Moonbyul Showcases Artistic First Full Album Starlit of Muse
Released on February 20, Moonbyul’s full album Starlit of Muse offers a 12-track collection of various genres and themes. Starlit of Muse after a full 2023 for Moonbyul, juggling MAMAMOO and MAMAMOO+, her subunit with Solar, activities. Nevertheless, the album’s concept of a museum guide reflects what to expect: it’s a journey through many stories and sounds. Whether people jump into this album as first-time listeners to her solo discography or as diehard fans of MAMAMOO, Starlit of Muse touches on a lot in its 37-minute length.
Tracklist:
“Intro : WWUD (What would you do?)”
“Think About”
“TOUCHIN&MOVIN”
“Like a Fool”
“Attention Seeker”
“NOLTO (Feat. HANHAE)”
“After Sunset”
“TIMELINE”
“DARK ROMANCE”
“GOLD”
“Memories (Feat. ONEWE)”
“Without”
“Think About” and “TOUCHIN&MOVIN”
Moonbyul released “Think About,” the first of the two title tracks, on February 7. Written and composed by Kim Dohoon, Lee Hoosang, and Jenabi, “Think About” is a disco song about wanting to be around someone you admire.* Shot entirely vertically in a 9:16 aspect ratio, the music video focuses on a social media theme. There is even a section that shows a small dance tutorial, similar to something people would follow for TikTok dance challenges.
“TOUCHIN&MOVIN” lives up to its name by delivering a funky groove. As the lyrics urge listeners to give into the beat, this disco track never stops the energy.* The trumpets and saxophone help give it a bit of pep that keep the song moving. The music video also explores some creative angles. The visual transitions are so smooth, going from set to set doesn’t feel disruptive as it could have been. Moonbyul also gives some spotlight to her backup dancers in the song’s final verse, leading the camera to them.
The B-Sides
Including the album’s rap intro, Starlit of Muse contains 10 B-sides. Moonbyul’s credits appear in two songs with Cocodooboopapa, “Like a Fool” and “After Sunset.” She explained her limited production participation during her album’s exhibition a few days ago. Moonbyul intentionally chose to feature multiple composers and lyricists for this album, noting the crucial role of “diversity.”
Starlit of Muse reflects this diversity in multiple ways: the title tracks feature the fun Moonbyul, the ones she helped produce show sentimental Moonbyul, and some even feature rockstar Moonbyul. “Attention Seeker” and “Memories (Feat. ONEWE)” lean into Moonbyul’s desire for more live band music. “Memories (feat. ONEWE)” isn’t the only collaboration Starlit of Muse offers, as “NOLTO (Feat. HANHAE)” offers a laid back track by the two rappers. The following song, “TIMELINE,” focuses on emotional vocals, where a regretful feeling seeps through.
For those looking for a sound similar to Moonbyul’s 2020 EP Dark Side of the Moon, try “DARK ROMANCE.” It lends itself to the image of songs like “Eclipse” and “MOON MOVIE.” Directly after “DARK ROMANCE” comes the comforting “GOLD,” which switches the tone from dark to bright. The album ends with “Without,” musically in line with “Like a Fool” and “After Sunset.” Starlit of Muse has previously-explored genres and new ones that add to Moonbyul’s solo identity.
*Note: lyrics taken from English captions in the official music videos.