My final conclusion of this album is that it is REALLY good. But unlike some of my favourite Skz albums, it definately took a few listens to be cemented as really good. To me, Karma is the perfect example of when "there's not enough of it" is to its detriment, not a compliment. There are SO many good elements in this album but most of the songs simply weren't long enough for those elements to truly be established, hence why it took a few listens to truly enjoy them. I think for stray kids especially, you can really feel the shortening of songs. This is a group that really loves to add so many different ideas and structures into their music and revel in them. Think S-Class, with its powerful opening, followed by a minimalistic verse, a powerful vocal pre-chorus, an antidrop, a beat change, a vocal bridge + rap section + dance break. The gem of Skz music is HOW MUCH there is in it, and so its very noticable when those layers are stripped away. You can especially feel the lack of a bridge in their music. Karma is a banger album but I really hope the 'short song epidemic' doesn't take hold of the rest of skz discography. Now for the individual songs. Bleep - classic SKZ and obviously, it works. Love the pre-chorus and lazy rap section. I do think the chorus could go harder, its not the best of best of the skz sound, but its still catchy. Ceremony - Okay, after a few listens, I get it, I really do. The first listening was definitely overwhelming but now I put Ceremony over their 2024 title tracks for sure. The instrumental is addicting and you can tell the song was made to be performed at concerts. The song is at its best accompanied by the music video. But yeah, not their best title track, and I wish they would bring back the vocal sections I can sink my teeth into. But I do really like it now. Creed - It's catchy, I like it. It's a duller song, especially the chorus, but I really am grooving with the rap section. I was never really a rap fan but SKZ music has brought me to a point where I can appreciate good verses, and Creed absolutely has those. Mess - The use of autotune is actually devastating me. The melody is beautiful, the instrumentals are GORGEOUS (like a mix of Cinema and Falling Up.) As the biggest Alien and Volcana fan, I know Han can pull off autotune production really well. But I don't see any need for it in this song. It's a beautiful song that would be elevated so much more by more natural sounding vocals. In My Head - Oh, they cooked so hard. This is the start of what I think is the holy trinity of this album. SKZ pulled this emo pop style off so well and the lyrics genuinely touch me to the core. Alas, it's too short. Half-time - A flawless quintessential SKZ song. The pre-chorus has proven that 3racha will never stop growing and playing around melodically with their music. I love the symbolism of "they don't know what's coming" being sung over a seemingly unpredictable progression of notes. Phoenix - It's given Alan Walker and I am here for it. I have to give respect to this album for still being able to give us new sounds after 7 years, it makes me so excited for future music. That being said, hearing the Alan Walker vibes, the beat could have absolutely gone harder at the end. That's what I'm saying from the beginnign of these song lenghts, there are so many strong elements not being fully leaned into. Ghost - it's on my playlist but it's my least favourite song on the album. There's such a disconnect between the melody and instrumentals and the song definately feels a little forgettable after the trifacta of In My Head - Halftime - Phoenix. I like the lyrics though! 0801 - this was the song I had low expectations for but it definately exceeded them! I think fan songs are sweet but I didn't see what a new one could offer. But it is a refreshing beat and melody, and the vocals are great! Not groundbreaking, but it's a good way to tie up the album. submitted by /u/HeavensWheel777 [link] [comments]
