Written By: Eram Shaikh
Published: February 3, 2026

Stray Kids are known for their loud, noisy beats that people talk about in K-pop. But fans know the real power lies in their soft, sad songs, which help people when they are sad or struggling. 

While the big hit songs get lots of attention, it’s the smaller songs that show real singing talent and true feelings. These songs are more important to fans than the famous ones.

Note: This list is based on how many fans like each song, what they say on social media, and the group’s overall popularity.

What Is The Best Stray Kids Song?

God’s Menu is widely considered one of the best Stray Kids songs; fans love it for its strong message about being brave and different. 

While other songs like “Maniac” are fun to watch on stage, “God’s Menu” shows the real feelings and honest meaning in Stray Kids’ music. 

The Best Stray Kids Song
Source: JYP Entertainment

Stray Kids take what they’ve been through and turn it into songs that everyone can like. God’s Menu does this perfectly. It takes the idea of being yourself and makes it into a song that millions of people care about.

Important note: This list includes both personal and fan favorites, along with each song’s performance. 

Top 10 Best Stray Kids Songs: STAY Choice Edition

The following selection represents the pinnacle of Stray Kids’ discography according to the fans who have followed their journey from the very beginning.

RankSong TitleAlbumFan Favorite StrengthSong Style
1God’s MenuGO LIVEIconic notes & EnergeticHip-Hop / Electronic
2Red LightsNOEASYPerformance Aura (Chan & Hyunjin)Sultry R&B / Rock
3The Tortoise and the HareIN LIFEGenius Production & CreativityExperimental / Avant-garde
4VoicesI am WHORelatable Mental Health MessageEmotive Hip-Hop
5CharmerODDINARYAddictive “Killing Part” EnergyFlute-Hook Hip-Hop
6Star LostNOEASYFeel-good Fandom AnthemRetro Pop / Synth-Wave
7DominoNOEASYHigh-Energy Performance PowerAggressive “Mala” Hip-Hop
8Cover MeROCK-STARStunning Vocal ShowcasePower Ballad / Soft Rock
9AnyIN LIFEWitty Wordplay & Unique BeatLo-fi Hip-Hop / Pop
10SunshineLevanterHealing & Comforting VibesChill Acoustic Hip-Hop

These songs show what makes Stray Kids special. They mix loud, crazy energy with soft, honest feelings. This is what makes them leaders in K-pop worldwide.

1. God’s Menu 

CategoryDetails
AlbumGO生: Season 1 (2020)
Unit FocusOT8 (Full Group)
Fan SentimentThe “Power Anthem” for being yourself
Signature Lyric“God’s Menu, I’m a rock star, yeah.”
Why Top RankedAlways voted top song because it has a catchy beat and a strong message about being bold and different
Musical StrengthsHeavy bass, loud drums, strong rap parts, and powerful singing that make you want to jump

Written by 3RACHA, God’s Menu is a song about being brave enough to be different. It tells fans that it’s okay to stand out and be yourself, no matter what others think.

The song starts with a loud, energetic beat that grabs your attention right away. Then Bang Chan’s voice comes in strong. The song is about being a star and not being afraid to be loud and bold. 

2. Red Lights 

CategoryDetails
AlbumNOEASY (2021)
Unit focusBang Chan & Hyunjin
Fan SentimentIntense, artistic, and visually captivating
Signature Lyric“I can’t breathe when you’re not with me.”
Why Top RankedA viral sensation known for its sophisticated rock-R&B fusion and the intense chemistry between the two performers.
Musical StrengthsHeavy electric guitar, breathy vocals, and a seductive, rhythmic bassline.

Often misinterpreted as purely sensual, the “red lights” actually symbolize the toxic obsession with work and perfection that haunts artists. Red Lights (also called “Compulsion”) is about being “trapped” by a need to work too hard.

The music video uses ropes and matching dance moves to show two sides of the same person: one side wants to be free, while the other side is stuck trying to be perfect.

3. The Tortoise and the Hare 

CategoryDetails
AlbumIN LIFE (2020)
Unit focusOT8 (Full Group)
Fan SentimentThe ultimate proof of 3RACHA’s “mad scientist” genius
Signature Lyric“Gotta go, gotta go… wait, wait, wait.”
Why Top RankedPeak experimental K-pop, loved for its chaotic structure and witty adaptation of the classic fable.
Musical StrengthsShifting tempos, experimental vocal textures, and avant-garde beat switches.

This song is like Stray Kids’ version of “Bohemian Rhapsody” because it breaks all the standard rules of music to tell a story. It is an excellent example of using sound to explain a message. 

This represents how fast and stressful the music industry can be. Han raps very fast while I.N sings very slowly to show the difference. The message is simple: you don’t have to rush; you should “go at your own pace.” It is one of the most creative and brave songs they have ever made.

4. Voices 

CategoryDetails
AlbumI am WHO (2018)
Unit focusOT8 (Full Group)
Fan SentimentA raw anthem about mental health and inner turmoil
Signature Lyric“Step out of them voices.”
Why Top RankedAn early masterpiece that established SKZ as a group that speaks for the youth.
Musical StrengthsOrchestral elements mixed with aggressive rap and an emotional chorus.

One of their first major dives into the theme of “self-protection” against societal judgment and internal doubt. Voices deals with the intrusive thoughts and negative self-talk that many young people face. 

The production uses a dramatic, almost cinematic build-up that conveys a sense of overwhelm. When the chorus hits, it feels like a release, a defiant shout to “step out” of the noise.

5. Charmer 

CategoryDetails
AlbumODDINARY (2022)
Unit focusOT8 (Full Group)
Fan SentimentUnmatched swagger and addictive choreography
Signature Lyric“I’m the Charmer, you’re the one who’s charmed.”
Why Top RankedIts infectious flute-based beat and “killing parts” made it an instant fan favorite and viral TikTok hit.
Musical StrengthsMiddle-Eastern-inspired woodwind hooks and a heavy, groovy hip-hop beat.

This is a confident song that makes fun of people who try to copy Stray Kids’ style while showing how fame can be overwhelming. Charmer uses a catchy, snake-charmer-like flute sound to pull the listener in. 

The lyrics say they are so magnetic that even people who don’t like them still find themselves following them. The dance is also significant; the moves are smooth and sharp, matching the “cool” energy of the rappers and Felix’s famous deep voice.

6. Star Lost 

CategoryDetails
AlbumNOEASY (2021)
Unit focusOT8 (Full Group)
Fan SentimentThe “ending song” of a concert that brings everyone together
Signature Lyric“I imagine you in the night sky, comforting me.”
Why Top RankedIts nostalgic energy makes it a “safe space” song, often dedicated to the bond between STAY and SKZ.
Musical StrengthsHigh-energy retro synth-pop with a stadium-ready chorus.

Despite its bright sound, the lyrics are deeply nostalgic, often interpreted as a tribute to lost loved ones or as a reflection on the fear of losing one’s way. 

Star Lost is the perfect song for a big stadium. It uses 80s-style sounds to make the music feel huge and magical. 

While the beat sounds like a happy celebration, the lyrics are about feeling “lost” in the dark while looking for a light, and for Stray Kids, that light is their fans.

7. Domino 

CategoryDetails
AlbumNOEASY (2021)
Unit focusOT8 (Full Group)
Fan SentimentPure, unfiltered SKZ “Hype” energy
Signature Lyric“One by one, they fall down like dominoes.”
Why Top RankedFeatures some of the fastest and most technical rapping in their discography, paired with an explosive beat.
Musical StrengthsRapid-fire rap delivery, industrial percussion, and a high-impact drop.

Domino shows that Stray Kids is a leader in the music industry. It suggests that once they start something, everyone else will follow their lead. Domino is all about energy that never stops. 

It starts with the sound of a doorbell, a fun nod to pizza delivery, and “delivering” hits to their fans. The rappers in the group show off their best skills here, and the “Domino” hand move in the dance became very famous.

8. Cover Me 

CategoryDetails
AlbumROCK-STAR (2023)
Unit focusOT8 (Full Group)
Fan SentimentA vocal masterpiece that highlights the group’s emotional range
Signature Lyric“Cover me with your warmth so I don’t feel the cold.”
Why Top RankedSeungmin’s legendary high note and the raw rock-ballad production made it an instant emotional classic.
Musical StrengthsProgressive rock elements, acoustic build-up, and massive vocal harmonies.

Cover Me is written by Hyunjin, the song uses the imagery of moonlight and sunlight to describe the journey from isolation to being “covered” by love. Cover Me is a soaring rock ballad that proves Stray Kids aren’t just rappers; they are elite vocalists. 

The song builds from a quiet, lonely piano intro into a crashing, emotional climax. The lyrics describe the pressure of hiding pain (like a “shaken soda bottle”) and the relief of finally being seen. 

9. Any

CategoryDetails
AlbumIN LIFE (2020)
Unit focusOT8 (Full Group)
Fan SentimentA witty take on the indecisiveness of youth
Signature Lyric“Not any, anything, 아니 아니 (Ani, ani).”
Why Top RankedFans love the clever wordplay between the English word “Any” and the Korean word “Ani” (meaning no).
Musical StrengthsTrap-influenced pop with a catchy hook and creative autotune.

Any is an excellent example of smart songwriting. The group turns the boring feeling of not being able to make a decision into a cool, catchy hip-hop song.

The song repeats the words “Ani” (which means “No” in Korean) and “Any.” This creates a rhythm that sounds like a brain circling when it can’t choose what to do.

10. Sunshine 

CategoryDetails
AlbumLevanter (2019)
Unit focusOT8 (Full Group)
Fan SentimentA “weighted blanket” in musical form
Signature Lyric“Just for a moment, stop everything and breathe.”
Why Top RankedThe ultimate “healing” song, written by Han to provide comfort to those feeling overwhelmed.
Musical StrengthsLo-fi beats, acoustic guitar, and soft, airy vocal delivery.

Han wrote Sunshine during a period of high anxiety, wanting to create a song that felt like a quiet park in the middle of a busy city. Sunshine is the antidote to the group’s “noisy” image. It’s soft, slow, and incredibly soothing. 

The lyrics encourage the listener to “stop everything” and just enjoy the moment. For many STAYs, this song is a literal lifeline, used to ground during panic attacks or stressful days. 

New Stray Kids Hits You Should Listen To

Stray Kids keeps making new songs that fans love. Their recent hit “S-Class” shows how the group is growing and trying new sounds. 

New Stray Kids Hits You Should Listen To
Source: X

It mixes their fast-rap style with smoother singing. If you want to hear their best work, start with “God’s Menu,” but don’t miss “S-Class” to see what they’re doing now.

Conclusion: “God’s Menu” Is The Best Stray Kids Song

“God’s Menu” is the top STAY favorite because it shows what makes Stray Kids special. The song has great energy, a catchy hook, and an amazing music video that fans love. 

STAYs stream it constantly and share it everywhere on social media. The song is bold, creative, and stays true to Stray Kids’ style. That’s why “God’s Menu” will always be the ultimate STAY favorite.

FAQs

What is the most popular song from Stray Kids?

Currently, God’s Menu is their most recognized hit, but Chk Chk Boom and S-Class are their biggest recent chart-toppers.

What does “SKZ” stand for?

It is the official shorthand for Stray Kids.

What is the #1 trending song right now?

As of early 2026, their latest comeback (likely from the GIANT or DIVINE era) leads trends, but Maniac remains a viral staple.

What does 143 stand for in SKZ?

In Case 143, it represents “I Love You” (I=1, Love=4, You=3 letters).

What does SKZ call Felix?

Common nicknames include Lixie, Sunshine, and his Korean name, Yongbok.

About the Author

A lifelong music enthusiast turned stan, Eram started KpopBeen to create a space where the global fandom can stay updated on comebacks, chart rankings, fandom buzz, and everything happening in the K-Pop world. Eram combines deep love for K-Pop with a passion for storytelling that connects fans across the globe. Through KpopBeen, her goal is simple: to celebrate idols, amplify fandom voices, and bring the energy of K-Pop to every fan’s screen. When not writing or curating the latest updates, you’ll find Eram streaming new releases or reliving legendary stages that made K-Pop the global movement it is today.

Scroll to Top