The Sound (Stray Kids album)
The Sound is the debut Japanese-language studio album and third overall by South Korean boy band Stray Kids. It was released on February 22, 2023, through Epic Records Japan, eight months after their second Japanese-language EP Circus (2022). Centered on an orchestra theme and the group's own unique music concept, the album consists of ten tracks, preceded by "Scars", the Japanese versions of "Thunderous" and "Case 143", and the title track. The Sound debuted atop Oricon Albums Chart for the first time, and Billboard Japan Hot Albums. Background and release After the release of the Japanese version of "Case 143" on December 15, 2022, Stray Kids first announced their debut Japanese studio album via a trailer on December 23, 2022, scheduled for release on February 22 next year. The album made available to pre-order on the same day, coming in four editions–limited A (CD + Blu-ray), limited B (CD + SpecialZine), regular, and eight individual-cover FC limited editions. The album's title, The Sound, alongside the track listing, main promotional images, and each edition's cover artworks, were revealed on January 16, 2023. The visuals depict the concept of an orchestra, showing the members playing different musical instruments. The main trailer was