"I Want It" by STAYC: The Ultimate Fan Guide to Their Hottest Summer Release

STAYC has released their first special single album "I Want It," bringing fresh summer energy to K-pop enthusiasts worldwide. The highly anticipated release dropped on July 23, 2025, following their three-track single package 'S' from earlier in March. This latest offering from the rising girl group under High Up Entertainment showcases both their youthful charm and growing artistic maturity.

The title track "I Want It" specifically stands out as a high-impact electronic dance-pop anthem built on infectious synth riffs and a propulsive rhythmic hook. Moreover, the album features two additional tracks that further demonstrate the group's sonic range, making it a complete musical experience rather than just a single release. Notably, the song's central lyric, "Good things we ok," reaffirms STAYC's signature message of self-belief and unshakable confidence. After their full-length debut album 'Metamorphic' received a four-star review from NME in July 2024, this special single album continues to build on their evolving artistry and growing popularity.

The Story Behind 'I Want It'

The journey of STAYC's "I Want It" began with an exciting announcement through the group's official social media channels on July 2, 2025. After building anticipation for several weeks, the special single album officially dropped on July 23, 2025, at 6 PM KST. Released under High Up Entertainment and distributed by Kakao Entertainment, this project arrived just four months after their previous EP "S" from March.

Release date and label details

"I Want It" holds particular significance as it coincides with STAYC's ongoing second world tour. This strategic timing allows the six-member group—Sumin, Sieun, ISA, Seeun, Yoon, and J—to showcase their new material directly to international audiences. High Up Entertainment deliberately planned this release to mark the start of STAYC's second round of global promotions for 2025. Additionally, the music video premiered two days early on July 21, creating extra buzz among fans worldwide.

Why it's called a 'special single album'

The designation "special single album" indicates its unique position in STAYC's discography. Unlike previous releases, this project reflects a specific thematic concept: "cool in attitude, hot in sound". The album balances laid-back summer vibes with bold energy, perfectly capturing STAYC's trademark duality. Despite its compact format containing three tracks—the title song "I Want It" alongside B-sides "BOY" and "Honestly"—the release carries substantial artistic weight.

What's the difference between a single and an album?

In K-pop terminology, formats carry distinct meanings. A "single" typically contains just one track, occasionally with an instrumental version. A "single album" expands to include 2-4 songs, featuring a title track plus B-sides. The "mini album" format contains 5-8 songs, while full "albums" offer 8+ tracks and represent major artistic statements. STAYC's choice of the special single album format demonstrates their commitment to quality over quantity, delivering a concentrated musical experience.

Breaking Down the Tracks

STAYC's "I Want It" special single album delivers three distinct musical experiences that showcase the group's impressive range. Each track brings its own flavor while maintaining a cohesive summer vibe.

The title track: 'I Want It'

The album's centerpiece is an electrifying dance-pop anthem driven by a punchy synth riff and unstoppable rhythmic groove. With its catchy hook—"Good things we ok"—the song embraces a carefree yet confident attitude. The electronic foundation creates an energetic summer atmosphere, perfect for blasting with windows down. The production, helmed by frequent collaborators Rado and FLYT, keeps the energy high while allowing STAYC's vocals to truly shine.

B-side 1: 'BOY'

In contrast to the title track's high energy, "BOY" takes a dreamier approach with its mid-tempo urban pop sound. Layered with lush synths over a smooth 808 bassline, this track captures the fluttery excitement of new love. The sassy, edgy nature demonstrates STAYC's ability to explore different musical identities while maintaining their signature sound.

B-side 2: 'Honestly'

The final track, "Honestly(반칙)" (meaning "foul" or "unfair"), rounds out the album with a funky bassline and timeless wood synth sounds. This groovy, retro-tinged song cleverly addresses the complexities of love and feeling mistreated in relationships. The witty wordplay showcases the group's lyrical creativity.

How the songs connect thematically

Although each track presents a different musical style, they collectively form a cohesive statement about confidence and relationships. From the empowering message of "I Want It" to the romantic nervousness of "BOY" and the playful unfairness portrayed in "Honestly," the album balances joy with reflection. This thematic consistency highlights STAYC's artistic growth as they explore various dimensions of love and self-assurance.

Visuals That Amplify the Music

In K-pop, visuals serve as powerful storytelling tools that enhance the musical experience. The music video for "I Want It" premiered two days before the album release, creating anticipation among fans worldwide.

Music video settings and aesthetics

The visual narrative unfolds across multiple vibrant settings that capture summer's essence. From a bustling drive-in car wash to a sun-soaked beach and a fully lit diner, each location contributes to the carefree summer atmosphere. The color palette features bright, energetic tones that create what some have described as "girls' trip aesthetics". These vivid visuals complement the song's electronic dance-pop sound, creating a cohesive audio-visual experience.

Choreography and styling

The choreography for "I Want It" emphasizes playfulness through coordinated domino effects, hip movements, and arm waves. These dance elements appear particularly energetic during scenes where the members perform in front of the diner or while enjoying beach activities. The styling features distinct red, white, black, and blue outfits that maintain individual personality yet contribute to the cohesive summer theme.

How visuals reflect the song's message

Beyond mere aesthetics, the visuals symbolically reinforce the song's message. The car wash setting particularly represents renewal and cleansing, aligning with the album's theme of personal authenticity. Furthermore, scenes of members waving arms in vehicles and dancing together convey the carefree attitude expressed in the lyrics. Consequently, this visual storytelling invites viewers to adopt the song's positive mindset toward obstacles.

STAYC’s Growth and Fan Connection

STAYC's artistic journey continues to evolve with "I Want It," marking significant growth from their previous releases.

How this album compares to 'S' and '…I'

"I Want It" builds upon the foundation laid by "S" from March 2025 and "…I" from 2024, yet introduces a more confident dance-pop approach. Whereas "S" explored sentimental themes with tracks like "Bubble," this special single album embraces unabashed summer energy. Certainly, the progression shows their versatility across different musical styles.

Highlights from 'Metamorphic'

Prior to this release, STAYC's full-length debut "Metamorphic" received critical acclaim, earning a four-star review from NME. The album showcased their ability to blend retro influences with contemporary pop production, establishing them as serious artists beyond their initial teen-focused image.

STAYC's evolving sound and message

Throughout their discography, STAYC has maintained their signature "teen fresh" concept while gradually incorporating more mature themes. Their sound has shifted from the bright bubblegum pop of early releases toward sophisticated electronic dance elements, all while preserving their positive messaging.

Fan reactions and community engagement

SWITH (STAYC's fandom) has embraced "I Want It" enthusiastically across social platforms. The group's connection with fans strengthened through their second world tour coinciding with this release, creating opportunities for international audiences to experience the new material firsthand.