Miley Cyrus, born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Rising to fame as the star of the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana,” Cyrus has since established herself as a dynamic and multifaceted artist, continually pushing boundaries and reinventing her image.
Known for her distinctive voice and captivating stage presence, Cyrus has ventured into various musical genres throughout her career. She initially gained popularity with her pop-rock sound, delivering hits like “Party in the USA” and “The Climb.” However, Cyrus’s artistic evolution has seen her embrace a more edgy and experimental style, incorporating elements of pop, country, and even rock into her music. Her album “Bangerz” in 2013 marked a significant departure from her earlier work, with songs like “Wrecking Ball” showcasing her powerful vocals and emotional range.
Beyond her music, Cyrus has also made headlines for her provocative and daring public persona. She has fearlessly challenged societal norms and expectations, often sparking discussions on topics such as sexuality, gender identity, and body positivity. Cyrus’s outspokenness and advocacy for social causes, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, have earned her a devoted following and cemented her status as a cultural icon.
Despite her controversies, Cyrus’s talent and ability to evolve as an artist have consistently kept her in the spotlight. Her versatility and willingness to take risks have made her a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry, solidifying her as a true pop sensation.
1. “Wrecking Ball”
This classic hit from Miley Cyrus, which was released in 2013, is perhaps one of her most iconic songs to date. Its emotional lyrics and powerful vocals make it a timeless masterpiece, loved by fans all over the world. The song expresses the pain of a difficult relationship and the breakdown that follows. Despite being released several years ago, this track remains relevant and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
One of the reasons “Wrecking Ball” has been so enduring is due to its music video, which featured Cyrus swinging naked on a wrecking ball. While this caused controversy at the time, it also further solidified Cyrus as an uncompromising artist who refuses to be pigeonholed. This song also marked a departure from her earlier pop persona and showcased her growth as an artist.
It's worth noting that “Wrecking Ball” won Video of the Year at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards and remains one of Cyrus' most viewed videos with over 1 billion views on YouTube alone. It's safe to say that this song is truly a cultural touchstone in modern music history.
Miley slides gracefully away from her past and into our playlists with this emotional ballad.
2. “Slide Away”
This track is a heart-wrenching ballad that showcases Miley’s mature vocals and detailed songwriting. “Slide Away” talks about the struggles and aftermath of a failed relationship, with lyrics about letting go and moving on. It was released in 2019, just after her split from actor Liam Hemsworth, which added to the emotional power of the song. The slow tempo and melancholic melody create an atmosphere of introspection and reflection, making it one of her most impressive songs till date.
In addition to its emotionally charged lyrics, “Slide Away” also blends different genres such as pop, rock, and folk into a cohesive sound. The production highlights acoustic guitar riffs and atmospheric synths for an ethereal feel. Miley's raw vocals take center stage during the chorus as she sings about drifting apart from someone she once loved. The song’s relatable lyrics resonate with listeners who have experienced heartbreak or a difficult relationship.
Fun fact: In a live performance of the track at MTV Video Music Awards in 2019, Miley wore a black shirt with the words “Freedom,” “Truth,” and “Mother’s Daughter” printed on it.
Pro Tip: Listening to “Slide Away” while taking some quiet time to reflect can be therapeutic for those going through a breakup or feeling overwhelmed by emotions.
Plastic Hearts may refer to Miley's album, but it's also a description of all the surgically enhanced bodies in Hollywood.
3. “Plastic Hearts”
Miley Cyrus's song "Plastic Hearts" showcases her well-crafted and modern take on 80s rock. The title track of her seventh studio album incorporates rock guitar riffs, synthesized beats, and powerful vocals to deliver a perfect balance of nostalgia and modernity that listeners can't resist. The song's catchy chorus is accompanied by meaningful lyrics that talk about overcoming emotional pain and rising above it all. With its evocative sound, "Plastic Hearts" has become one of the singer's most popular songs, earning her critical acclaim and commercial success.
Continuing with the theme of emotional resilience, Miley Cyrus delivers another uplifting anthem with "Angels Like You." This ballad showcases the superstar's impressive vocal range, soothing listeners with its smooth melody while addressing themes of heartbreak and self-love. The harmony is simple yet comforting, making it hard not to sing along to the song or revel in its rhythmic beat.
A standout among Miley Cyrus's discography, "Wrecking Ball" tells a tale of lost love and heartache through emotionally-charged vocals set against a moving ballad. This iconic pop song became an instant classic and catapulted Cyrus into global fame upon release in 2013. Its heartbreaking lyrics resonate with anyone who has experienced a difficult break-up or relationship struggles.
As one of her newer tracks, "Midnight Sky" has quickly become a fan favorite for its modern disco-influenced sound and catchy lyrics delivered by Miley's unmistakable voice. The up-tempo rhythm is infectious as is the message behind the song which talks about finding oneself amidst adversity and coming out stronger on the other side.
True story – When Miley performed at Glastonbury Festival in 2019 she covered Nine Inch Nails' "Head Like A Hole". Interestingly enough in February 2021 Trent Reznor said "The idea that reinventing yourself, throw it all away and start something new…. No. You build on what you got and you grow from there." making reference to Miley's album 'Plastic Hearts'. Reznor then reached out to collaborate with her, marking an interesting artistic fusion between the two musicians.
Even Miley Cyrus knows that climbing to the top is hard, but with this song, she makes it sound like a breeze.
4. “The Climb”
This timeless number ranks at #4 amongst the top 10 greatest Miley Cyrus hits of all time. "The Climb" is a buoyant, inspiring ballad that highlights Miley’s incredible vocal range as well as her songwriting prowess. The song, which was prominently featured in Hannah Montana: The Movie, tells the story of overcoming obstacles and never giving up. With its uplifting lyrics and soaring chorus, it is no surprise that "The Climb" has become Miley’s signature tune.
Aside from its lyrical content, the track's upbeat instrumentation earns it a special place in Miley's discography. It features guitar picking techniques leaning towards country-pop crossover stylings embedded with soft-rock influences. This sets "The Climb" apart from most of Miley's other pop-leaning mainstream releases.
"The Climb" offers hope to those who aim for greatness through hard work and perseverance. Its enduring themes of determination to achieve one’s goals can be applied to various aspects of life beyond music. With its enduring relevance, this hit still manages to touch hearts across generations.
If you haven't already listened to "The Climb," don't miss out on the magic that made it one of Miley's greatest tracks ever recorded. Go ahead; give it a listen!
Who needs a passport when you can just put on Party In The U.S.A. and feel like you're already there?
5. “Party In The U.S.A.”
This entry in the '10 Best Miley Cyrus Songs of All Time' list goes to a crowd favorite track that marked a shift in Miley's music style. The upbeat dance-pop number, with its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics, captures the excitement of a newcomer to Los Angeles. "Party In The U.S.A." became an instant hit when released in 2009, landing at the top of the charts and earning numerous awards.
The song's co-writers Jessie J, Claude Kelly, and Dr. Luke explained that they wanted to create something that would connect with people who are not from LA but dreaming of moving there. The song became an anthem for everyone who celebrated American culture by referencing famous landmarks such as Hollywood sign or singing about listening to Jay-Z & Britney Spears songs.
Despite its commercial success, "Party In The U.S.A." also received some criticism for being too mainstream and not representative of Miley's musical talent. Still, it remains one of her signature tunes more than ten years later and is a guaranteed party-starter at any event.
One approach to appreciate the impact of this song is by creating a themed playlist centered around iconic places or regions worldwide that artists have sung about throughout history. Another method is learning more about how popular culture influences trends in music composition and performance through literature review or attending industry events related to music marketing.
Listening to 'See You Again' is like catching up with that ex you know you shouldn't talk to but can't resist.
6. “See You Again”
The sixth entry in our list of the greatest Miley Cyrus songs is a track that resonates with those who have had to let go of a past lover. Its title, "See You Again," captures the wistful feeling of remembering someone fondly, even as you know that you can never truly be together again. With its upbeat synth-pop production and catchy chorus, this song is an undeniable crowd-pleaser that showcases Cyrus's vocal range and infectious energy.
Listeners will appreciate how the lyrics touch on themes of romantic nostalgia without coming off as cheesy or overly sentimental. Rather, they strike a relatable balance between longing and acceptance, making it a timeless track that many can revisit years after its release. "See You Again" is also notable for its memorable music video, which features Cyrus dancing in colorful outfits amidst kaleidoscopic backdrops.
If you're looking for similar tracks to "See You Again," we recommend checking out Cyrus's other upbeat hits such as "Party in the USA" and "We Can't Stop." Both songs share the same danceable energy and fun-filled lyrics that make them instant classics at any party or gathering. Alternatively, for those seeking more emotional ballads like "See You Again," we suggest listening to songs like "Adore You" or "When I Look at You." These slower tracks highlight Cyrus's raw vocals and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level.
Move over wrecking ball, Miley brings the real heartache with this one.
7. “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart”
This Miley Cyrus hit depicts the pain of a heartbreak in a unique way. The semantic NLP variation of its heading "Nothing Breaks Like a Heart" captures the song's essence poignantly. The song has a feel-good melody, yet profound lyrics that resonate with the listeners. It portrays the agony and torment of moving on from a broken relationship and finding oneself again. Mark Ronson’s production gives it a modern sound with country undertones. The chorus is particularly catchy, and Miley’s enigmatic voice adds to its charm.
A standout feature of this song is how seamlessly slow vocals blend with an upbeat instrumental, making it perfect for the dance floor scene. The use of metaphors draws parallels between staying true to oneself and not losing sight of who you are while enduring heartbreak. This makes it relatable to listeners from different walks of life.
The collaboration between Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson results in a captivating masterpiece that can lift one's spirits whilst delivering sound advice through infectious music.
It was reportedly inspired by Miley's own love-related experiences, which offers listeners an authentic perspective into her artistry while at the same time allowing them to connect with her on a personal level without being too intimate.
So much effort went into producing the track as each layer encompasses emotive and powerful messages that speak volumes about heartbreaks – something many can relate to. Miley's ability to party harder than a frat boy makes 'We Can't Stop' the perfect anthem for any weekend shenanigans.
8. “We Can’t Stop”
This Miley Cyrus hit track 'We Can't Stop' is a perfect blend of pop and dancehall. Its lyrics portray the carefree attitude of the singer and its catchy beat will make you dance along. The song was released in 2013 as the lead single from her fourth studio album, Bangerz.
The song earned critical acclaim and became one of Miley's signature tracks, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video features wild party scenes, reinforcing the message of living life to the fullest. Interestingly, this party anthem was initially written for Rihanna but ended up with Miley when she heard it. It marks a significant departure from her previous songs as it showcases her growth as a singer and artist.
A true fact – According to Rolling Stone, "We Can't Stop" was named one of the Top 50 Songs of the Decade so far in 2018.
Bringing peace to the beach and chaos to my eardrums, 'Malibu' is a reminder that even pop stars need a break from twerking.
9. “Malibu”
This particular song begins with a soft and tender prelude that showcases Miley Cyrus's vocals in an intimate and delicate way before flourishing into a powerful chorus that's both uplifting and inspiring. The rawness of her emotions is palpable, as she sings about rediscovering herself after going through a tumultuous period in her life. "Malibu" stands out for its authentic and poignant lyrics, as well as its production value, which perfectly captures the essence of summer love.
In addition to being an ode to her relationship with Liam Hemsworth, "Malibu" also addresses the struggles that come with finding one's identity as a young adult. This track shows the growth Miley has undergone musically and emotionally since her Disney Channel days. It presents a more mature and introspective side of the singer that has resonated with both fans old and new.
With catchy verses about kissing on beaches and chasing sunsets, this song provides an escape from reality while simultaneously grounding listeners in their experiences. It delivers a message of hope without veering into cliché territory or sacrificing Miley's unique artistic vision. What makes "Malibu" one of the best Miley Cyrus songs of all time is how it strikes a balance between nostalgia, creativity, and vulnerability – all qualities that define her as an artist.
Move over, Billy Ray, Miley's the one stealing hearts now with her empowering anthem 'Mother's Daughter'.
10. “Mother’s Daughter”
This powerful and catchy Miley Cyrus anthem, which highlights themes of self-confidence and empowerment in individuals, is a standout track in her discography. With an electrifying beat that's sure to get anyone up and dancing, "Mother's Daughter" celebrates individuality while tackling social issues such as sexism and body shaming. The lyrics are both bold and inspiring, encouraging listeners to be proud of who they are and stand strong in the face of adversity.
On top of its meaningful message, "Mother's Daughter" showcases Cyrus's impressive vocal range and delivery as she effortlessly delivers each verse with fierce passion. The song's accompanying music video is also a visually striking work of art that adds another dimension to the track's already profound message.
Overall, "Mother's Daughter" deserves a place on any list of Cyrus's best songs due to its unique blend of meaningful lyrics, catchy melodies, and bold energy. This modern pop classic is not only enjoyable to listen to but also inspires confidence and positivity in those who hear it.
Edward Tomlin 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.
