While the last four albums had Kang Daniel showing colors, his first full album The Story has Daniel as the storyteller recounting tales that others could have experienced: “For this album, I tried to involve themes of a story that people can relate to rather than continuing my story.” Daniel said he got a lot of inspiration from even the simplest and most casual conversations with people. He hopes the relatable album can be of comfort.^{[s] [s] [s]} “I hope we can provide healing through stories that people can relate to. Everyone has their own lifestyle, and I wanted to incorporate that lifestyle into my songs.”^{[s] [s]} The album has been in the planning stages since MAGENTA. Out of all the albums so far, he had the most fun working with others on it and considers these albums awards that he gave himself.^[s]

The first song “The Story” tells the story of people running towards an uncertain future. This song is the biggest inspiration for the album and is the keyword.

Title track “Upside Down” is about how reality doesn’t seem to go one’s way while everyone else is seemingly living well. Daniel sings about feeling like he is the only one who is being left behind and wanting to change everything. The lyrics depict in a cute way calling to a superpower to turn time back when things aren’t going well. It was chosen as the title simply so Daniel could have fun on stage with hip and positive vibes. When reflecting on what he enjoyed performing the most in the past, he chose “2U”. Therefore, his return to promoting upbeat music was because “this feels the most like me and is my true musical colors.” When picking between “Mad” and “Upside Down” as the title track, he brought up that if he went even more into minor chords after “PARANOIA” and “Antidote”, he felt like he wouldn’t be in a good mood so that’s why he wanted to go in a more positive direction.^{[s] [s]}

“Loser (Feat. Dbo)” is a song about youth, contrasting a carefree childhood with adulthood and wanting to return to the young days. After becoming an adult, sometimes there are feelings of depression and loneliness but there is hope for spring to come. This track was kept the longest since even before MAGENTA because Daniel wanted to release it when he could better express it. Daniel could relate to the song when remembering his trainee days in Seoul before he went to bed.

“Parade” is themed around a celebration of office workers enjoying after-hours like a festival. Daniel explained, “When you work at a company or at a part-time job, your life might feel mundane. There are times like ‘Everyone is special. Everyone’s life is valuable.’ Sometimes, we forget. So, being apart from all, let’s just celebrate it.” In his Kstyle interview, Daniel stated, “I think everyone should be praised for being who they are, and I think they have the right to enjoy the moment to the fullest.” He pointed out that the song is a bit sad in the chorus since we know just having fun isn’t enough for life. This song was one of the candidates for the main title track.

“Don’t Tell (Feat. Jessi)” is a Latin hip-hop song about exchanging expressions and glances without putting things into words. The song was originally supposed to be sung alone, but Daniel wanted to have a female vocalist or rapper so he asked Jessi. She was happy to do it and also gave advice when filming videos. Daniel compared the song to a fantasy game with a passionate Latin vibe.^[s]

“Ride 4 U” is about standing by the people who uplift you just by being by your side. Daniel compared the song as something like a monologue by the main character before moving onto the novel’s next chapter, and it naturally connects to other songs.

“How We Live (Feat. sokodomo)” delivers bright energy with the message to not think too deeply about difficulties and to live like there’s no tomorrow. Daniel said he listened to the song prior to the Rookie Cops drama, thinking that he needed to pick this song for the album because this song expresses youth. When he listens to the song, it reminds him of St. Patrick’s Day, playing beer pong in an Irish club, getting cheap cocktails, and catching up with friends and cheering each other on. He thought of sokodomo for this featuring, whom he befriended around the MAGENTA album prep time. Even after sokodomo became successful on SMTM, they had always wanted to do good music together so this song came to be.

“Mad (Feat. Chancellor)” disregards haters and questions why they act like that when their own actions only hurts themselves. The chant vocals included reminded Daniel of having a football team together. Daniel told MOOD MKR that the hypothetical music video he thought of would have him as an American football player. “Mad” is one of Daniel’s favorite songs on the album and was another title track candidate. Daniel especially liked the vibe and emotion. The song points out that it isn’t justified to be hurtful just because you’re upset. Daniel adds, “These days, you can see other people’s lives through social media, but ironically, you don’t know if it’s true or false. That’s why I think the message of this song is to not judge things by appearances and don’t get too immersed.”

“1000x” thanks the ones who helped during difficult times and considers them as the people to meet again even after dying a thousand times. Coincidentally, the album was released on the 1000th day since the fandom was named DANITY, and “1000x” naturally became a fan song. The lyrics pay homage to when Iron Man’s daughter told him, “I love you 3000.” Daniel wanted to express a warm love that surpasses time if it is possible to meet over 1000 times.

The last track “Moment” is about how memories are fleeting but sticking together even if the world changes. The songwriter wrote this after breaking up during military service but thought it would suit Daniel’s album and gifted it.