BABYMETAL X POPPY 'From ME TO U' Track Review

"From me to u" is a bold and unifying collaboration between Japan's genre-blending  BABYMETAL and American alt-metal artist Poppy. As a lead single from BABYMETAL's fifth studio album Metal Forth, the track signals a continued evolution for the band as they explore new sonic territory, embracing an even broader palette of sounds while staying rooted in their metal origins.  

Musically, "from me to u" is a high-energy blend of kawaii metal, post-hardcore, and J-pop, layered with aggressive riffs, atmospheric synths, and dynamic tempo shifts. The track opens with distorted guitars and cyberpunk-style synths, setting an urgent tone that's quickly balanced by BABYMETAL's signature melodic vocals. As the song progresses, the transitions between heaviness and soaring choruses, accompanied by Poppy's vocals, add a new dimension to the track. Her whispered, sparse verses and explosive screams cut through the track, contrasting and complementing the style, creating dynamics and spice within the track BABYMETAL's.  

The song centres around connection, empowerment, and duality, expressed through lyrics that suggest the giving and receiving of strength, almost suggesting the idea of transferring power from artist to listener, from one person to another. It's about confronting fear, breaking down emotional barriers, and finding unity in chaos. The repeated phrase "kimi ni todoke" (Japanese for "let it reach you" or "from me to you") acts as a lyrical anchor, underscoring the intent to reach out and connect. While the lyrics alternate between English and Japanese, the emotional clarity remains strong, transcending language.  

There's also a subtle commentary on the dual nature of identity, especially when viewed through the lens of performance and femininity. BABYMETAL has always embraced contrasts cuteness and brutality, innocence and intensity and Poppy, known for her shape-shifting personas and cryptic visuals, brings her own interpretation of those ideas. Together, they deliver a message that's both personal and universal: that strength can be shared, and vulnerability doesn't equal weakness. It's a lyrical journey that, while wrapped in metaphor and stylised language, feels sincere at its core.  

With neon lights, futuristic settings that feel like a cross between Tokyo and a digital dreamscape, the visuals are both vibrant and chaotic. The scenes shift between high-energy choreography, glitch effects, and symbolic imagery that highlight the song's lyrical content, almost providing a cyberpunk escape from the overall theme. The video sees BABYMETAL performing in stylised armour against ever-shifting backdrops. At the same time, Poppy gradually transforms—starting as a subtle presence before undergoing a dramatic metamorphosis into a cybernetic dragon-like form, symbolising unleashed power.  

Behind the scenes, "from me to u" benefits from top-tier production, combining the polished aggression of modern metal with the layered intricacies of pop and electronic music. Produced by Jordan Fish (formerly of Bring Me The Horizon) and Kobametal (BABYMETAL's longtime producer and creative director), the track finds a careful balance between intensity and accessibility. Every element, from the crunchy guitars to the perfectly layered synth, every instrument is a carefully added layer to the track, making 'From Me to You' sound unmistakably huge. The song's structure avoids becoming repetitive by employing subtle shifts in dynamics, tempo, and tonality. Halfway through the track, there's an atmospheric breakdown that allows the tension to build before exploding back into a final chorus, complete with a key change that adds emotional lift. The level of detail and care taken in crafting the soundscape pays off in a song that feels full, cinematic, and alive.  

The perfect blends of genres, languages, and performance styles create a phenomenal listening experience that is both experimental and accessible. While the blending of so many elements might feel overwhelming to some listeners, it's that very boldness that makes the track so compelling. It's not trying to fit into a single genre box; it's expanding the definition of what heavy music can be. 

⭐️ Rating: 9/10 – Glittering, glitchy, and gloriously unhinged — “from me to u” is genre fusion at its fiercest.