guiding Stray Kids from the very beginning, and it's why so many have fallen under their spell. They're not about to compromise now."[11] AllMusic reviewer Neil Z. Young gave the EP four stars out of five, stating the EP encapsulates the band's many sides; showcases their "aggressive blend of dance-friendly electronic and hip-hop"; and offers "hard-hitting anthems, earnest R&B-inspired vocal harmonies, and proof of rap prowess on the mike".[69] According to Idology's writer Yemi, the EP "shows the skill that naturally appears according to the [band's] career"; Yani also said it "has not deviated too much from the previous releases in terms of sound and theme consciousness" because it "present[s] something 'neatly organized', which is a virtue that is far from the team's previous appearance".[71]

Accolades

[edit]

Billboard listed Oddinary as one of the 50 best albums of 2022 at that time. According to the magazine's J. Lipshutz, the EP "mixes pop hooks, rap cadences and dance tempos in a manner familiar to mainstream K-pop, but each song lands with a dazzling intensity".[72] Oddinary was also included in unranked lists of the best K-pop albums of 2022 by Nylon,[73] Uproxx,[74]. Some of the EP's b-sides also appeared on year-end best lists of several publications; "Charmer" was named one of the best K-pop songs of 2022 by Mashable (1),[75] MTV (9),[76] BuzzFeed,[77] and Teen Vogue,[78] and while "Muddy Water" appeared at number 11 on Paper's list of the best K-pop b-sides of the year.[79]

List of awards and nominations received by Oddinary
Ceremony Year Category Result Ref.
Asia Artist Awards 2022 Album of the Year (Daesang)[A] Won [80]
Circle Chart Music Awards 2023 Artist of the Year – Album Category (2nd Quarter) Nominated [81]

Commercial performance

[edit]

On March 17, 2022, the day before its release, it was reported Oddinary had sold 1.3 million copies in pre-orders, surpassing the 930,000 pre-orders of Noeasy and setting a new record as JYP Entertainment's most pre-ordered album.[82] According to Hanteo Chart, the EP sold 855,021 copies in its first week.[83] In South Korea, Oddinary debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart on the issue date of March 13–19,[84] selling 1,546,907 as of March.[85] making it Stray Kids' best-selling album and second million-selling album after Noeasy.[86] Additionally, all seven of the album's tracks simultaneously entered the top 30 of the Gaon Download Chart.[87] Oddinary received a "million" certification from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) on May 12, 2022.[88][86]

In the United States, Oddinary debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 on the issue dated April 4, 2022, becoming Stray Kids' first album to appear on the chart, and the third Korean act to top the chart after BTS and SuperM.[89] Of the 110,000 album-equivalent units sold in its first week, 103,000 were pure sales with all but 2,500 of those being physical copies, and 10.09 million were on-demand streams; at the time it was the biggest sales week for an album in the US in 2022.[45] The EP also peaked at number one the Top Album Sales,[45] Top Current Album Sales, and World Albums charts,[90] and remained there on the latter chart for six consecutive weeks.[91] The debut of Oddinary resulted in Stray Kids re-entering Billboard's Artist 100 at number one for the first time, becoming the fourth Korean act to top it since BTS, Blackpink, and SuperM.[92] Four of the EP's tracks entered the World Digital Song Sales, including "Maniac", which peaked at number one on that chart.[93][90]

Oddinary also appeared for the first time on several other national album charts; the Canadian Albums Chart at number 20,[90] the Czech ČNS IFPI Albums Top 100 at number 87,[94] the Italian FIMI Albums Chart at number 48,[95] the New Zealand Official Top 40 Albums at number 33,[96] the Swedish Sverigetopplistan Weekly Album at number 5,[97] and the UK Official Albums Chart at number 95.[98][83] It topped the Official Finnish Albums Chart, and the Polish OLiS Chart for the first time.[99][100] Oddinary also charted in Australia (92),[101] Austria (11),[102] Belgium in both Flanders (5)[103] and Wallonia (5),[104] Croatia (2),[105] Denmark (3),[106] Germany (43),[107] Hungary (2),[108] Japan on both Oricon (4),[109] and Billboard Japan (20),[110] Lithuania (3),[111] the Netherlands (12),[112] Spain (48),[113] and Switzerland (10).[114] On February 24, 2023, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) reported that Oddinary was the fourteenth best-selling album in 2022, alongside the October EP Maxident, which was sixth.[115]

Track listing

[edit]
Oddinary track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Venom" (거미줄)
  • Bang Chan (3Racha)
  • Changbin (3Racha)
  • Han (3Racha)
  • DallasK
  • Bang Chan
3:15
2."Maniac"
  • Bang Chan
  • Changbin
  • Han
  • Bang Chan
  • Changbin
  • Han
  • Versachoi
  • Versachoi
  • Bang Chan
3:02
3."Charmer"
  • Bang Chan
  • Changbin
  • Han
  • Bang Chan
  • Changbin
  • Han
  • Versachoi
Versachoi3:08
4."Freeze" ()
  • Bang Chan
  • Changbin
  • Han
  • Bang Chan
  • Changbin
  • Han
  • Trippy
  • Trippy
  • Bang Chan
2:58
5."Lonely St."
  • Bang Chan
  • Changbin
  • Bang Chan
  • Changbin
  • Jun2
  • Jun2
  • Bang Chan
2:44
6."Waiting for Us" (피어난다; Bang Chan, Lee Know, Seungmin, I.N)
  • Bang Chan
  • Lee Know
  • Seungmin
  • I.N
  • Bang Chan
  • Lee Know
  • Seungmin
  • I.N
  • Nickko Young
  • Nickko Young
  • Bang Chan
3:39
7."Muddy Water" (Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix)
  • Changbin
  • Hyunjin
  • Han
  • Felix
  • Changbin
  • Hyunjin
  • Han
  • Felix
  • Millionboy
  • Millionboy
  • Bang Chan
3:17
Total length:22:03

Notes

Translation of track titles in Korean:

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the EP's liner notes.[116]

Musicians

  • Stray Kids
    • Bang Chan (3Racha) – vocals (except 7), lyrics (except 7), composition (except 7), arrangement (except 3), all instruments (1, 7), computer programming (4, 5)
    • Changbin (3Racha) – vocals (except 6), lyrics (except 6), composition (except 6)
    • Han (3Racha) – vocals (except 6), lyrics (except 5, 6), composition (except 5, 6)
    • Lee Know – vocals (except 7), lyrics (6), composition (6)
    • Hyunjin – vocals (except 6), lyrics (7), composition (7)
    • Felix – vocals (except 6), lyrics (7), composition (7)
    • Seungmin – vocals (except 7), lyrics (6), composition (6)
    • I.N – vocals (except 7), lyrics (6), composition (6)
  • DallasK – composition (1), arrangement (1)
  • Versachoi – composition (2, 3), arrangement (2, 3), all instruments (2, 3)
  • Trippy – composition (4), arrangement (4), synthesizer (4), drum (4), bass (4), computer programming (4)
  • Jun2 – composition (5), arrangement (5), computer programming (5)
  • Nickko Young – composition (6), arrangement (6), guitar (5, 6), drum (6)
  • Kim Hong-seo – bass (6)
  • Millionboy – composition (7), arrangement (7), all instruments (7)

Technical

  • Lee Kyeong-won – digital editing (except 5,7)
  • Bang Chan (3Racha) – digital editing (2, 3, 5, 7), recording (2, 3, 6, 7)
  • Goo Hye-jin – recording (except 6,7)
  • Lee Sang-yeop – recording (4)
  • Lim Hong-jin – mixing (1, 7)
  • Manny Marroquin – mixing (2)
  • Yoon Won-kwon – mixing (3, 4)
  • Shin Bong-won – mixing (5)
  • Lee Tae-sub – mixing (6)
  • Chris Galland – mix engineering (2)
  • Ramiro Fernandez-Seoane – mix engineering assistant (2)
  • Kwon Nam-woo – mastering (except 2)
  • Dave Kutch – mastering (2)

Locations

  • JYP Publishing (KOMCA) – original publishing (all), sub-publishing (1)
  • Prescription Songs (ASCAP) – original publishing (1)
  • Copyright Control – original publishing (6)
  • AMRA – sub-publishing (1)
  • JYPE Studios – recording (except 6, 7), mixing (1, 6, 7)
  • Channie's "Room" – recording (1, 6, 7)
  • Larrabee Studios – mixing (2)
  • Studio DDeepKick – mixing (3, 4)
  • Glab Studios – mixing (5)
  • 821 Sound Mastering – mastering (except 2)
  • The Mastering Palace – mastering (2)

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications and sales figures for Oddinary
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan
Physical
63,447[137]
Japan
Digital
1,017[138]
South Korea (KMCA)[140] 2× Million 2,143,839[139]
United States 204,000[141]

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for Oddinary
Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
Various March 18, 2022 Digital [142]
United States CD
  • Limited
  • standard
[143]
South Korea JYP [144]
March 28, 2022 Jewel case [48]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Oddinary is the sixth mini album by the South Korean boy band Stray Kids, released on March 18, 2022, by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. The album's title is a portmanteau of the words "odd" and "ordinary", encapsulating the concept of transforming peculiarities into everyday norms and celebrating nonconformity. It consists of seven tracks, including album tracks "Venom" and "Muddy Water", all produced by the group's in-house production team 3Racha, with the hip-hop-infused "MANIAC" serving as the lead single. The album was promoted through a concept trailer and music video for "MANIAC" that highlighted a horror-thriller aesthetic. Critically, Oddinary received positive reviews for its bold sound and thematic depth, with NME praising its "infectiously strange and delightfully wholesome" tracks that blend trap, rock, and electronic elements. Commercially, it marked a breakthrough for Stray Kids, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with 110,000 equivalent album units in its first week—the largest sales week for any album in 2022 up to that point—and becoming their first entry on the chart. In South Korea, Oddinary sold 853,021 copies in its debut week according to Hanteo Chart data, securing seventh place among the highest first-week sales for any boy group in the chart's history, and over 204,000 physical copies in the United States, ranking fifth on the year's best-selling CDs list. The album contributed to Stray Kids surpassing one million sales, following their earlier achievement with Noeasy.

Background and Development

Concept and Inspiration

The album title Oddinary is a portmanteau of "odd" and "ordinary," devised to encapsulate the idea that what society deems unusual or imperfect can become normalized and celebrated. Bang Chan, a key member of the group's production unit 3Racha, explained that the name reflects how "regular people like us all have something odd about ourselves," promoting a message of where "what's odd will soon be normal." This concept draws from ' ongoing desire to challenge conventional norms by embracing their distinctive, often intense style, which originated from their "negative" debut imagery and resonates with their fanbase, STAY, who support the group's unfiltered authenticity. The inspiration for Oddinary stemmed from the group's intent to highlight the "extraordinary within the ordinary," encouraging listeners to find value in personal quirks and imperfections rather than conforming to expectations. Unlike prior releases, Oddinary emphasizes positivity while retaining bold experimentation to redefine normalcy. This thematic vision was developed as a direct follow-up to Noeasy, with 3Racha—comprising Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han—leading the ideation to push creative boundaries and amplify the group's signature intensity. Development of Oddinary was announced on , 2022, via an initial trailer, followed by the main concept trailer on February 28, which vividly illustrated the "oddinary" adventure through cinematic of transformation from mundane to extraordinary. These teasers set the tone for the album's release on March 18, 2022, emphasizing visual and elements that underscore embracing uniqueness. This approach marks an evolution in , building on their self-produced ethos to further integrate personal with innovative soundscapes.

Recording and Production

The recording of Oddinary took place primarily at JYP Entertainment's studios in in late 2021 and early 2022, following the group's previous album NOEASY released in August 2021. This timeline reflected the intense pace of ' activities, as the group balanced promotions, touring preparations, and creative work under tight schedules following their earlier release. The production process emphasized the group's in-house capabilities, with the sub-unit 3Racha—comprising Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han—leading the self-production efforts, handling composition, arrangement, and overall direction for the majority of tracks. Additional contributions came from external producers, including the duo HotSauce on several songs such as "" and "Muddy Water," blending the group's vision with outside expertise. Key production elements incorporated live instrumentation, such as guitars and drums, alongside digital effects to create dynamic layers, particularly in tracks featuring trap beats and rock influences that underscored the album's energetic sound. For instance, rock elements were prominent in songs like "Lonely St.," evoking a raw, live-band feel, while trap rhythms drove the title track "Maniac" with heavy bass and electronic distortions. All eight members took on multi-role tasks, contributing to writing, composing, and performing; vocal line members like Seungmin and I.N co-wrote unit track "Waiting for Us," while rap line handled for "Muddy Water," demonstrating their hands-on involvement despite the demanding schedule. Challenges arose from the compressed timeline post-NOEASY promotions, which included global performances and fan events, leaving limited rest for the members as they juggled production duties. Bang Chan noted in interviews that the group often worked late nights in the studio, producing dozens of demo tracks to refine the album's cohesive yet experimental vibe, with 3Racha overseeing revisions to ensure balance between explosive energy and controlled elements. This multi-faceted approach not only highlighted their versatility but also allowed them to maintain creative control amid the pressures of rapid successive releases.

Music and Lyrics

Genre and Style

Oddinary is primarily characterized by a fusion of hip-hop, trap, and EDM elements, incorporating rock and pop influences to create a dynamic . The blends aggressive rhythms with melodic hooks, often described as a "sonic collage" that juxtaposes high-energy drops and intricate beats. For instance, it features trap production with jagged edges, alongside breakdowns and psytrance rhythms, while and jazzy hip-hop add textural depth. Middle Eastern influences and experimental samples further enhance its eclectic style, emphasizing the group's nonconformist approach to . Structurally, the mini-album comprises seven tracks with a concise runtime of approximately 22 minutes, allowing for tight, impactful compositions that maintain momentum through dynamic shifts. Heavy reliance on 808 bass provides a pulsating foundation, complemented by distorted guitars and layered vocals that build intensity across verses and choruses. Production techniques include the use of on rap sections for a modern edge, bird-chirping and string samples for atmospheric tension, and bass-heavy drops that transition seamlessly between abrasive and tempered sections. These elements, self-produced largely by the group's subunit 3RACHA, contribute to a polished yet noisy aesthetic that prioritizes sonic experimentation. Compared to their prior release , Oddinary represents an evolution toward a more genre-fusing and sophisticated sound, moving from the raw intensity of tracks like "Thunderous" to refined blends of and . While explored bold, chaotic energy, Oddinary refines this with greater restraint in choruses and broader incorporation of electronic and rock textures, showcasing the group's growth in balancing eccentricity with accessibility. This progression underscores their ability to innovate within hip-hop and EDM frameworks without losing their signature vigor.

Themes and Song Breakdowns

Oddinary explores overarching themes of self-empowerment, defying societal expectations, and celebrating personal quirks as inherent aspects of normalcy, encapsulated in the portmanteau title that merges "odd" with "ordinary." The album's narratives encourage listeners to reject and embrace their authentic selves, drawing from the group's own journey of navigating fame and identity. This message aligns with ' "noise" philosophy, which views unconventional expression—lyrically and otherwise—as a powerful tool for authenticity rather than disruption. The pre-release track "" delves into the dangers of toxic relationships, using the of a spiderweb to depict an inescapable, that lures despite its peril. Changbin explained that the portray a person's "fatal charms that are difficult to escape from," highlighting the internal conflict of being ensnared by something destructive yet alluring. Wordplay around "venom" and "poison" extends to broader addictions, emphasizing deliberate in harmful dynamics. As the title track, "Maniac" functions as an for bold individuality, urging the release of suppressed passions and the rejection of societal "" as normalcy. noted that the song conveys "how it is only us who know how passionate we are," positioning the "maniac" as a symbol of extraordinary energy hidden beneath ordinary facades. Multilingual elements, blending Korean verses with English hooks like "I'm a maniac," amplify the theme of , reflecting the group's experiences with global pressures. "Charmer" addresses allure and through the lens of irresistible , likening the narrator to a Pied Piper who captivates effortlessly while poking fun at imitators. Bang Chan described the as a direct declaration: "We are going to charm you," using playful wordplay to hype self-confidence and mock those striving to replicate genuine appeal. The track's narrative ties into the album's motif by celebrating deceptive charm as a tool for standing out. "Freeze" examines emotional in the face of challenges, portraying a state of being "frozen" by pressure before advocating breakthrough and resilience. The employ puns on "freeze" and "unfreeze" to symbolize overcoming stagnation, with HAN emphasizing a composition that captures determination to rise despite setbacks. This track references the group's perseverance, using concise, repetitive phrasing to mirror the cyclical nature of emotional hurdles. "Lonely St." confronts isolation and , narrating a desolate path marked by blackouts and spaced-out moments amid personal struggles. Changbin shared that the song reflects "how even though the road I’m on may be a lonely and tiring one, because I’m the one who chose this road," drawing from the members' real experiences of pursuing their artistic path. English phrases like "" interweave with Korean to evoke universal feelings of desolation, reinforcing self-encouragement amid . "Waiting for Us" instills hope through themes of reunion and unwavering support, depicting patience in adversity like waiting under rain or sun for a cherished return. Seungmin conveyed the lyrics as filled with "our sincere emotions of missing our fans," using floral imagery of blooming cherry blossoms to symbolize renewal and gratitude. The narrative subtly references the group's bond with supporters, blending Korean and English for an uplifting, multilingual message of enduring connection. "Muddy Water" depicts navigating adversity and asserting one's place in a chaotic world, using the muddy water metaphor to represent turbulent challenges and the resolve to rise and shine despite them. Performed by the hip-hop subunit, the track adopts a style to showcase dexterous raps and unique charisma. HAN described it as a grooving, relatable hip-hop song, while Felix noted the lyrics reject established norms, declaring war on the previous generation. Lyrical techniques across Oddinary, such as clever on titles like "Oddinary" and multilingual switches, underscore the group's experiences with cultural , enhancing the narratives' relatability without diluting their depth. The lyrics' conceptual focus on quirks is briefly amplified by the album's eclectic soundscapes, which provide a chaotic yet harmonious backdrop to the messages of liberation.

Release and Promotion

Rollout and Singles

initiated the rollout for their sixth mini album Oddinary with teasers beginning in February 2022. On February 13, 2022, released an initial concept trailer announcing the album's title—a portmanteau of "odd" and "ordinary"—and confirming the release date of March 18, 2022. A main trailer followed on February 27, 2022, building anticipation with cryptic visuals emphasizing the group's dual nature. The full reveal came on March 6, 2022, when unveiled the first track snippet for "," marking the start of track-specific promotions. This was followed by the unveil video for "Muddy Water" on March 17, 2022. The album featured two key singles tied to its launch strategy. "Venom" served as the pre-release track, with its full audio integrated into the album upon release, though its dedicated premiered later on , 2022. The title track "Maniac" dropped as the on March 18, 2022, alongside the album, accompanied by a showcasing surreal, dreamlike visuals of the members navigating an "oddinary" world filled with distorted realities and symbolic imagery. Promotional efforts included a series of teaser images released daily from March 3 to March 12, 2022, highlighting individual and unit concepts across versions like Scanning, , and . Countdown live streams engaged fans in the final days, culminating in the album's launch event. Oddinary was released on March 18, 2022, via and in multiple formats, including digital download, CD with photobook editions featuring 76-page booklets, and vinyl pressings. Physical packages also incorporated posters, lyric sheets, photocards, and stickers to enhance collector appeal.

Marketing Campaigns

To promote Oddinary internationally, Stray Kids signed a strategic partnership with Republic Records in February 2022, marking their first U.S. distribution deal and enabling broader global reach for the EP. This collaboration facilitated enhanced visibility in North America, including the group's debut performance of title track "MANIAC" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on March 18, 2022, which served as the song's U.S. television premiere. Fan engagement efforts centered on social media, with the official supporter initiative #ODDINARYCHALLENGE encouraging STAYs to create and share content inspired by the album's "odd" themes, featuring member-led videos from Bang Chan, Changbin, and others during the promotional period. The campaign amplified virality on platforms like TikTok, where Stray Kids increased activity compared to prior releases, contributing to "MANIAC" garnering millions of views through user-generated dances and reactions. In Korea, the group appeared on major music programs such as Music Bank and Inkigayo to perform "MANIAC," extending promotional exposure despite a brief hiatus due to COVID-19 cases among members. The marketing extended into live events with the announcement of the Maniac World Tour on March 7, 2022, with additional Seoul details on March 28, positioning it as a direct extension of Oddinary's rollout and kicking off with Seoul shows in late April to capitalize on the album's momentum.

Critical Reception

Professional Reviews

Oddinary received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its energetic production, innovative sound, and the group's self-production prowess. On aggregate sites like Album of the Year, it holds an average critic score of 80 out of 100, based on a limited number of professional assessments. awarded the EP four out of five stars, describing it as a reflection of ' "extraordinary passion, wit and growth," with particular acclaim for the bold, experimental tracks like "Maniac" and "Muddy Water" that showcase their refined talents and flexibility. echoed this sentiment, commending the album's genre fusion that encapsulates the group's versatility through hard-hitting anthems, earnest R&B-inspired vocal harmonies, and proof of their rap skills. Teen Vogue highlighted the EP's exciting and eclectic nature, positioning it as a curious crossroads where continue to push the boundaries of their imagination and sound. Similarly, Stereogum lauded the innovative "noisy" aesthetic blending , trap, and hip-hop elements, noting how it embraces individuality and sets the group apart with good-natured rebelliousness. While some observers pointed to the EP's brief runtime of just over 22 minutes as limiting its depth, the consensus viewed Oddinary as a breakthrough that amplified ' global appeal through their hands-on creative control. Retrospective discussions in subsequent years have affirmed its pivotal role in advancing K-pop's hip-hop-infused wave, solidifying the group's reputation for dynamic, self-produced music. praised the album's "sonic sorcery" and genre-blending prowess in a 2022 review, rating it 7/10 for its chaotic energy.

Accolades and Recognition

Oddinary received significant recognition for its commercial success and artistic impact following its release. The EP marked ' first number-one debut on the chart, making the group the first K-pop act other than to achieve this milestone. This accomplishment highlighted the album's global appeal and solidified ' position as a leading force in . Additionally, Oddinary was certified Million by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA, now ) on April 13, 2022, acknowledging its sales exceeding one million copies in . The album's influence extended to international rankings and critical year-end selections. It ranked at number 14 on the IFPI Global Album Chart for 2022, reflecting its strong worldwide sales among top-selling albums that year. included Oddinary at number 11 on its list of the 25 Best Albums of 2022, praising its blend of hard-hitting sounds and experimental elements in tracks like "MANIAC" and "Charmer." The title track "MANIAC" earned a nomination for Best at the , and performed it live at the ceremony. Oddinary's success contributed to broader honors for , including their inclusion in TIME's 2023 Next Generation Leaders list, where the EP was noted for propelling the group to global stardom through its chart-topping performance. These accolades collectively affirmed Oddinary as a pivotal release in , bridging their domestic fanbase with international breakthrough.

Commercial Performance

Chart Achievements

Oddinary achieved significant chart success upon its release, debuting at number one on the dated April 2, 2022, marking the first number-one album for on the all-format albums chart. The EP also topped the Gaon Album Chart in for the tracking week ending March 26, 2022. Internationally, it entered the UK Official Albums Chart at number 95, representing ' debut appearance on that ranking. The album reached number one on several international album charts, including the Finnish Albums Chart and the Polish Albums Chart. It peaked in the top 10 on charts in countries such as ( Weekly Albums Chart at #3), , , , , , , , the , , , , , and . Demonstrating strong longevity, Oddinary spent 25 weeks on the 200. For its singles, "Maniac" debuted at number one on the World Digital Song Sales chart and reached number 21 on the , marking key milestones for on those rankings. Oddinary experienced re-entries on major charts due to the group's world tours and anniversaries.

Sales and Certifications

Oddinary achieved robust initial upon its release on , 2022. In , the EP sold 853,021 copies during its first week, according to Hanteo Chart data, marking the seventh-highest first-week for any boy group in the chart's history. In the United States, it debuted with 103,000 pure , securing the largest week for any in 2022 to that point and contributing to its overall debut of 110,000 equivalent units. By the end of 2022, Oddinary had surpassed 1.7 million copies sold globally. Cumulative shipments reached over 2 million copies by 2025, bolstered by reissues and sustained demand. The Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) awarded it a in May 2022 after it exceeded 1 million units shipped domestically, followed by a 2× Million certification on June 6, 2024. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Oddinary ranked as the 14th best-selling album worldwide in 2022, based on combined physical, digital, and streaming consumption. The EP has also accumulated over 1 billion streams on as of October 2025.

Track Listing and Credits

Track List

Oddinary is the sixth mini-album by the South Korean boy group , released on March 18, 2022, through . The standard edition features seven tracks, blending genres such as hip hop, trap, EDM, and rock, with a total runtime of 22:03. The material was primarily written and composed by the group's in-house production team 3Racha (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han), alongside contributions from other members on select tracks. The album was released in a standard Korean edition without deluxe or repackaged versions. An English-language version of the title track "Maniac" was released as a promotional single.
No.TitleDurationWriters and Composers
1."Venom" (거미줄)3:16Lyrics: 3Racha (Bang Chan, Changbin, Han); Composition: 3Racha, DallasK; Arrangement: DallasK, Bang Chan
2."Maniac"3:04Lyrics: 3Racha; Composition: 3Racha, Versachoi; Arrangement: Versachoi, Bang Chan
3."Charmer"3:10Lyrics: 3Racha; Composition: 3Racha, Versachoi; Arrangement: Versachoi
4."Freeze" (땡)2:59Lyrics: 3Racha; Composition: 3Racha, Trippy; Arrangement: Trippy, Bang Chan
5."Lonely St."2:45Lyrics: Bang Chan, Changbin; Composition: Bang Chan, Changbin, JUN2; Arrangement: JUN2, Bang Chan
6."Waiting for Us" (피어난다) (performed by Bang Chan, Lee Know, Seungmin, I.N.)3:40Lyrics: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Seungmin, I.N.; Composition: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Seungmin, I.N., Nickko Young; Arrangement: Nickko Young, Bang Chan
7."Muddy Water" (performed by Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix)3:17Lyrics: Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix; Composition: Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Millionboy; Arrangement: Millionboy, Bang Chan

Production Personnel

The production of Oddinary was primarily led by ' in-house team 3Racha, consisting of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, who served as the main producers, writers, and arrangers for the majority of the album's tracks, emphasizing the group's self-producing ethos. Additional composition and arrangement contributions came from external producers including DallasK on "Venom," VERSACHOI on "MANIAC" and "Charmer," Trippy on "Freeze," JUN2 on "Lonely St.," Nickko Young on "Waiting for Us," and Millionboy on "Muddy Water." All eight members—Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, , Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N.—participated as vocalists and background vocalists throughout the , with Bang Chan also contributing as a recording engineer on several tracks. Recording engineering was further handled by Goo Hye-jin, while editing involved Bang Chan and Lee Kyung-won. Mixing duties were distributed among engineers , Chris Galland, Lim Hong-jin, Yoon Won-kwon, and Shin Bong-won, with assistants like Ramiro Fernandez-Seoane supporting on specific tracks. Mastering was performed by Kwon Nam-woo at JYP Studios and Dave Kutch at The Mastering Palace. A&R oversight was provided by , and instrumentation was largely managed by the producers and internal JYP team, with no major guest contributors noted.

Legacy and Impact

Career Milestones for Stray Kids

The release of Oddinary in March 2022 marked a pivotal milestone for , as it became their first album to debut at No. 1 on the chart, with 110,000 equivalent album units in its opening week, primarily driven by 103,000 pure sales. This achievement signaled a significant shift toward global stardom for the group, elevating their profile in the international market and establishing them as a dominant force in beyond . The album's success was bolstered by their expanded partnership with , announced earlier that year, which facilitated enhanced U.S. distribution and promotional efforts, enabling Stray Kids to penetrate the American market more effectively. Oddinary further solidified ' reputation as self-producing artists, with the majority of its tracks crafted by the group's production unit 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han), showcasing their hands-on approach to songwriting and production that had been a hallmark since their 2018 debut. This creative control not only earned critical acclaim for the EP's eclectic blend of hip-hop, EDM, and rock elements but also contributed to rapid fanbase expansion amid heightened global visibility. In the years following Oddinary, its momentum influenced subsequent releases, such as the October 2022 mini-album , which debuted at No. 1 on the and continued the group's streak of chart-topping projects while building on the experimental sound established in Oddinary. This trajectory culminated in broader recognition, including ' inclusion in TIME magazine's 2023 Next Generation Leaders , highlighting their innovative influence on global . By 2025, Oddinary is regarded as a cornerstone of ' multi-platinum era, with the group achieving over 30 million total album shipments in Korea and , a partly attributed to the EP's role in accelerating their commercial dominance.

Cultural and Touring Influence

The "Maniac" from Oddinary sparked a widespread dance challenge on , resulting in over 66 million user-generated posts by late 2025 and contributing to the music video surpassing million views on . This amplified the album's reach, encouraging global participation and solidifying ' innovative as a cultural touchstone in . Furthermore, Oddinary's experimental sound production exemplified the group's reclamation of the "" label—previously a critic's for their intense, genre-blending style—into a defining aesthetic that influenced subsequent K-pop trends toward bolder, non-conformist audio experimentation. The album's core themes of embracing individuality and rejecting societal norms resonated deeply with the STAY fandom, fostering a stronger through shared narratives of . Fans frequently cited Oddinary as a source of , with its messages aiding personal growth and awareness discussions within online spaces dedicated to the group. This connection was highlighted in profiles noting how Stray Kids' provides "strength to people who really need it," positioning the album as a catalyst for emotional support among listeners. Oddinary significantly shaped ' live performance era via the , which ran from April 2022 to April 2023 and encompassed 42 shows across , , and . The tour's setlist heavily incorporated album tracks like "Maniac," "," and "Charmer," blending them with high-energy production to showcase the EP's and engage audiences in immersive experiences. Financially, the outing grossed $62.8 million from 546,395 tickets sold, marking a pivotal expansion of the group's global touring footprint. The album's enduring influence extended into subsequent tours, with re-performances of select Oddinary tracks featured in the 2024–2025 dominATE World Tour, including fan-favorite renditions that maintained its relevance in the group's evolving live repertoire. In March 2025, coinciding with the album's third anniversary and the group's seventh debut milestone, STAY organized various fan projects and celebratory events worldwide, such as cupsleeve gatherings and social media tributes, to honor Oddinary's lasting role in their cultural journey.

References

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