Hidden Gems in STAYC's We Need Love: Track-by-Track Breakdown

STAYC's "We Need Love" has proven itself as more than just another K-pop release, earning Platinum certification with over 261,000 units sold and reaching number 2 on South Korea's Albums chart.

Released on July 19, 2022, this third single album marks a significant shift from STAYC's signature 'teen fresh' concept, showcasing a more mature musical direction. The 12-minute collection features four carefully crafted tracks: "Beautiful Monster," "I Like It," "Love," and a remixed version of "Run2U." Notably, the album, produced by industry veterans Black Eyed Pilseung, Jeon Goon, and Flyt, comes in three distinct versions - Love, Power, and Digipack - each offering fans a unique collecting experience.

From hidden lyrical meanings to production techniques, this track-by-track breakdown reveals five lesser-known elements that make "We Need Love" a standout release in STAYC's discography.

Beautiful Monster – The Emotional Core of the Album

The title track "Beautiful Monster" introduces listeners to the emotional depth that defines the entire STAYC We Need Love album. Unlike the group's previous high-energy singles, this song takes a more introspective approach, revealing a new dimension to STAYC's musical identity.

Beautiful Monster lyrical themes and hidden meanings

"Beautiful Monster" explores the duality of love through poignant lyrics penned by Black Eyed Pilseung and Jeon Goon. The track portrays love as a paradoxical force - simultaneously healing and hurting, comforting yet painful. This complexity forms the emotional core of the song, as expressed in the chorus: "You hurt me and then you heal me."

The lyrics delve into how relationships can create conflicting emotions, comparing love to a puzzle that's difficult to navigate. As vocalist J directly states in her lines, "This is not a game / This is not a show / It's a happy dream I dream alone," highlighting the sometimes illusory nature of romance. This sentiment echoes throughout the track with lines that describe actions meant to provide warmth instead leaving one feeling blue.

One particularly meaningful line reveals the album's thematic essence: "Love is the name of the courage I need." This suggests that despite love's challenges, it remains worth pursuing - a message that resonates throughout the STAYC We Need Love tracklist.

Beautiful Monster production details and arrangement

Black Eyed Pilseung's production expertise shines in "Beautiful Monster," creating a sound distinctly different from STAYC's previous releases. Composed in the key of F-sharp major with a tempo of 82 beats per minute, the song achieves a perfect balance between acoustic warmth and electronic elements.

The production team includes:

Black Eyed Pilseung (composition)
Jeon Goon (lyrics)
Flyt (composition and arrangement)
Rado (arrangement)

What makes "Beautiful Monster" stand out in STAYC's discography is its intentionally minimalist approach. The arrangement marries acoustic guitar with 808 bass sounds, creating tension that mirrors the song's emotional lyrics. Furthermore, the incorporation of flute-like tones throughout the track adds texture and depth to the instrumental landscape.

The production choices are remarkably intentional - each element serves the song's emotional core. The transitions flow seamlessly, with clear decisions about which parts to highlight, which to strip down, and which to build up. This dynamic approach creates a polished yet raw sound that feels both intimate and expansive.

Additionally, the use of clapping samples paired with acoustic guitar reinforces the song's intimate atmosphere, connecting perfectly with the vulnerability expressed in the lyrics. The arrangement allows STAYC's vocals to shine, with exceptional mixing that preserves the clarity and emotion in each member's voice.

Beautiful Monster's role in the STAYC We Need Love concept

"Beautiful Monster" represents a significant evolution in STAYC's artistic direction. As member Sieun noted, this title track "felt totally different" from their previous releases, moving away from typical "idol music" conventions while still maintaining the group's identity.

The track serves as the emotional anchor for the STAYC We Need Love concept, establishing a more mature sound that carries through the entire single album. While previous STAYC releases embraced their signature "teen fresh" energy, "Beautiful Monster" demonstrates their versatility and willingness to explore deeper emotional territory.

In the music video, this duality is visually represented through natural settings and animated monsters appearing alongside the members. The stylists incorporated flowers and neutral colors into their looks, with the forest scenes creating a gorgeous backdrop that enhances the song's emotional impact. These visual elements complement the song's message about finding beauty even in painful emotions.

Interestingly, the song's more subdued approach initially surprised some critics. Reviews noted that while "Beautiful Monster" might not have the immediate catchiness of previous STAYC singles, its emotional resonance and vocal performances - particularly from Yoon, whose powerful yet vulnerable delivery stands out - give the track lasting impact.

Though "Beautiful Monster" marks a departure from STAYC's earlier sound, it establishes them as artists willing to evolve and experiment. As one reviewer noted, the song's "emotive vocal delivery and the minimalist and polished production will not be forgotten", proving that STAYC can create meaningful music that stands out in the competitive K-pop landscape.

The track ultimately fulfills its role as both an artistic statement and the thematic foundation of the STAYC We Need Love album, demonstrating that even when exploring new musical territory, STAYC maintains their unique artistic voice.

I Like It – A Playful Groove with Deeper Layers

Following "Beautiful Monster" on the STAYC We Need Love tracklist comes "I Like It," a summery anthem that shifts the album's tone toward carefree enjoyment yet maintains surprising emotional depth. As the second track in this four-song collection, "I Like It" serves as a perfect counterbalance to the title track's introspective nature.

I Like It musical style and instrumentation

"I Like It" showcases a refreshing musical approach that immediately transports listeners to a seaside escape. The track opens with bright guitar strumming paired with an upbeat tempo that establishes its breezy atmosphere. Produced by Black Eyed Pilseung and arranged by Rado, the song features a distinctive balance of acoustic and electronic elements.

In contrast to "Beautiful Monster," this track embraces a more straightforward pop structure with an emphasis on creating a sonic landscape that feels both relaxing and energizing. The instrumentation includes:

Fresh, seaside-inspired synths that complement the "ocean is so blue" lyrics
Low-speed, open-window vibes in the production that simulate a coastal drive
Clean, uncluttered arrangement that allows STAYC's vocals to take center stage

The production avoids overcomplicated elements, consequently allowing the melody to shine through. This simplicity serves the song's message perfectly—just as the lyrics encourage listeners to "chill and refresh," the instrumentation itself creates that exact sensation through its airy quality and unhurried pacing.

I Like It lyrics and emotional undertones

Beneath its sunny exterior, "I Like It" contains thoughtful lyrics that address modern stress and the importance of mental breaks. The opening lines "The sun is bright, I got my shades on / The air is warm, The ocean is so blue" establish the carefree setting, but the song quickly moves into more substantive territory.

The chorus anchors around the phrase "You know I like the feel / Entrusting all of me / That's right, yeah, I like it, I like it, yeah"—indicating a surrender to the moment rather than fighting against life's challenges. This theme develops throughout the verses with lines addressing burnout directly: "You're gonna burn out / You know it's the time, you better go out".

Particularly meaningful is the pre-chorus section where STAYC sings about feeling "Frustrated, a lot of stress / It's time to let everything go". This sentiment resonates especially with Korean students and young adults facing academic and social pressures. The song offers gentle reassurance with lines like "Time runs away again / Even if you struggle / Not everything goes your way / It's alright, it's not your fault".

The track's emotional undertones reflect a maturity that balances perfectly with its playful sound—providing both escape and understanding. This duality makes "I Like It" more than just a summer song but rather a thoughtful commentary on finding joy amid life's demands.

I Like It connection to STAYC's teen fresh identity

"I Like It" exemplifies STAYC's "teen fresh" concept—a term combining "teenager" and "fresh" that has defined their artistic identity since debut. This self-coined concept represents more than just youthful energy; it reflects their mission to create music that celebrates youth while encouraging self-acceptance.

The track connects to this identity through several key elements:

First, its message about embracing imperfection aligns with STAYC's commitment to helping listeners "accept and embrace their flaws and differences". The lyric "Ain't nobody's perfect" directly reflects this philosophy.

Second, the song maintains the balance between youthful energy and meaningful messaging that has become STAYC's trademark. Much like their hit "Stereotype," which encouraged listeners to move beyond snap judgments, "I Like It" promotes mental well-being without being heavy-handed.

Finally, the musical style itself—with its contemporary yet timeless quality—represents what fans have come to recognize as STAYC's signature sound. As noted by music critics, the group often "plays around the 1998-2008 era of pop music" but with modern production techniques that keep their sound fresh rather than simply nostalgic.

Within the STAYC We Need Love concept, "I Like It" occupies an essential position—bridging the emotional vulnerability of "Beautiful Monster" with the album's overall theme of different expressions of love, including self-love and the importance of taking care of one's mental health.

Love – Simplicity That Speaks Volumes

The third track on the STAYC We Need Love album offers an uncomplicated yet profound musical experience. "Love" masterfully balances simplicity with emotional depth, proving that sometimes less truly becomes more in musical storytelling.

Love track's minimalist production and impact

Arranged by FLYT and produced by the powerhouse team of Black Eyed Pilseung, Jeon Goon, and FLYT, "Love" stands out through its deceptively simple production approach. Unlike many K-pop b-sides that overwhelm with complex arrangements, this track begins with restraint before gradually revealing its emotional layers.

The production builds methodically, starting with a sparse opening verse before introducing a smooth rap section accompanied by heavy, steady beats. This gradual unfolding creates musical tension that mirrors the song's lyrical journey through post-breakup emotions.

What makes "Love" particularly impressive is how it sheds the restraint of its first verse, subsequently blossoming into a more dynamic arrangement. The production incorporates:

Clean, dream-like synths that establish the emotional foundation
A self-assured bass line that punctuates key lyrical moments
Subtle percussion elements that build throughout the track

The minimalist production serves as an emotional canvas, allowing STAYC's vocals to command attention. Moreover, this approach creates space for listeners to connect with the song's emotional narrative without distraction, making "Love" an intimate listening experience despite its polished production.

Love lyrics and vocal delivery

"Love" presents a poignant break-up anthem wrapped in deceptively cheerful musical packaging. The lyrics explore the complex aftermath of a relationship ending, addressing themes of:

Memory and nostalgia ("When my heart pounds, I'll think of you at that moment")
Acceptance of impermanence ("Whoever I meet, it won't be forever")
Emotional processing ("This road I'm walking back from meeting you")

The opening lines immediately establish the emotional landscape: "That's what dreaming is like, cannot get away from you. Break up, just like that, someone starts with pain". This direct approach to heartbreak continues throughout the track, with STAYC delivering lines that acknowledge both the pain and inevitability of relationships ending.

Fundamentally, what elevates "Love" is how the vocal delivery balances vulnerability with resilience. The members convey emotional authenticity through their performances, particularly during the pre-chorus when they sing, "Will it always be forgotten? (I miss you)", capturing the contradictory emotions that often accompany breakups.

The chorus features a distinctive "Taradam-daramdam" hook that acts as both catchy centerpiece and emotional release. This musical choice creates an interesting juxtaposition—a seemingly lighthearted refrain carrying the weight of unspoken feelings. As a result, the song achieves emotional depth without becoming overwhelmingly melancholic.

Love's place in the stayc we need love tracklist

"Love" occupies a crucial position in the STAYC We Need Love tracklist, serving as an emotional bridge between the carefree "I Like It" and the album-closing "Run2U (TAK Remix)". This strategic placement creates a narrative arc across the album, moving from the title track's exploration of love's duality through various emotional states.

Among other things, "Love" contributes significantly to the album's maturation of STAYC's sound. While maintaining their signature vocal approach, the track showcases a more nuanced emotional palette than their previous releases. The song exemplifies the album's broader theme of needing courage to pursue love, as mentioned by member Sieun in the album's showcase.

Music critics have identified "Love" as possibly the strongest track on the STAYC We Need Love album, praising its ability to balance seemingly contradictory elements. The song manages to be simultaneously upbeat and melancholic, forward-looking yet tinged with nostalgia.

What sets "Love" apart within the tracklist is its unflinching honesty about relationships. The track asks pointedly, "Do you know how I feel?", establishing itself as the most emotionally direct song on the album. Additionally, the song's minimalist approach provides a perfect counterbalance to the more production-heavy tracks surrounding it.

In essence, "Love" exemplifies the album's artistic evolution toward a more mature sound while maintaining STAYC's distinctive musical identity. Its straightforward exploration of complex emotions, coupled with its pristine production, makes it not just a standout track but a revealing window into STAYC's growing artistic ambitions.

Run2U (TAK Remix) – Reinventing a Hit

Closing out the STAYC We Need Love album, "Run2U (TAK Remix)" offers a fresh perspective on one of the group's biggest hits. This remixed version continues STAYC's tradition of including reimagined versions of previous title tracks in their albums, providing fans with an alternative take on a familiar favorite.

Run2U remix vs original: what's different?

The TAK remix fundamentally transforms the original "Run2U" through several key changes in musical approach. Most notably, the chorus undergoes a complete reinvention—whereas the original version featured a clear beat drop, the remix opts for an anti-drop approach that creates a more laid-back atmosphere. This structural change alters the entire emotional trajectory of the song.

Additionally, the remix almost isolates the vocals, creating a distinctly different listening experience compared to the original. This vocal-forward approach highlights STAYC's singing abilities while setting a new context for their performance.

In terms of overall feel, the remix seems fuller than the original according to some listeners, though opinions vary. The EDM elements in the final chorus stand out as a particularly effective addition, providing a satisfying climax that differs from the original's approach.

One noteworthy difference is how the remix redirects attention—in certain sections, the added instruments overpower the vocals, shifting focus from the members' voices to the beat. This represents a deliberate artistic choice rather than a flaw, as remixes typically aim to reimagine tracks through new sonic landscapes.

Run2U remix production and arrangement by TAK

TAK's production fingerprints are evident throughout this reinvented version. As the arranger, TAK took charge of multiple instrumental elements, including drums, keyboard, and bass, creating a cohesive sound that bears his distinct style while respecting the original's essence.

Interestingly, the production team maintained connections to the original track. STAYC's Sieun provided background vocals for the remix, creating continuity between versions. Furthermore, the production involved collaboration with significant figures from the original:

Black Eyed Pilseung (lyrics and composition)
Jeon Goon (lyrics and composition)
FLYT (composition and production)

TAK's arrangement deliberately takes an alternative approach to the instrumental, almost isolating the vocals to create a different emotional response. This technique showcases both STAYC's vocal capabilities and TAK's skill in recontextualizing existing material.

In regard to technical aspects, the remix was mixed by TAK himself, allowing for complete creative control over the sound. This hands-on approach ensured that the remixed version maintained a consistent vision from arrangement through final production.

Run2U remix as a hidden gem in the stayc we need love album

"Run2U (TAK Remix)" serves as more than just a bonus track—it functions as a meaningful conclusion to the STAYC We Need Love album journey. As the fourth and final track on the tracklist, it provides closure while simultaneously looking backward and forward.

Historically, this addition aligns with STAYC's established pattern of including remixed versions of previous hit songs in their releases. This practice gives fans fresh perspectives on familiar material, extending the lifespan of popular tracks while showcasing the group's willingness to reinvent their sound.

The original "Run2U" had already demonstrated significant success, ranking at the top of album charts across 13 countries on platforms including Melon, Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube Music. By including this remix, the album acknowledges the song's importance while offering something new for dedicated fans.

From a collector's perspective, the track adds value to the physical album versions. Whether purchased in the Love, Power, or Digipack editions, the remix provides additional content beyond the three new songs. This amplifies the appeal of STAYC We Need Love as a complete package rather than merely a vehicle for the title track.

Upon closer listening, the remix reveals itself as genuinely distinct rather than a surface-level modification. As one reviewer noted, "The purpose of a remix is to alter the beat to the DJ's style"—and TAK succeeds in this mission, creating a version that stands on its own musical merits while maintaining connection to the original that many fans consider STAYC's strongest title track.

Through this thoughtful reinterpretation, "Run2U (TAK Remix)" underscores the musical versatility that defines the STAYC We Need Love concept, completing an album that showcases the group's willingness to explore diverse sounds and emotions.

Behind the Scenes – Producers, Arrangers, and Studio Magic

Beyond the captivating melodies and lyrics of STAYC We Need Love album lies a network of talented creators who shaped its distinctive sound. The album's production team brought decades of experience and artistic vision to craft each track's unique identity.

Black Eyed Pilseung and Jeon Goon's lyrical fingerprints

At the heart of STAYC We Need Love stands the formidable duo Black Eyed Pilseung, the executives of High Up Entertainment who understand STAYC best. As the primary architects, they crafted lyrics and compositions for all four tracks on the album. Their approach to STAYC We Need Love focused less on creating typical "idol music" and more on developing genuinely good music.

Working closely with Black Eyed Pilseung, Jeon Goon served as a frequent STAYC collaborator, contributing lyrics to every track on the album. This partnership created a consistent lyrical identity across the tracklist, with themes exploring the duality of love, self-acceptance, and emotional processing.

Their lyrical fingerprints appear throughout the album in several distinctive ways:

Direct emotional language that balances vulnerability with strength
Metaphorical expressions that transform complex feelings into accessible imagery
Thematic consistency that ties the tracklist together conceptually

Essentially, Black Eyed Pilseung and Jeon Goon crafted a lyrical framework that allowed STAYC's personalities to shine through each track, creating an album that feels both cohesive and personally authentic.

FLYT, Rado, and TAK's production styles across tracks

The STAYC We Need Love album benefits from a trio of producers whose distinct styles complement each other throughout the tracklist. FLYT contributed significantly as both arranger and producer, handling arrangement duties on "Beautiful Monster" and "Love" while providing background vocals on "Run2U (TAK Remix)". Their production approach typically favors clean, uncluttered arrangements that highlight vocal performances.

Rado, another crucial producer, took charge of arrangement for "Beautiful Monster" and "I Like It". In a behind-the-scenes video, Rado revealed a philosophical shift in approaching this album: "I'd always tried to make music that would contribute something to K-pop. But this time, I just started out from thinking about what makes good music". This perspective influenced the album's sound, prioritizing quality over genre conventions.

For the album's closing track, TAK delivered a distinctive remix sound, transforming "Run2U" through restrained beats and colorful reharmonization. Following the success of "SO BAD (TAK Remix)," TAK's involvement brought a different sonic dimension to a familiar track. Throughout the remix, TAK handled drums, keyboard, and bass arrangements, creating a reimagined version that stands distinct from the original.

Mastering and mixing studios that shaped the sound

The technical excellence of STAYC We Need Love owes much to the studios that finalized its sound. Recording and digital editing primarily occurred at Ingrid Studio, establishing the foundation for each track's sonic identity. Additional digital editing work on "Beautiful Monster" and "I Like It" took place at Vanguard Town, adding refined touches to these standout tracks.

Upon closer examination, the mixing process—crucial for balancing elements and creating cohesion—was entrusted to Koko Sound Studio. The mixing team included:

Drk - primary mixing engineer
Kim Jun-sang, Ji Min-woo, On Seong-yoon, and Kim Joon-young as assistant mixing engineers

To clarify, the mastering process—which gives albums their finished quality—was divided between two prestigious facilities. The Mastering Palace handled "Beautiful Monster" and "Run2U (TAK Remix)" under Dave Kutch's direction, while Metropolis Mastering Studios with Stuart Hawkes mastered "I Like It" and "Love". This dual approach provided subtle textural differences between tracks while maintaining overall album cohesion.

Additional vocal contributions came from Ashley Alisha, who provided background vocals for the first three tracks, further enriching the album's sound. The recording process was overseen by engineers Jeong Eun-kyung and Yang Young-eun, ensuring pristine vocal captures that showcase STAYC's distinctive voices.

Ultimately, the collaborative magic between producers, arrangers, engineers, and studios transformed STAYC We Need Love from concept to polished final product, delivering an album that balances artistic expression with technical excellence.