ME:I’s Third EP, MUSE, is a Piece of Art
A year has passed since ME:I debuted as the first girl group from the PRODUCE 101 JAPAN series, and now they have released their third EP. The 11-member group’s newest EP, MUSE, comes with the dual title tracks “MUSE” and “Ready Go.” ME:I exists as another successful joint project between South Korean entertainment conglomerate CJ ENM and Japanese entertainment conglomerate Yoshimoto Kogyo.
TRACKLIST:
“MUSE”
“Ready Go”
“Million Stars”
“Affogato”
The First Title Track: “MUSE”
ME:I’s ability to create layered experiences of vibrant colors and soundscapes shines in “MUSE.” The song gives listeners many aspects to muse about: it combines multiple genres including jazz, disco, city pop, and funk. The dance break stands out among everything else; rarely do dance breaks appear after the first chorus, but ME:I uses this jazzy interlude to smoothly transition into the next verse. I found myself quickly attached to this song, which currently stands as my favorite ME:I track.
ME:I enters a world of glitz and glamor in the “MUSE” music video, which came out on March 17. MONA and Ray Wakui of visual creative studio VeAble co-directed the video with an idea based on 1990s culture. The group transforms Tokyo’s Shibuya 109 hub into their own: they appear on billboards and each shop becomes a ME:I-themed parody. This song and its music video will make anyone feel like an absolute fashionista. In real life, ME:I have also succeeded in becoming everyone’s muse; most of the songs on this EP tie into commercials or other media promotions. “MUSE” was originally previewed in commercials, which started airing in February, for the Galaxy S25 ultra phone by Japanese mobile carrier NTT Docomo.
The Second Title Track: “Ready Go”
“Ready Go” doesn’t just appear as the second title track on ME:I’s MUSE, it also airs as the Japanese ending theme for Pokémon Horizons’s latest arc, Mega Voltage. The Pokémon Company’s various Asian divisions have continually hired K-Pop and K-Pop-adjacent acts to sing the current Pokémon anime's opening and ending themes. This track joins the likes of themes sung by aespa, ZEROBASEONE, IVE, NCT WISH, and fromis_9’s Park Jiwon.
“Ready Go” delivers a mix of EDM and pop. The angelic strum-like notes contrast with the manufactured technological sound. This dreamy and energetic backdrop helps enforce the song’s message of continuing towards one’s dreams. While not my favorite ME:I track nor my favorite Pokémon anime theme, “Ready Go” has a unique retro instrumental.
The B-sides: “Million Stars” and “Affogato”
“Million Stars” discusses the fateful relationship between two people. They managed to find each other despite the millions “stars in the universe.” This dance song boasts a catchy hook. “Million Stars” is the only song on MUSE not currently associated with any promotional campaign.
“Affogato” describes the sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet, recollection of memories. ME:I compares this experience to the contrasting flavors of affogato, an Italian dessert which includes ice cream covered with a shot of espresso. Its smooth instrumental transports the listener to a relaxing vacation resort. Like “MUSE,” “Affogato” originally appeared in commercials leading up to the EP’s release. It features as the commercial song for Japanese snack manufacturer UHA Mikakuto’s milk candy “Tokuno Milk 8.2.” The commercial highlights the line “give me a bite” (“ひと口ちょうだい”).
ME:I’s MUSE is yet another fantastic collection of songs. “MUSE” continues the group’s trend of creativity and “Ready Go” represents a large milestone in the group’s early, but growing, career. The group will continue their achievements by embarking on their first arena tour across Japan this summer. MUSE is now out digitally and physically.
Edited by Bryn Claybourne