From Disney darling to global pop icon, Miley Cyrus has carved one of the most dynamic and unpredictable paths in music history. With a voice that roars with emotion and a fearless spirit that defies labels, Miley has consistently reinvented herself — and her sound — across genres, eras, and personas. Whether she’s swinging from a literal wrecking ball, belting arena anthems, or crooning introspective ballads, she brings a raw authenticity that resonates with millions. Over the years, she’s delivered hit after hit, each one marking a new chapter in her artistic evolution.
In this countdown of the Top 10 Most Popular Miley Cyrus Songs of All Time, we’re diving into the tracks that defined her career, dominated charts, and shaped pop culture. These are the songs that sparked controversy, inspired empowerment, and proved that Miley is far more than a former child star — she’s a musical force with staying power. From early breakout hits to record-breaking comebacks, each song on this list holds a unique place in her journey. Whether you’ve been a Smiler since day one or jumped on board in the Plastic Hearts era, this list is a celebration of Miley’s boldest, brightest, and most unforgettable moments.
1. Wrecking Ball (2013)
Released in 2013, “Wrecking Ball” was a career-defining moment for Miley Cyrus—one that shattered her Hannah Montana image and introduced the world to a bolder, more emotionally raw artist. Produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut, the song builds with haunting intensity, centered on a devastating breakup that left wreckage in its wake. Its thunderous chorus and stripped-down vulnerability let Miley’s voice soar with heartache and fury, delivering what many considered her most powerful vocal performance to date. Lyrically, she compares love to destruction, singing as both the architect and the casualty of a broken relationship. The accompanying music video, featuring Miley swinging nude on an actual wrecking ball, instantly became a cultural flashpoint—controversial, provocative, and unforgettable. But beneath the headlines was a song that deeply resonated with anyone who’s ever loved too hard and lost. “Wrecking Ball” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her first chart-topping single. It wasn’t just a viral moment; it was a pop milestone that captured the emotional turmoil of heartbreak with unapologetic honesty and dramatic flair, marking a new era for Miley as an artist unafraid to show her scars.
2. Party in the U.S.A. (2009)
When “Party in the U.S.A.” dropped in 2009, it quickly became the soundtrack to a generation’s carefree celebrations. Written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the song combined irresistibly catchy pop hooks with a laid-back R&B groove, creating a feel-good anthem that radiated youthful energy. Miley Cyrus’s vocal delivery—playful, confident, and full of wide-eyed wonder—perfectly captured the story of a young girl navigating new surroundings while finding comfort in familiar tunes. The lyrics are sprinkled with pop culture references, like nods to Jay-Z and Britney Spears, which only amplified the song’s instant relatability. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple at parties, proms, sports events, and especially Fourth of July celebrations. Though originally penned for another artist, Miley made the track entirely her own. With its sunny vibe and spirited chorus, “Party in the U.S.A.” transcended its pop beginnings to become a modern classic. It remains one of Miley’s most recognizable and beloved hits—a song that, no matter when it plays, still makes people throw their hands up and sing along without hesitation.
3. Flowers (2023)
In 2023, Miley Cyrus made a triumphant return to the top of the charts with “Flowers,” a striking anthem of self-love, resilience, and emotional independence. Gone was the heartbreak narrative typically found in breakup songs—this time, Miley flipped the script. With lyrics like “I can buy myself flowers,” she reclaimed agency and pride, transforming pain into personal empowerment. The production, rooted in a sleek blend of disco, funk, and pop, gave the track a modern edge with a nostalgic undercurrent. Her sultry, smoky vocals exuded strength and clarity, perfectly complementing the song’s confident message. “Flowers” struck a universal chord, breaking streaming records and spending multiple weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became one of the fastest songs to hit a billion streams on Spotify, proving Miley’s continued relevance in the ever-evolving music landscape. Critics praised the song for its emotional maturity and understated brilliance. More than just a catchy tune, “Flowers” represented a new chapter for Miley—one where vulnerability meets empowerment, and love for oneself takes center stage. It wasn’t just a hit; it was a personal victory set to music.
4. The Climb (2009)
“The Climb,” released in 2009 as part of Hannah Montana: The Movie, offered a rare glimpse into Miley Cyrus’s heart and soul at a pivotal moment in her transition from teen star to serious artist. Unlike her earlier high-energy pop tracks, this soaring country-pop ballad focused on inner growth, perseverance, and staying the course despite obstacles. Written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe, the song’s inspirational lyrics and sweeping instrumentation struck an emotional chord with listeners of all ages. Miley’s performance is deeply heartfelt—soft when it needs to be, but rising with power in the chorus, reflecting the struggle and determination behind the message. “The Climb” topped the Hot Adult Contemporary chart and earned critical acclaim, even landing a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It quickly became a go-to anthem for graduations, competitions, and any moment that called for hope and motivation. More than a song, “The Climb” became a mantra for embracing life’s journey over the destination. It’s a defining piece of Miley’s catalog that proved she had the emotional range and vocal talent to go far beyond her Disney roots.
5. Malibu (2017)
With “Malibu,” released in 2017, Miley Cyrus took a step back from her rebellious, provocative persona and embraced a more grounded, introspective side. Written about her rekindled romance with Liam Hemsworth and the personal transformation she experienced, the song trades bombast for simplicity, capturing the calm and clarity found in love and nature. Gentle acoustic guitars, subtle beats, and a breezy melody allow Miley’s voice to shine in a more subdued, natural register. Lyrically, she reflects on a peaceful kind of love—one that’s healing, restorative, and real. “Malibu” debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and served as the lead single for her album Younger Now, signaling a sonic and stylistic shift. Critics praised the song for its sincerity and mature songwriting. It was a breath of fresh air from an artist known for stirring headlines, reminding fans that beneath the spectacle, Miley is a deeply thoughtful and capable songwriter. “Malibu” marked the beginning of a more authentic, emotionally grounded era, showing that evolution doesn’t always have to be loud—it can be quiet, sunlit, and incredibly beautiful.
6. Midnight Sky (2020)
Released in 2020, “Midnight Sky” found Miley Cyrus stepping confidently into her rock star era, blending synth-pop shimmer with glam-rock grit. The song’s bold, neon-lit production evokes the sound and swagger of the 1980s, with nods to legends like Stevie Nicks and Joan Jett. Over a pulsing bassline and glistening synths, Miley delivers one of her most self-assured vocal performances, singing about breaking free from toxic relationships and embracing unapologetic independence. “I don’t belong to anyone,” she declares, cementing the song as a personal and artistic declaration. “Midnight Sky” became a critical and commercial success, charting in the Top 20 globally and helping set the stage for her rock-influenced album Plastic Hearts. The track was praised for its empowering message, retro-modern aesthetic, and Miley’s fearless embrace of reinvention. With its shimmering hooks and rebellious energy, “Midnight Sky” wasn’t just a song—it was a statement. It proved that Miley could channel her influences, own her narrative, and redefine her sound without compromising her core. It’s a standout track in her discography, showcasing an artist who’s constantly evolving while staying true to her fire.
7. We Can’t Stop (2013)
When Miley Cyrus released “We Can’t Stop” in 2013, she wasn’t just dropping a song—she was announcing a radical new chapter in her career. Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, the track ushered in Miley’s era of reinvention, leaving behind her squeaky-clean Disney image in favor of a darker, edgier aesthetic. With a hypnotic, slowed-down beat and lyrics that revel in youthful rebellion, late-night parties, and personal freedom, “We Can’t Stop” captured the hedonistic spirit of a generation. The music video, filled with surreal visuals and controversial imagery, became an instant viral sensation and further fueled the public conversation around Miley’s transformation. Though it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, its cultural impact was far greater—it became a defining anthem of the 2010s. Critics were divided, but fans embraced it as a fearless expression of individuality. “We Can’t Stop” was a turning point, marking Miley’s evolution into an artist willing to push boundaries and defy expectations. Love it or hate it, the song cemented her as one of pop’s most provocative and unpredictable forces.
8. Slide Away (2019)
“Slide Away,” released in 2019, stands as one of Miley Cyrus’s most emotionally transparent songs—a soft, aching ballad released in the wake of her highly publicized split from Liam Hemsworth. Unlike the theatricality of some of her earlier hits, this track opts for intimacy and restraint. The production is understated, with dreamy guitars and ambient textures that allow the lyrics to breathe. Miley’s voice, rich and wounded, floats over the melody as she sings of letting go of a relationship that once felt eternal. Lines like “Move on, we’re not 17” reflect a deep maturity and understanding of growth through pain. Though it didn’t dominate the charts, “Slide Away” was widely praised for its vulnerability and sincerity, quickly becoming a fan favorite. It showed a different side of Miley—one less concerned with reinvention and more focused on reflection. The song is a quiet triumph, capturing the bittersweet clarity that comes after heartbreak. For many fans, “Slide Away” remains one of her most relatable and touching releases, reminding listeners that strength often lies in knowing when it’s time to move on.
9. See You Again (2007)
“See You Again,” released in 2007, marked Miley Cyrus’s first real breakout as a pop artist beyond her Hannah Montana persona. It was the moment when she began carving out an identity of her own in the mainstream music world. The song, co-written by Cyrus alongside Antonina Armato and Tim James, is a fizzy blend of pop-rock energy and danceable beats. With its unforgettable hook and themes of teen infatuation, “See You Again” immediately struck a chord with young audiences. Its quirky, confident lyrics—“My best friend Leslie said, ‘Oh she’s just being Miley’”—gave fans a playful glimpse into her personality, one that was charmingly self-aware. The track climbed to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her first solo Top 10 hit, signaling that she was more than a Disney Channel star—she was a bona fide pop contender. “See You Again” was the spark that ignited Miley’s solo career, a catchy, high-energy anthem that still holds up today as a nostalgic gem for those who danced to it in their teenage bedrooms.
10. 7 Things (2008)
In 2008, Miley Cyrus unleashed “7 Things,” a searing breakup anthem that blended teen angst with raw emotion. Widely believed to be about her split from Nick Jonas, the song channels the turbulence of young love into a power-pop explosion of guitars, heartbreak, and attitude. Miley’s vocals teeter between vulnerability and fury as she lists the seven things she hates about her ex—only to reveal, in the final twist, that love still lingers. The emotional honesty, combined with a hook that’s equal parts biting and catchy, struck a deep chord with fans navigating their own romantic rollercoasters. “7 Things” peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a standout track of its time, showcasing Miley’s growing ability to channel personal experience into universally relatable music. It also marked a turning point in her songwriting, signaling a willingness to open up and expose emotional complexities. With “7 Things,” Miley wasn’t just singing about heartbreak—she was giving teenage girls everywhere the soundtrack to their own healing process. It’s a perfect example of how pop music can be personal, powerful, and profoundly cathartic.
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.
