[Review] JJAM – Stray Kids

As part of their ATE album (led by the title track Chk Chk Boom) released earlier this year, Stray Kids released some videos to accompany some of the side tracks on the mini-album (making them eligible for a separate review). Thus far, I have reviewed the side tracks MOUNTAINS and Stray Kids. Today, I am focusing on the final song with a video, JJAM.

JJAM features a strong EDM backing that really defines the song. The EDM, accompanied by the thumping beat, gives JJAM character and personality, similar to how EDM defined and made DOMINO (another Stray Kids track from their NOEASY era). The tight back-and-forth synth in the chorus (which, when paired with the choreography, became the critical point of JJAM) was quite memorable, as was the rest of the chorus. What made JJAM more special was how it features the three units of the group. Following the first chorus, we get solid and refreshing vocals from VOCALRACHA (SEUNGMIN & I.N). This is followed by an instrumental break that allows DANCERACHA (LEE KNOW, HYUNJIN & FELIX) to execute a dance break on stage, while fast-paced EDM that keeps me on my toes each time I listen to JJAM backs 3RACHA’s rap sequence (CHANGBIN & HAN). Leader BANGCHAN gets his own section, bridging the units’ section back to the rest of JJAM. Their delivery elsewhere in JJAM is top-notch. It is an exciting way to present Stray Kids that keeps true to their style and sound.

The music video shows Stray Kids going underground to make some “sticky and attractive” jam, which is probably the code for their music. I did like the killer vibes Stray Kids were giving off, either through vampirism (based on the red substance in the corner of HAN’s mouth or SEUNGMIN/I.N’s scene where they are smashing something up to source the red substance). However, they should have better vetted the place to avoid the ghostly presence that gets them. It is a hodge-podge of a video, but it was a fun and cool concept.

The accompanying choreography proves why Stray Kids’ performances are always something to look forward to. As mentioned above, the vibrating move accompanying the synth in the chorus was the key point of the song. It was such a cool move that it needs to be mentioned again. DANCERACHA’s dance break, as well as the all-member dance break towards the end, was also another highlight in the routine.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/10