ME:I Says “Hi” to Summer with “Hi-Five”
ME:I, the latest winners of the PRODUCE 101 JAPAN series, have released their second single, “Hi-Five.” This track greets the summer season with its light-hearted energy. The EP of the same name, physically released on August 28, includes four songs. Alongside “Hi-Five” come two new B-sides and a ME:I version of PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS’s “想像以上,” also known as “Imagine It.”
TRACKLIST:
“Hi-Five”
“Cookie Party”
“Our Diary”
“想像以上 - ME:I Ver.” [Digital streaming only]
“Hi-Five”
ME:I premiered their latest title track “Hi-Five” at KCON LA 2024 in July. Composed by Anna Timgren and Alexei Viktorovitch, “Hi-Five” knows how to create a summer vibe. It describes being on the beach, sipping lemonade, and having an overall “good time.” The song focuses on enjoying a summer festival, like the one ME:I finds themselves transported to in the music video.
The video also contains some seamless and creative transitions. My favorite one shows Tsuzumi throwing a water balloon at images of the group’s mascots, ME:EYE’s. As the balloon bursts, the splash of water reveals a choreography section on the beach. The way that each scene flows makes the video so fun to watch.
As a bonus, the music video adds some interaction with its audience. The QR code seen on the back of the ME:EYE figure actually works. Though scanning it will not teleport people in real life, it directs to some cute photos.
The B-Sides
Upon my first listen of “Cookie Party,” I knew I had heard this electronic instrumental before. Turns out, ME:I used the track in the introduction video for ME:EYE’s. This songs feels a bit hectic combined with the vocals, but it’s also on brand for its quartet of composers—KZ, Nthonius, Meisobo, and B.O. also composed Kep1er’s “Wing Wing” and “We Fresh,” very loud and in-your-face songs.
After “Hi-Five” and “Cookie Party,” “Our Diary” slows the energy down with a ballad. Composers NadaNiel, Ben Addict, StereoHz, Rachel “SilkSoli” Emma, and Enthos helped create a track on the calmer side. So far, ME:I’s discography has been a selection of songs with the level of energy to rival a child experiencing a sugar rush. Though I am addicted to that sweet sound, “Our Diary” is like a palette cleanser.
“想像以上 - ME:I Ver.” is ME:I’s take on a track from the PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS finale. ME:I members Momona, Miu, Kokona, and Rinon originally performed it with IS:SUE members Rin, Nano, Yuuki, and Rino, as well as trainees Takabatake Momoka and Kitazato Rio. In English, the song is titled “Imagine It.” It tells listeners to “dream high,” and comes with an instrumental like one playing on a fashion runway. Composers Jung Hohyun of producing duo e.one and Sophia Pae create an atmosphere that makes one feel like a star.
“Hi-Five” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 8/10
“Hi-Five” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 9/10
Hi-Five ALBUM SCORE: 8/10
Overall Score: 8.3/10
Edited by Cara Musashi