I wish I could listen to all music the way I listen to BTS’s music, Jimin’s in particular.
That was my first thought after finishing the listening of MUSE, his second EP released on July 19.
Far away to another place, mid-air in time, searching for what I know about him and everything I don’t know, that cannot be known. Sometimes, as in this case and as happened to me with many other of his songs – the first time was with Promise, with tears in my eyes from the first moment.
Of course, the alarm clock that goes off at 5:50 immediately reminds me that my first task will be to attend the YouTube premiere of “WHO“, the title track, let myself be invaded by the vibe and then offer my best translation to the audience of this website.
After publishing the translation of the spectacular title track, the fateful moment arrives. The instant right before listening to a Jimin album is always very special for me. The fear that I won’t like it, that it will be “just okay,” that it won’t capture or engage me is always there. And it probably will happen, sooner or later.
Not today.
I loved MUSE. A lot. I consider 3 of the 5 tracks we hadn’t yet had the pleasure of listening to truly excellent. But let’s take a look at it, track by track.
- Rebirth (Intro)
When an album starts with the melody of this track – really a one-way ticket to another universe – and with a verse like:
If I’m tryna be special
Can I get closer to you?
you immediately understand that you are standing in front of a very special album. If we then add the sampling of a heartbeat, gospel choirs, and a musical base that honestly doesn’t resemble anything I’ve heard before, we can only think of this song as a small masterpiece. Jimin sings about a desire for authentic love, expressing his vulnerability and the search for a deep connection. The production is characterized by ethereal sounds that create a magical and romantic atmosphere. For me, one of the best tracks on the album.
- Interlude: Showtime
I have never had anything negative to say about BTS’s interludes, even less so Jimin’s (remember the amazing Interlude: Dive in FACE, one of the best introspective experiments I’ve ever heard) and this one is no exception. A short instrumental piece that serves its purpose, acting as a transition between the intro and the next song. It prepares the listener for the change in tone that will follow, maintaining an enchanted atmosphere.
- Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco)
We were already familiar with this song. A lively and joyful track, inspired by the Beatles, which explores the carefree emotions of falling in love, with blonde Jimin whispering to the partner to “talk about us.” Loco’s participation adds a dynamic touch, making the track a hymn to lightheartedness. Cute, pleasant, and sparkling, … but I fervently hoped that the album would not all be in this style.
- Slow Dance
Mind you, not that this track has anything wrong about it… the base, an R&B starting a bit funky thanks to the initial electric guitar, is cute; the rather cheesy lyrics are cute; Jimin’s voice is cute (although when he keeps it this high, pitched, and a bit nasal, it doesn’t give me chills); Sofia Carson’s voice is… you guessed it… cute. In short, all in all … a cute track. Nothing special to me.
I just wanna slow dance
Baby can you take my hand
Don’t rush, just feel our time
You and my favorite song
Slow dance
This is my last romance
I’ll never let go of your hand
Our favorite song together
- Be Mine
A breathtaking change of pace, especially once you read the lyrics, this wonderful afro-beat track is most definitely on the seductive side. In the lyrics, Jimin expresses desires and direct requests towards the partner, creating a sizzling atmosphere. The production is characterized by gipsy guitars and an engaging rhythm, making the song perfect for dancing… together… on a hot island. Ah. Rating: 10.
Hot island
Party for two, yeah
I know what you want
And baby I want the same
Love until morning, ah
We keep falling, oh
We keep falling, oh
DNA connected
- Who
In my opinion, THE Jimin’s vocal showcase, without a doubt, despite a useless and incomprehensible auto-tune. Thanks to this track, the artist manages to display all the power, modulation, and nuances of his voice. From highs to lows, 360°, with an expressiveness second to none – but fans are already familiar with this. If someone asked me for a song to aknowoledge all aspects of Jimin’s voice, I would undoubtedly recommend this one. What happens between 2:20 and 2:30 is spine-tingling, and no auto-tune can change that.
Besides this, Who also gave us a spectacular cinematic MV with a choreography that is a marvel and a melody that cannot be forgotten. Moreover, the video confirms that the anomaly of the almost total absence of female humans in BTS or its members’ MVs in their firts chapter can finally be considered resolved. The only negative aspect I find in Who is that, unfortunately, the lyrics were not written by Jimin.
We never met, but she’s all I see at night
Never met but she’s always on my mind
Wanna give her the world
And so much more
Who is my heart waiting for?
- Closer Than This
A fan song to conclude the album. This sweet and nostalgic pop track reflects on the importance of all types of love, not just the romantic type. Jimin promises to “never let go” of his beloved fans, which helps to strengthen the deep emotional bond with them.
The song is beautiful. I am very emotional about it. But, like most fan songs, it doesn’t make me want to tear my hair out, musically speaking.
Well, in conclusion, MUSE convinces. At some moments much more than others, but still convinces. I believe that, thanks to the deep exploration of the theme of emotional connection, it represents an important artistic – and human – evolution for Jimin, who had never addressed some of these topics in such a direct and personal manner.
All the tracks on the album, except Who, are written also by Jimin and the album was produced by a team of experts, including Pdogg and GHSTLOOP, well-known BTS’s collaborators. As we have appreciated, the tracklist is characterized by a fusion of genres ranging from pop to R&B, to afrobeat, and the overall sound of the album is fresh and innovative. If you’d ask me, both collaborations could have been better utilized, but they still do not bother.
After the success of his debut album FACE, released March 2023, Jimin returns with this second work at a crucial moment for him, as he is engaged in mandatory military service in his home country. In addition to reviving and reinvigorating his bond with his many fans and those of BTS, with MUSE Jimin offers a work that entertains excellently and also invites reflection on the multiple forms of love and relationships, making it, in my opinion, a more than significant addition to the contemporary music scene.
Listen to MUSE here.
