The 2000s have surely seen its fair share of new artists, but few have transcended into icon territory in the way that Miley Cyrus has. As she has experienced life mostly under the spotlight and judgement of strangers, her growth as an individual and as an artist shines throughout her discography. Each album has been a representation of Miley’s latest personal life developments displayed throughout different genres, lyrics, and visuals. On her new ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, Miley Cyrus arrives as a culmination of all she has ever been and all that she is with no hesitation. With each track transitioning in and out of each other, Something Beautiful stands as Miley Cyrus’ most complete body of work to date. With the spoken opening “Prelude”, Cyrus sets the tone of the whole record over a cinematic instrumental by stating “The beauty one finds alone is a prayer that longs to be shared”. Immediately after, the title track of the record is simultaneously a jazzy and explosive rock track that longs to find beauty in a world of chaos. “End of the World” searches for that same beauty over an anthemic 70s inspired track that almost feels reminiscent of Hannah Montana (“Baby you’ve been thinking ‘bout the future like it’s already yours / Show me how you’d hold me if tomorrow wasn’t coming for sure / Let’s pretend its not the end of the world”). Tapping into Miley’s power ballad expertise, “More To Lose” feels like a song with its own beating heart. With a building instrumental, expansive vocals, and a key change, the track feels like an instant highlight amongst her discography.
The cinematic aspect of the album is a through-line amongst the thirteen tracks. Including the two eruptive instrumental interludes, Something Beautiful exudes an audible fashion. There’s a wide range of styles and genres that Miley Cyrus slips on and off throughout the entirety of Something Beautiful. This even stands true on tracks directly next to each other on the tracklist, look no further than “Golden Burning Sun” and “Walk of Fame” (two of the album's standout tracks). As the former delivers a transcendent 70s swaying groove, the latter immediately drags the listener to the dance floor that explores the complexities of fame. “Pretend You’re God” yearns for love amongst uncertainty, while “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved” and “Reborn” flow with infectious melodies and ricocheting beats that are impossible to sit still to. The sonic landscape of Something Beautiful is vast, experimental, and immersive, which makes the closing track “Give Me Love” even more pleasing to the ear. With all the harsh, soft, demanding, and vulnerable tones on Something Beautiful that coexist with one another, “Give Me Love” closes the album with a true offering. It’s one of consideration and love, as Cyrus closes the album by singing “So I’ll say my goodbyes to the earthly delights while my perfect eden goes down in flames / I’m eaten alive by the mouth of a monster while fearlessly callin’ out your name”. The world thinks they know how to simplify Miley Cyrus into a simple definition, but Something Beautiful says otherwise. Every emotion and expression exists within the album, just as each genre she has previously explored coexists with new sonic territory. Cyrus has received the accolades, she’s had chart success, and now she’s ready to make art without explanation. Nine albums deep into her career, Something Beautiful proves that Miley Cyrus is really just getting started.
- Logan Bandi
