From Disney Channel darling to fearless pop powerhouse, Miley Cyrus has carved one of the most fascinating—and musically diverse—careers in modern pop culture. With a voice that effortlessly glides from heartfelt ballads to gritty rock anthems, and a persona that constantly evolves, Miley has kept fans and critics on their toes for over a decade. Whether she’s swinging from a wrecking ball, belting out country-pop classics, or redefining empowerment anthems in glitter and glam, Miley brings raw emotion and unapologetic authenticity to every track. Her discography is a kaleidoscope of genres and eras, reflecting her ever-changing identity while consistently topping charts and breaking records.
In this countdown, we’re diving into the Top 10 Most Popular Miley Cyrus Songs of All Time—the tracks that defined her career, broke the internet, and left a lasting impact on pop music. From early hits that shook off her Hannah Montana roots to global smashes that reintroduced her to new generations, these songs are more than just catchy tunes—they’re cultural moments. So plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and get ready to revisit the boldest, brightest, and most unforgettable hits from one of pop’s most fearless voices. Let the countdown begin!
1. “Party in the U.S.A.” (2009)
When “Party in the U.S.A.” dropped in August 2009, it wasn’t just another pop song—it became a generational anthem. Co-written by Jessie J, the track perfectly captured the spirit of youthful freedom and the excitement of chasing dreams in Los Angeles. Miley Cyrus, still fresh off her Hannah Montana fame, delivered a vocal performance filled with sincerity and swagger. The song’s sparkling production, catchy chorus, and references to Jay-Z and Britney Spears made it instantly relatable and radio-ready. It quickly shot up the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 2, and became a staple at parties, proms, and even political rallies. More than a decade later, it still sparks nostalgia and patriotism in equal measure.
2. “Wrecking Ball” (2013)
Released in 2013 during her bold Bangerz era, “Wrecking Ball” unveiled a new side of Miley—raw, emotional, and unfiltered. The power ballad, produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut, stripped away the glitter and bared her heartbreak in full force. Her vocals soared over a dramatic instrumental, and the iconic music video—featuring Miley swinging naked on a wrecking ball—sparked global conversation. Beyond the controversy, the song resonated for its vulnerability and emotional depth. It became her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving she was more than capable of commanding the spotlight without any help from her former alter ego.
3. “Flowers” (2023)
With “Flowers”, released in January 2023, Miley Cyrus hit a new career high. The disco-infused pop track is a declaration of self-love and independence, offering a fresh yet retro vibe that captivated listeners worldwide. It was widely interpreted as a response to her past relationship with Liam Hemsworth, but even beyond the speculation, the song stood strong on its own. From its empowering lyrics—“I can buy myself flowers”—to its infectious groove, it became an instant hit, debuting at No. 1 and breaking streaming records. It marked a triumphant return for Miley, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and her sharp instinct for blending vulnerability with empowerment.
4. “The Climb” (2009)
“The Climb” remains one of Miley Cyrus’ most heartfelt and enduring songs. Released in early 2009 as part of Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack, the ballad quickly transcended its Disney roots. Anchored by a powerful message about perseverance and personal growth, its country-pop crossover appeal helped it climb the charts and win over a wider audience. Miley’s vocal performance was mature and emotionally resonant, signaling a shift from teen idol to serious artist. The song’s universal message—“It’s the climb”—struck a chord with listeners of all ages, becoming a graduation and motivational anthem that still holds its emotional weight today.
5. “Midnight Sky” (2020)
In “Midnight Sky”, released in 2020, Miley Cyrus fully embraced her rock-and-roll alter ego. With clear influences from Stevie Nicks and 1980s synth-pop, the track is a bold, glamorous statement of independence. Its pulsating beat, raspy vocals, and unapologetic lyrics—“I was born to run, I don’t belong to anyone”—cemented Miley’s evolution into a genre-blending powerhouse. The accompanying video, self-directed by Miley, was a visual feast of neon lights and glitter, further pushing her retro aesthetic. Critics praised the song for its authenticity and edge, and it quickly climbed the charts, reminding fans of her versatility and fearless artistry.
6. “Malibu” (2017)
“Malibu”, released in 2017, marked a softer, more introspective chapter in Miley’s musical journey. Written about her then-relationship with Liam Hemsworth, the song traded her rebellious Bangerz image for breezy acoustic guitars and heartfelt lyrics. It was a love letter not only to a person but to a place—a tranquil coastal escape from the chaos of fame. The track’s stripped-down production and airy vocals gave it a refreshing tone, perfectly timed for the summer of its release. While it showed a more subdued Miley, it didn’t lack depth or emotion. Instead, it showcased her growth and capacity for reinvention without losing her core identity.
7. “See You Again” (2007)
Released in late 2007 as part of her debut solo album Meet Miley Cyrus, “See You Again” was a game-changer. It was the first real glimpse of Miley stepping out from under the Hannah Montana shadow. The song’s upbeat tempo, infectious hook, and slightly edgy lyrics (“She’s just being Miley”) introduced her to a broader pop audience. It became her first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and laid the groundwork for her post-Disney career. With its blend of teen pop and dance-rock, “See You Again” remains a fan favorite and a nostalgic throwback to a pivotal moment in her evolution.
8. “7 Things” (2008)
“7 Things”, released in 2008, was Miley Cyrus’ first major breakup anthem, and it hit hard with fans. Allegedly inspired by her relationship with Nick Jonas, the song channeled teen angst into a punchy pop-rock track. The lyrics listed seven reasons she both hated and loved her ex, capturing the rollercoaster of young love with surprising honesty. The chorus was an emotional outpouring wrapped in catchy hooks, and the music video—featuring girls holding up pictures of their exes—resonated deeply with a generation of teenagers. The single charted in the top 10 and set the tone for Miley’s increasingly personal songwriting.
9. “We Can’t Stop” (2013)
“We Can’t Stop” kicked off the Bangerz era with a bang in 2013, announcing to the world that Miley Cyrus was no longer playing by the rules. With moody production by Mike WiLL Made-It and lyrics that embraced hedonism and rebellion, the track was a sharp turn from her earlier work. It sparked controversy for its provocative themes and visuals, but beneath the headlines was a hypnotic, slow-burning pop hit that captured the essence of youth culture at the time. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and paved the way for Miley’s full transformation into a boundary-pushing pop icon.
10. “Can’t Be Tamed” (2010)
“Can’t Be Tamed”, released in 2010, was Miley Cyrus’ first real shot at shedding her Disney image, and she did it with confidence. The electro-pop banger was fierce, bold, and unapologetically defiant. With lyrics declaring “I’m not a girl who likes to be tamed,” Miley made it clear she was ready to take control of her narrative. The song’s synth-heavy production and daring music video shocked some longtime fans but also attracted a new audience intrigued by her transformation. While it didn’t reach the peak of some of her later hits, it was a crucial milestone in her artistic journey.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
