[Review] Burnin’ Tires – CHANGBIN & I.N (Stray Kids)

It has been a year since Stray Kids released their single album, Mixtape: dominATE. But despite being a big fan of Stray Kids (I acknowledge I give them a lot more attention than any other group), I have yet to review any tracks from their Mixtape: dominATE. As the one-year anniversary is tomorrow, now would be a timely moment to begin reviewing the tracks on the mixtape. The lead single is the Korean version of their 2024 Japanese single GIANT (which I have yet to review, but will do later this month). Alongside GIANT are unit tracks, with this post focusing on CHANGBIN and I.N’s Burnin’ Tires. Links to the reviews of the other unit tracks (as they are released) are below the music video.

Burnin’ Tires earned a nomination and emerged as the winner for Best Electronic Song in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. And I am here to tell you why. Burnin’ Tires blends punk rock, synths, and rap into a super dynamic, fast-paced track. The resultant mix definitely drives (ha!) the song forward and heightens the excitement as the song progresses. That electric guitar that comes through at the end was undoubtedly super cool and just feels perfect at the end of the song that gets your adrenaline pumping. Both CHANGBIN’s and I.N’s delivery of Burnin’ Tires gives the song some grittiness and texture as the instrumental literally zooms ahead. Their delivery is also lively and energetic, which adds to the dynamic and excitement already mentioned. Their chemistry also gives Burnin’ Tires a fun edge, as well. I must also commend CHANGBIN’s rapping throughout the song, super dynamic and intense – earning him a nomination for Best Rap Performance in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. To me, Burnin’ Tires was the standout track from the mixtape and has remained so even after a year.

Keeping to the fast-paced nature, the pair compete against each other (and a bunch of other people) after discovering a competition for 10 quintillion won. The pair race to the goal, but this is reimagined as a virtual road race, a fight scene, and then a dance battle. They eventually win (as shown in the post-ending scene), with the pair earning a speeding ticket along the way. I also liked the inclusion of parkour scenes and the teasing scenes between the pair.

With such an upbeat and dynamic track, it makes sense for this unit track to have some choreography. While the stage does involve both CHANGBIN and I.N running around (makes perfect sense), they do get into a motorcycle formation with the dancers and pull off some dance moves alongside the electric guitar at the end. I also enjoyed the little skit they have at the end of their performance – it adds to the fun and playful energy.

Song – 10/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9.5/10