14 Standout Songs from STAYC's Album "Metamorphic": A Track-by-Track Guide

After three and a half years since their debut, STAYC's album "Metamorphic" finally arrived on July 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone as their first full-length release.

This ambitious STAYC new album features 14 diverse tracks, notably the quirky lead single "Cheeky Icy Thang." The Metamorphic album showcases the group's musical evolution through unit songs and solo performances, with members actively participating in the songwriting process. Additionally, the album has already proven its commercial success, reaching number 3 on the South Korean Albums (Circle) chart.

From R&B-influenced solo tracks like Isa's "Roses" to the drum and bass-infused "Find" by Sieun, Seeun, and J, these 39 minutes of music demonstrate STAYC's versatility across different genres.

Twenty

Opening "Metamorphic" with confident energy, "Twenty" immediately establishes itself as more than just an introductory track on STAYC's first full-length album. This carefully crafted opener lays the foundation for the musical journey ahead.

Twenty as an album opener

"Twenty" serves as both the first track and a clear statement of intent for STAYC's debut album. At 2:09 in length, this concise yet impactful song functions as a declaration of the group's new artistic direction. The track was meticulously crafted by an impressive team, with lyrics by Jeon Goon, music by B.E.P and BXN, and arrangement by Rado. As the opening statement on "Metamorphic," it instantly draws listeners into STAYC's evolved sound world.

Twenty's youthful energy and sound

Musically, "Twenty" embodies an alternative R&B style characterized by dreamy soundscapes and mature vocal performances. The production balances rhythmic elements with pop melodies, creating what critics have called "the most beautiful pop melodies mixed with a rhythmic beat that makes those melodies even more striking".

The track's lyrical content reflects a newfound confidence, with bold declarations like "Sometimes breakin' the rules / But you know that I'm gonna be fine". This assertive stance reflects the members' personal growth alongside their musical evolution, essentially capturing the feeling of stepping into a new chapter of life.

How Twenty sets the tone for Metamorphic

Beyond its musical merits, "Twenty" symbolizes a significant transition for STAYC. The song marks the group's graduation from their previous "Teen" era into their new "Twenty" chapter, mirroring the album's overall theme of transformation and growth. This symbolic shift aligns perfectly with the album title "Metamorphic," which signifies change and evolution.

By opening with this track, STAYC effectively announces their intention to showcase a more mature sound throughout the album. "Twenty" introduces listeners to what the group describes as their "musical development", simultaneously setting expectations for the diverse range of sounds and themes explored across the album's remaining thirteen tracks.

Cheeky Icy Thang

"Cheeky Icy Thang" serves as the bold lead single from STAYC's first full-length album "Metamorphic," showcasing a new direction for the group while maintaining their distinctive sound.

Cheeky Icy Thang musical style and production

Produced by Black Eyed Pilseung (B.E.P), the trusted collaborators behind STAYC's previous hits, "Cheeky Icy Thang" delivers a fresh sonic experience. The track is categorized as a synth-pop song with a funky shuffle rhythm, composed in D major with a tempo of 131 beats per minute.

The production team includes several notable contributors:

B.E.P (writing and composition)
Illson, On2pop (lyrics)
Jeong Ha-ri, Jeong Na-kyung, and Jiggy from 153/Joombas (lyrics)
Flyt (composition and arrangement)
Rado from B.E.P (arrangement)

The song's strongest asset is undoubtedly its production, featuring compelling synth textures and electronic elements that provide forward momentum throughout the track.

Cheeky Icy Thang lyrics and message

The song embodies a dual personality reflected in its title – being both "Icy" (cool) and "Cheeky" (bold). Lyrically, the track celebrates self-confidence with lines like "I'm cool as ice / On-the-rocks, whiskey, ring a ring ding dong / Sunglasses, blocking out the piercing gazes for me".

Furthermore, the lyrics express themes of independence and personal freedom through statements such as "I'm gonna live in my own way" and "From now on, let's play for real". This reinforces the message about owning one's path and turning it into a personal runway.

Why Cheeky Icy Thang stands out in STAYC's discography

"Cheeky Icy Thang" represents a stylistic evolution for STAYC, revealing a previously unseen cheeky side while maintaining their signature sound. In contrast to their earlier releases, this track features a more distinctive delivery style and production approach.

Members themselves highlighted what makes the song special:

Sumin describes it as "the perfect summer song" with "STAYC's signature quick pace"
Sieun notes how it "makes you feel confident" with a beat that "makes you want to walk down the runway"
ISA emphasizes it feels "different from all the other STAYC songs"
Seeun acknowledges it "has a different feel from other STAYC tracks" while being "incredibly addictive"

The song achieved commercial success, winning first place on the July 12 episode of Music Bank, demonstrating its popularity despite its experimental nature compared to their previous work.

1 Thing

Among the standout tracks on STAYC's "Metamorphic" album, "1 Thing" holds a special place as the song most members initially believed would be selected as the title track. The third track on the album creates an immediate impact through its catchy melody and meaningful lyrics.

1 Thing's lyrical theme and message

"1 Thing" centers around the concept of focus and clarity in desires. The recurring refrain "I'm just waiting for only one thing, only one thing, I don't want anything else" establishes the song's core message about determination and pursuing specific goals rather than scattered ambitions.

The lyrics reflect personal growth and self-discovery, with lines questioning "How to recognize the real thing from the start?" showing vulnerability alongside confidence. This duality creates an authentic expression of youthful aspirations.

In an interesting parallel to the song's message, when asked about their own "one thing" they desire for their careers, each member had a clear vision:

Isa: "I want to be the top in this scene"
Sumin: "I want to perform in a stadium"
Sieun: "I wish our song was on the Billboard chart someday"

This connection between the song's message and the members' personal goals adds another layer of meaning to the track.

1 Thing's production and vocal layering

Musically, "1 Thing" showcases sophisticated production techniques through its hybrid genre approach. The track skillfully combines Crunk&B stylistic elements with electro-pop influences, creating a distinctive sound within STAYC's discography.

The vocal production employs effective layering techniques to enhance the emotional impact. Multiple vocal takes are stacked together, particularly evident in the chorus sections where lead vocals are reinforced with supporting harmonies and subtle doubles to create depth without sacrificing clarity.

The members themselves expressed strong enthusiasm for the track's production value, with Sumin noting, "We have such an amazing choreography for it, so I'm completely satisfied" despite it not being selected as the title. Indeed, "1 Thing" represents one of the most immediate and memorable moments on STAYC's first full-length album.

Give It 2 Me

Blending old-school R&B vibes with modern sensibilities, "Give It 2 Me" emerges as a confident anthem of self-prioritization on the STAYC metamorphic album. This fourth track on the group's first full-length release skillfully combines romantic melodies with empowering lyrics about personal value and independence.

Give It 2 Me's confident lyrics

The lyrical narrative of "Give It 2 Me" centers around the powerful journey of choosing oneself above relationships that no longer serve you. Throughout the song, the recurring refrain "So I give it to me, give it, give it" establishes the core message of self-prioritization. This theme develops further with declarations like "I'll stop giving my all, my heart and time" and "I'll give it to myself 'til I get enough".

The song's empowering attitude is particularly evident in lines such as "Sunshine on me now, a brighter smile in me" and "Much happier things will happen to me too". Yet perhaps most striking is how the lyrics incorporate modern digital detachment with the memorable "Unfollow you now" followed by a series of "Click, click, click" sounds, perfectly capturing the contemporary act of moving on.

Give It 2 Me's danceable rhythm and energy

Musically, "Give It 2 Me" distinguishes itself by blending contemporary R&B sounds reminiscent of the 2000s with distinctive Southern hip-hop drum elements. This fusion creates what fans have described as an "old-school RnB vibe" that makes the track "an instant obsession" among listeners exploring the stayc discography.

Although some listeners note the presence of autotune effects, many consider this stylistic choice appropriate for the track's overall aesthetic. Nevertheless, what truly elevates the song is Sieun's rap section during the bridge, which has been highlighted as "everything" by enthusiastic fans.

Sieun herself has personally recommended "Give It 2 Me", suggesting the track holds special significance within the group. Her endorsement aligns with the song's popularity among listeners who appreciate how STAYC consistently delivers "incredible RnB tracks" within their evolving musical repertoire.

Find

Midway through STAYC's "Metamorphic" album comes "Find," a unit song that showcases the distinct vocal chemistry between Sieun, Seeun, and J. At just 2:14 in length, this dreamlike track offers a refreshing change of pace within the album's diverse landscape.

Find vocal performance by Sieun, Seeun, and J

The vocal performance on "Find" demonstrates remarkable synergy between the three members. Sieun describes their collaboration as "our three voices come together to create this dreamy and chill song". This unit arrangement allows each vocalist to display individual strengths while maintaining cohesive harmonies.

Seeun emphasizes that their vocals are "distinct but harmonious together, so you'll see everyone's different charms". Moreover, J's versatility particularly stands out, with some listeners initially mistaking her pre-chorus sections for Isa's vocals, showcasing her impressive range and adaptability.

The addictive "la-la-la" post-chorus sections highlight their collective vocal chemistry, creating one of the most memorable hooks on the STAYC metamorphic album.

Find's emotional depth and arrangement

Beyond its vocal performances, "Find" delivers emotional complexity through its arrangement and lyrics. The production team includes B&NAz, Jeong Na-kyung, Sin Sa-gang, and Yoon Ye-rim, who crafted a sound that Sieun describes as having "a mysterious feel, making you want to listen again and again".

The lyrics explore themes of self-discovery with lines like "Look into my desires, the truth in my heart" and "Finding the truth, the moment the locked door opens". This introspective journey aligns perfectly with the album's overarching metamorphosis concept.

Find's place in STAYC's new album

As the fifth track on STAYC's first full-length album, "Find" occupies a strategic position in the tracklist. J reveals her personal connection to the song, noting "It's calm but addictive. I listen to it often in the car. I really love this song—it might be my favorite on this album".

Some fans have drawn comparisons between "Find" and works by PinkPantheress, highlighting how the song expands STAYC's musical palette. As a result, this unit track demonstrates the group's commitment to artistic growth while maintaining their signature sound quality that has defined their position in the STAYC discography.

Let Me Know

Following a distinctive lineup of tracks on the STAYC Metamorphic album, "Let Me Know" emerges as a sweet confession wrapped in pop rock packaging, showcasing yet another dimension of the group's versatility.

Let Me Know's emotional tone

"Let Me Know" delivers a heartfelt emotional experience through its carefully crafted musical elements. Classified as a pop rock song, it maintains STAYC's signature sweet confession style while introducing new textures to their sound. The track is immediately recognizable through its heartfelt chorus melody and the lyrical guitar riff that appears in the post-chorus section, creating moments of genuine emotional connection.

Lyrically, the song explores the vulnerability of early love with lines such as:

"Yeah, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, even if I pretend not to be"
"Do you know how I feel too? Do you feel the same? Let me know, let me know"

At the same time, the track reveals a curious side to this emotional journey, with verses that ask questions like "What time of night do you go to sleep?" and "What kind of music do you like more?". These inquiries reflect the song's central theme—the desire to know everything about someone you're falling for.

Let Me Know's place in the album's narrative

Within the broader context of the STAYC metamorphic album, "Let Me Know" occupies a specific narrative position. Accordingly, the track settles firmly in the more pop-oriented side of STAYC's discography, providing a necessary emotional counterbalance to more bold, assertive tracks on the album.

Throughout the record, STAYC's newfound confidence in love becomes increasingly apparent. If tracks like "1 Thing" represent boldness in pursuing desire, then "Let Me Know" illustrates the softer, more inquisitive side of romance—the sweet and beautiful initial stages of falling in love. In essence, this track captures that spring-like feeling where curiosity about someone becomes an all-consuming experience, making it a standout contribution to the album's emotional arc.

Nada

The seventh track on the STAYC metamorphic album, "Nada" stands out through its international collaboration and distinctive sound profile. Unlike other tracks on the album, this Pop R&B song brings a fresh perspective through its global creative team.

Nada's international production team

"Nada" represents a unique international collaboration within STAYC's first full-length album. The production credits reveal an impressive roster of global talent:

G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze (composer, arranger)
Tricia Battani (composer)
Kirsten Collins (composer)
FFOUR & Peomkin (153/Joombas) (lyricists)

This collaboration was publicly announced before the album's release, with Tricia Battani expressing excitement on Instagram: "So excited to have created 'Nada' with @pkizzlemusic @kirstencollins for @stayc_highup's album coming July 1st!". This international production approach brings a fresh perspective to STAYC's sound palette while maintaining their signature style.

Nada's unique sound and lyrical vibe

Musically, "Nada" delivers a distinctive sonic experience characterized by its "trap beat and addictive bell sounds". The track falls within the Pop R&B genre, yet carries its own identity through "groovy vocals and a hip vibe" that separates it from other songs on the album.

Lyrically, "Nada" explores an intriguing concept—the realization of meeting someone you've dreamed about but feeling completely indifferent. This emotional disconnect is captured in the repeated refrain "I say nada (nada)". The song's core message is further emphasized through lines like:

"Love ends, I-I-I say (yeah, yeah)"
"Nothing special, completely na-na-nada (completely nada, oh)"
"Just a common story, nah, na-na, na-na, nada"

These lyrics cleverly play with the word "nada" (meaning "nothing" in Spanish), creating a memorable hook while conveying emotional detachment. As a result, "Nada" provides yet another demonstration of STAYC's versatility within their first full-length album, offering listeners a track that balances international production sensibilities with their established sound identity.

Fakin'

The urban band sound of "Fakin'" brings a distinctive edge to the STAYC metamorphic album, showcasing the unique vocal synergy between Sumin and Yoon in this compelling unit track. As the eighth song on the album, it provides listeners with a refreshing change of pace through its expressive instrumentation and emotional depth.

Fakin' as a unit track by Sumin and Yoon

"Fakin'" represents one of three specialized arrangements on the album, alongside "Find" (by Sieun, Seeun, and J) and Isa's solo "Roses". This strategic division allows Sumin and Yoon to showcase their artistic chemistry in a more intimate setting. Released on July 1, 2024, as part of STAYC's first full-length album, the song offers these two members a dedicated platform to express their musical sensibilities outside the full group dynamic.

Both artists brought personal enthusiasm to the project, with Yoon specifically noting, "I really enjoy band sounds, so this song was right up my alley". This natural affinity for the track's style translates into an authentic performance that resonates with listeners.

Fakin' vocal chemistry and style

The vocal performance on "Fakin'" highlights the complementary qualities between these two members. Sumin, primarily known for her rap contributions, joins vocalist Yoon to create what Sumin herself describes as a "powerful sound" that is "truly memorable". Their vocal placements share similarities that create cohesion, yet each maintains distinctive characteristics.

Interestingly, the song features:

Less nasal placement than some of their other performances
Intentional execution specifically tailored to the rock-influenced style
Thoughtful consideration of range comfort for both performers

Fakin' and STAYC's genre experimentation

"Fakin'" exemplifies STAYC's artistic growth and willingness to explore beyond conventional K-pop boundaries. The track's lyrical content delves into vulnerability, expressing "fear of being hurt and the resulting emotional distance from the other person", adding psychological depth to the musical experience.

Consequently, this unit song serves as evidence of what Yoon describes as the group becoming "fuller" by embracing different genres without limitations. This experimental approach ensures that among the 14 diverse tracks, each listener can find their personal favorites to create their own customized STAYC listening experience.

Roses

Sensual R&B meets minimalistic production in "Roses," ISA's solo contribution that stands as the ninth track on the STAYC metamorphic album. Released alongside the full album on July 1, 2024, this track showcases a more intimate side of STAYC's musical range.

Roses as Isa's solo track

"Roses" represents one of several specialized arrangements on STAYC's first full-length album, joining unit tracks like "Find" (by Sieun, Seeun, and J) and "Fakin'" (by Sumin and Yoon). As STAYC's only solo performance on the album, the track highlights ISA's individual artistry while maintaining connection to the group's overall sound identity. In fact, this solo contribution underscores the members' active participation throughout the album, demonstrating their musical growth.

Roses lyrical meaning and vocal delivery

Lyrically, "Roses" explores themes of desire and self-confidence with bold declarations such as:

"You know that I'll be the one Is it weird that I want you to love me? Yeah Wanting more isn't bad And maybe that's just how it's supposed to be, yeah"

The track features ISA's sweet, angelic tone which perfectly complements the song's unique instrumental elements—kalimba, mellotron, and analog synthesizers. Her warm vocals effectively portray the confident display of personal transformation, even when those changes feel unfamiliar. Interestingly, the minimalistic production approach creates what critics describe as "a match made in heaven" with ISA's vocal quality.

Roses and STAYC's musical evolution

Beyond being a showcase for ISA's talents, "Roses" represents STAYC's broader artistic maturation. The love songs on this album, including "Roses," are notably "bolder than anything the girl group have released", signaling their evolution toward a more mature, assertive approach to emotional themes.

This transformation aligns with ISA's own stated hope that "this album completely changes the way people perceive us, as a more daring group compared to the past". Certainly, as part of STAYC's proving their presence as "all-rounders", "Roses" demonstrates how individual member showcases enhance their collective musical identity.

Beauty Bomb

Track number ten on the STAYC metamorphic album, "Beauty Bomb" combines R&B pop sensibilities with addictive hooks, offering listeners a bright addition to the group's expanding musical palette.

Beauty Bomb genre fusion and production

As a standout track on STAYC's first full-length album released on July 1, 2024, "Beauty Bomb" showcases the group's versatility through its genre-blending approach. The song falls firmly in the R&B pop category, yet distinguishes itself through its smooth, funky-pop elements that complement the members' vocal strengths.

Musically, "Beauty Bomb" creates a distinctive atmosphere through its:

Bright, fun fusion of R&B and hip-hop elements
Bouncy, rhythmic instrumental foundation
Smooth vocal delivery that enhances the overall vibe

The production quality remains consistent with STAYC's signature sound while pushing into new territory. This track functions as part of the group's broader effort to expand their "musical spectrum with various tracks that embody their confident and distinctive coolness", a central theme throughout the metamorphic album.

Beauty Bomb's catchy hook and energy

The most memorable aspect of "Beauty Bomb" is arguably its irresistible hook. The chorus features the repetitive "beauty, beauty bomb like doo-doo-doo" refrain, creating an instantly recognizable earworm that stays with listeners. This catchy nature makes it a track that fans are "excited to return to".

Lyrically, "Beauty Bomb" unravels a meaningful narrative about "finding my true self" alongside falling for someone new. Key lyrics like "삼킨 순간, beauty, beauty bomb" (The moment I swallowed, beauty, beauty bomb) and "너를 만난 순간 터진 내 bomb 내 맘 어쩐담" (The moment I met you, my bomb exploded, what should I do with my heart) showcase this dual theme of self-discovery and romantic attraction.

Each STAYC member contributes to the track's overall energy, with their collective performance helping make it "another tune on the album that might be my overall favorite" for many listeners. Alongside "Flexing On My Ex," the song delivers a "feel-good" quality with "sweet messages of self-love", making it a meaningful yet accessible highlight from the album.

Together with the other tracks on "Metamorphic," "Beauty Bomb" demonstrates STAYC's successful evolution into more mature musical territory without sacrificing their signature sound.

Gummy Bear

Eleventh in the lineup of STAYC's "Metamorphic" album, "Gummy Bear" serves as a colorful, metaphorical journey through life's varied experiences. Released on July 1, 2024 as part of the group's first full-length album, this track offers listeners a playful yet meaningful addition to the STAYC discography.

Gummy Bear's quirky charm and sound

"Gummy Bear" stands out primarily for its distinctive production approach, featuring a trap-style beat underpinned by a strong synth loop that appears from the very introduction. Black Eyed Pilseung and FLYT, the creative minds behind the track, have crafted what could be described as "the musical equivalent of a bag full of sweet, colorful gummy bears", effectively capturing the essence of its title through sound.

The song opens with clapping drum machine synths supporting rap-focused verses before transitioning to a pre-chorus enhanced by synth guitar elements. This musical structure creates what one listener described as "twists and turns" that become "more impressive with each listen". Throughout the track, the members' sweet vocal delivery perfectly complements the production choices, effectively balancing the cute STAYC image with their more elegant side.

Gummy Bear's place in the album's flow

Within the broader context of the "Metamorphic" album, "Gummy Bear" occupies a strategic position as the eleventh track, providing a refreshing burst of energy in the album's latter half. The song's lyrical concept cleverly uses gummy bears as a metaphor for "experiencing the diverse flavors of life". Beyond the sweetness, it acknowledges both bitter and challenging experiences, creating a more nuanced message than its playful title might initially suggest.

Interestingly, the track has been described as "a cute and pretty way of saying 'shut up'", hinting at a confident assertiveness beneath its saccharine exterior. This duality reflects STAYC's ongoing commitment to their "teen-fresh" identity while simultaneously exploring more mature themes.

As a complete package, "Gummy Bear" exemplifies STAYC's skill at blending playful elements with meaningful messages, thereby contributing significant variety to the sonic landscape of their first full-length album.

Stay WITH me

Positioned as the twelfth track on the STAYC metamorphic album, "Stay WITH me" represents more than just another song—it stands as a heartfelt dedication from the group to their devoted fanbase. This special track adds significant emotional weight to their first full-length album.

Stay WITH me as a fan-dedicated track

"Stay WITH me" was specifically created as a tribute to STAYC's fan club, cleverly emphasizing this connection through the capitalization of "WITH" in the title to highlight their fandom name "SWITH." Remarkably, this fan-dedicated song expresses heartfelt gratitude for supporters who have remained steadfast "during tough and uncertain times". The thoughtful lyrical content acknowledges the crucial role fans have played throughout STAYC's journey, making it an especially significant inclusion on their debut full-length album.

Member contributions to Stay WITH me

What sets "Stay WITH me" apart within the STAYC discography is that "all STAYC members participated in writing the lyrics". For many members, this represented their first songwriting experience. As Isa explained, "This was our first time participating in writing the lyrics so it's more meaningful that our first time songwriting was for our fans". Interestingly, Sieun revealed that the song originally had a different direction: "There was a given theme, which was 'Wonderland'... but later we thought it would be better if we just focused on our fans, SWITH".

Stay WITH me's emotional resonance

Musically, "Stay WITH me" is characterized as "a high-teen Rock-based Pop song with an infectious drive electric guitar riff and strong drums". This energetic instrumental backdrop effectively carries the emotional weight of the members' messages. To emphasize the personal connection, each member contributed "heartfelt messages, expressed in the members' unique language".

In the broader context of the STAYC album released on July 1, 2024, this track occupies a strategic position as the twelfth song, providing fans with a dedicated moment of connection after experiencing the album's diverse musical journey. Through this thoughtful inclusion, STAYC demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a genuine relationship with their supporters.

Flexing On My Ex

Premiering first during the STAYC 1ST WORLD TOUR [TEENFRESH] before appearing on the album, "Flexing On My Ex" captures the essence of moving forward with refreshing teen pop sounds and empowering lyrics. This standout track demonstrates the group's ability to transform personal growth into relatable music.

Flexing On My Ex lyrical attitude and theme

"Flexing On My Ex" presents a straightforward message about prioritizing self-worth over past relationships. The opening declaration "Flexing on my ex, I cherish myself much more than you" immediately establishes the song's confident tone. Throughout the track, STAYC delivers lines that celebrate personal progress:

"Diligently always doin' self-care and healing from your pain"
"Baby, oh, I feel just fine, there's no going back for me"
"My life's beautiful, getting to know myself better"

This lyrical narrative skillfully avoids bitterness, instead focusing on growth and self-discovery. The repeated affirmation "Everywhere I go now people love me" further emphasizes this transformation from heartbreak to self-assurance. Hence, the song portrays moving on as an act of self-respect rather than revenge.

Flexing On My Ex production and beat

Musically, "Flexing On My Ex" features an upbeat guitar riff paired with clap sounds that create a cheerful, energetic foundation. The production team crafted what's described as a "refreshing teen pop song", providing the perfect sonic backdrop for the lyrics' confident message.

The track maintains a bright, bouncy feel that aligns with its empowering theme, avoiding the somber tones often associated with breakup songs. Afterward, the chorus delivers a catchy hook that reinforces the central "flexing" concept, making it both memorable and danceable.

How Flexing On My Ex shows STAYC's bold side

This track especially reveals STAYC's growing artistic confidence through its unapologetic embrace of self-love. Initially showcased during their world tour, the song's pre-release highlights the group's strategic approach to building anticipation for the stayc metamorphic album.

"Flexing On My Ex" displays what's described as "STAYC's unique sensibility", balancing youthful energy with emotional maturity. The track demonstrates how the group has evolved to address more complex themes while maintaining their signature sound. As part of their first full-length album, it represents an important milestone in the stayc discography, solidifying their position as artists who can transform personal experiences into universally relatable music.

Trouble Maker

Closing out the STAYC metamorphic album, "Trouble Maker" delivers a vibrant finale with its festive energy and rebellious message. As the fourteenth and final track on the group's first full-length album, this dance-pop song provides a fitting conclusion to STAYC's musical journey through transformation.

Trouble Maker's production by Lee Hae Sol

"Trouble Maker" showcases the comprehensive talents of producer Lee Hae Sol, whose involvement extends far beyond basic production duties. Released on July 1, 2024, alongside the full album, the track bears Lee's distinctive musical signature throughout its entire arrangement. Primarily responsible for multiple aspects of the song, Lee Hae Sol handled the programming, bass, keyboards, synthesizer, and overall arrangement, creating a cohesive sound experience.

The production team also included:

Sim Eunjee as co-writer and composer
Nickko Young (노현동) on guitar
Perrie (KOR) providing background vocals

Musically, the track combines acoustic instrumentation with pop sensibilities, resulting in what one reviewer described as a "dance track with a festive ambience and a crazy tempo." This high-energy production serves as a perfect counterpoint to "Twenty," the album opener, with both tracks functioning as musical bookends that frame the entire STAYC album experience.

Trouble Maker's darker tone and message

Behind its upbeat production, "Trouble Maker" carries a subtly rebellious message. The lyrics explore the concept of deliberately choosing an unconventional path—one that might cause disruption—over following predetermined routes. This sentiment emerges clearly through lines like "Troublemaker, yes, I'm a troublemaker" and "Even if it messes up the world that was at a standstill / In the end, I'll do it, I'll make it."

Remarkably, this message of controlled rebellion perfectly aligns with the album's overall metamorphosis theme. The track effectively communicates that even as STAYC has grown and evolved, they haven't abandoned their willingness to take risks and challenge expectations. As one fan interpretation suggested, "Trouble Maker" demonstrates that just because they've "grown and changed doesn't mean they're still not reckless and make mistakes."

The song ends with a powerful declaration: "Beyond there, it's us, the two of us alike / Gonna be a good part, gotta be a best time / Hasta la vista, goodbye to yesterday's us." This farewell to past identities provides a thematically appropriate conclusion to an album centered on transformation and growth.