Miley Cyrus is a force of nature in the music world, a chameleon who has continuously reinvented herself while delivering some of the most unforgettable songs of the last two decades. From her early days as a Disney star to her bold, genre-defying transformations, Miley has proven time and again that she’s more than just a pop icon—she’s a cultural phenomenon. With a voice that can be both tender and powerful, and a fearless approach to her artistry, Miley has crafted a catalog of hits that have resonated with fans across the globe. Whether she’s belting out an emotional ballad or leading a carefree anthem, each song reflects a different facet of her evolving persona. In this article, we dive into the top 10 most popular Miley Cyrus songs of all time, celebrating the tracks that have defined her career and left an indelible mark on the music industry. From chart-topping singles to fan favorites, these songs showcase Miley’s incredible versatility, her ability to connect with listeners, and her undeniable impact on pop culture. So, let’s take a look at the hits that have made Miley Cyrus a household name and an enduring symbol of musical evolution.
1. “Wrecking Ball” (2013)
“Wrecking Ball” is one of Miley Cyrus’s most iconic tracks, released in 2013 as part of her Bangerz album. The song marked a significant departure from her earlier work, showcasing a more mature and emotionally intense side of Miley. Produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut, this powerful ballad is built around a haunting piano melody and soaring vocals. The lyrics speak of a tumultuous relationship, with Miley delivering a raw and vulnerable performance that resonated with fans worldwide. The song’s music video, featuring Miley swinging on a wrecking ball, became a pop culture phenomenon and further cemented her status as a daring and transformative artist. “Wrecking Ball” topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Miley’s first number-one single in the U.S.
2. “Party in the U.S.A.” (2009)
Released in 2009, “Party in the U.S.A.” quickly became an anthem for a generation. Featured on her EP The Time of Our Lives, this catchy pop tune celebrates the thrill of being young and carefree in America. Written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the song combines a bouncy beat with lyrics that describe Miley’s experience of arriving in Los Angeles and feeling at home despite initial nerves. The infectious chorus and patriotic themes made it a staple at parties, events, and even political rallies. “Party in the U.S.A.” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained a beloved track in Miley’s discography.
3. “The Climb” (2009)
“The Climb” is a deeply inspirational ballad that became a defining moment in Miley Cyrus’s career. Released in 2009 as part of the Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack, the song showcases Miley’s vocal talents and emotional depth. Written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe, “The Climb” is about overcoming obstacles and persevering through life’s challenges. The lyrics encourage listeners to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. The song’s uplifting message and Miley’s heartfelt delivery resonated with fans of all ages, making it a massive success. “The Climb” reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned several award nominations.
4. “Malibu” (2017)
“Malibu,” released in 2017, marked a significant shift in Miley Cyrus’s musical direction. The song, from her Younger Now album, is a breezy, sun-soaked ode to love and freedom. Written by Miley and her then-fiancé Liam Hemsworth, “Malibu” reflects Miley’s personal growth and newfound happiness. The track features a laid-back guitar riff and a dreamy melody that perfectly captures the feeling of being in love on a sunny California beach. The lyrics are filled with gratitude and contentment, a stark contrast to some of her previous, more rebellious work. “Malibu” was well-received by critics and fans alike, peaking at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. “We Can’t Stop” (2013)
“We Can’t Stop” is a rebellious anthem that solidified Miley Cyrus’s transition from her Disney past to a more provocative and edgy persona. Released in 2013 as the lead single from her Bangerz album, the song is a celebration of freedom and self-expression. Produced by Mike Will Made It, the track features a hypnotic beat and catchy lyrics that encourage listeners to live life on their own terms. The song’s music video, filled with surreal and provocative imagery, generated significant buzz and controversy, further fueling Miley’s reinvention as a pop culture provocateur. “We Can’t Stop” was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
6. “Flowers” (2023)
“Flowers,” released in 2023, is a self-empowerment anthem that quickly became one of Miley Cyrus’s most celebrated tracks. Featured on her Endless Summer Vacation album, the song is a declaration of independence and self-love. With a funky, disco-inspired beat and catchy hooks, “Flowers” reflects Miley’s evolution as an artist and a person. The lyrics tell the story of finding strength and happiness within oneself, rather than relying on others for validation. This empowering message resonated deeply with listeners, propelling “Flowers” to the top of the charts worldwide. The song’s blend of retro vibes and modern pop sensibilities made it an instant classic.
7. “Adore You” (2013)
“Adore You,” released in 2013, is a tender and romantic ballad from Miley Cyrus’s Bangerz album. The song showcases Miley’s softer side, with lyrics that express deep affection and devotion. Produced by Oren Yoel, “Adore You” features a mellow, almost ethereal melody that perfectly complements Miley’s heartfelt vocals. The song’s music video, which features intimate and vulnerable imagery, added to its emotional impact. Although more subdued than some of her other hits, “Adore You” was praised for its sincerity and emotional depth. The song became a fan favorite and further demonstrated Miley’s range as an artist.
8. “7 Things” (2008)
Released in 2008, “7 Things” is a pop-rock track that captures the angst and confusion of young love. Featured on Miley Cyrus’s Breakout album, the song was inspired by her own experiences and is rumored to be about a high-profile relationship. The lyrics list the things Miley loves and hates about a past lover, blending anger and affection in a way that resonated with many of her fans. With its catchy chorus and energetic guitar riffs, “7 Things” became an instant hit, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s relatable themes and Miley’s passionate delivery made it a standout track in her early career.
9. “See You Again” (2007)
“See You Again,” released in 2007, was Miley Cyrus’s first major hit as a solo artist. Featured on her Meet Miley Cyrus album, the song blends pop and dance elements with a catchy, infectious rhythm. The lyrics tell the story of a girl who can’t stop thinking about her crush and anticipates seeing them again. With its upbeat tempo and relatable theme, “See You Again” quickly became a fan favorite, reaching number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success marked Miley’s transition from her Hannah Montana persona to a more independent artist, setting the stage for her future musical endeavors.
10. “Midnight Sky” (2020)
Released in 2020, “Midnight Sky” is a bold and empowering track from Miley Cyrus’s Plastic Hearts album. The song draws inspiration from 80s synth-pop, with a driving beat and infectious melody that showcase Miley’s distinctive voice. “Midnight Sky” is about embracing independence and self-confidence, with lyrics that reflect Miley’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The song was praised for its retro vibes and modern twist, with many critics noting Miley’s growth as an artist. “Midnight Sky” was a commercial success, peaking at number fourteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the standout tracks of 2020.