Miley Cyrus, born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992, in Franklin, Tennessee, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained fame for her role as Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana,” which she starred in from 2006 to 2011.
Cyrus’s musical career has spanned various genres. Initially, she was associated with pop and country music during her time as Hannah Montana. However, as she transitioned to a solo career, her sound evolved, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and hip-hop. Some of her well-known songs include “Party in the USA,” “Wrecking Ball,” “Malibu,” and “We Can’t Stop.”
Miley Cyrus is recognized for her bold and unconventional persona, marked by significant image transformations throughout her career. She has often been in the public eye for her outspoken views on various issues and her advocacy for social causes.
Beyond music, Cyrus has pursued acting, philanthropy, and activism. Her career has been characterized by versatility, and she continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
1. Wrecking Ball
“Wrecking Ball” is a song by Miley Cyrus, released in 2013 as the second single from her fourth studio album, “Bangerz.” The song became one of Cyrus’s most commercially successful and critically acclaimed tracks.
Co-written by MoZella, Stephan Moccio, Sacha Skarbek, Lukasz Gottwald, and Henry Russell Walter, “Wrecking Ball” is a powerful ballad that showcases Cyrus’s emotional and raw vocal delivery. The lyrics depict themes of heartbreak, vulnerability, and the aftermath of a failed relationship.
The accompanying music video, directed by Terry Richardson, gained significant attention due to its provocative nature. The video features Miley Cyrus swinging on a wrecking ball and engaging in other visually striking scenes, which sparked discussions about her evolving public image.
“Wrecking Ball” topped charts worldwide and became Cyrus’s first song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song’s success solidified Cyrus’s transition from her earlier Disney Channel image to a more mature and edgier persona.
Despite the controversies surrounding the music video, “Wrecking Ball” is often praised for its emotional intensity and Cyrus’s vocal performance. The song remains one of the defining moments in Miley Cyrus’s career and is recognized as one of the standout tracks from the “Bangerz” album.
2. The Climb
“The Climb” is a song performed by Miley Cyrus and was released as the lead single from the soundtrack of the 2009 film “Hannah Montana: The Movie.” The song was written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe. Unlike some of Miley Cyrus’s more upbeat and pop-oriented tracks, “The Climb” is a heartfelt and inspirational ballad.
The lyrics of “The Climb” convey a message of perseverance, resilience, and the importance of the journey rather than the destination. The song reflects on facing challenges, staying true to oneself, and finding strength in difficult times. It became an anthem for many listeners, resonating with those going through personal struggles or transitions.
“The Climb” received positive reviews for its emotional depth and Miley Cyrus’s sincere vocal delivery. The song performed well on music charts globally and became one of Miley’s notable hits. The accompanying music video features scenes from “Hannah Montana: The Movie” and complements the song’s themes of self-discovery and overcoming obstacles.
Due to its motivational and uplifting message, “The Climb” remains a popular and enduring song in Miley Cyrus’s discography, often associated with personal growth and triumph over adversity.
3. Party in the U.S.A.
“Party in the U.S.A.” is a pop song by Miley Cyrus, released as a single in 2009. The song is part of her extended play (EP) titled “The Time of Our Lives.” Co-written by Dr. Luke, Claude Kelly, and Jessie J, the track is known for its catchy and upbeat sound, making it a pop anthem.
The lyrics of “Party in the U.S.A.” narrate Cyrus’s experiences as she arrives in Los Angeles and captures the excitement, culture shock, and thrill of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. The chorus, with the lines “It’s a party in the U.S.A.,” became instantly recognizable and contributed to the song’s widespread popularity.
The track marked a transition in Miley Cyrus’s musical style, moving away from her earlier country-pop sound towards a more contemporary pop sound. “Party in the U.S.A.” received commercial success, climbing charts worldwide and becoming one of Miley Cyrus’s most well-known and commercially successful singles.
Known for its infectious melody and feel-good vibe, “Party in the U.S.A.” has become a staple in Miley Cyrus’s discography and is often associated with celebrations and patriotic sentiments.
4. Malibu
“Malibu” is a song by Miley Cyrus, released in 2017 as the lead single from her sixth studio album, “Younger Now.” The song marked a departure from the more hip-hop influenced sound of her previous album, “Bangerz,” and returned to a more acoustic and country-pop style reminiscent of her earlier work.
In “Malibu,” Miley Cyrus reflects on her relationship with actor Liam Hemsworth, whom she eventually married. The lyrics describe a sense of renewal, freedom, and happiness that she found in the beach town of Malibu, California. The song’s theme centers around love, personal growth, and embracing a more carefree lifestyle.
Musically, “Malibu” features a breezy and melodic acoustic sound, with Miley’s vocals taking on a softer and more intimate tone compared to some of her earlier, more energetic tracks. The song received positive reviews for its sincerity, and many praised Cyrus for her ability to convey genuine emotion in her performance.
“Malibu” became a commercial success, reaching the top ten on various charts worldwide. The accompanying music video features scenes of Miley enjoying the beach and nature, reinforcing the song’s themes of love and tranquility. The track marked a significant moment in Miley Cyrus’s career, showcasing her artistic versatility and growth as a musician.
5. We Can’t Stop
“We Can’t Stop” is a pop song by Miley Cyrus, released as the lead single from her fourth studio album, “Bangerz,” in 2013. Co-written by Miley Cyrus, Mike Will Made It, P-Nasty, and Rock City, the song marked a departure from Cyrus’s earlier country-pop sound, showcasing a more mature and edgier image.
“We Can’t Stop” is known for its catchy and infectious chorus, coupled with lyrics that convey themes of youthful rebellion, partying, and carefree living. The song’s chorus, with the repeated line “We can’t stop, and we won’t stop,” became a pop culture catchphrase and contributed to the song’s commercial success.
The accompanying music video, directed by Diane Martel, gained attention for its provocative and surreal imagery. The video features Miley Cyrus engaging in various unconventional activities, further emphasizing her departure from her previous Disney Channel image.
“We Can’t Stop” received both praise and criticism for its bold departure from Miley Cyrus’s earlier musical style and image. Nevertheless, the song became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and establishing Cyrus as a pop force with a new and daring artistic direction.
6. Adore You
“Adore You” is a song by Miley Cyrus, released as the third single from her fourth studio album, “Bangerz,” in 2013. The song, written by Miley Cyrus and Stacy Barthe, is a mid-tempo pop ballad with R&B influences.
“Adore You” is characterized by its sultry and intimate sound, both in terms of its production and Cyrus’s vocals. The lyrics express themes of love and desire, with Cyrus singing about her affection and deep feelings for a romantic partner. The song showcases a more vulnerable and introspective side of Miley’s artistry compared to some of her more upbeat and energetic tracks.
The accompanying music video, directed by Rankin, generated attention for its provocative and artistic nature. The video features Miley Cyrus in various sensual and visually striking scenes, contributing to the overall sensuality of the song.
“Adore You” achieved commercial success, charting in various countries and receiving positive reviews for its production and Cyrus’s vocal performance. The song’s more mature and seductive style added to the diverse range of sounds showcased on the “Bangerz” album, solidifying Miley Cyrus’s transition into a more adult-oriented musical direction.
7. 7 Things
“7 Things” is a pop rock song by Miley Cyrus, released as the lead single from her second studio album, “Breakout,” in 2008. The song was written by Miley Cyrus and co-written by Antonina Armato and Tim James. “7 Things” marked a departure from Cyrus’s earlier country-pop sound and presented a more mature and rock-influenced style.
The lyrics of “7 Things” enumerate seven traits or behaviors that the protagonist dislikes about a former romantic partner. The song explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-expression, and its candid nature garnered attention from listeners and critics alike.
Musically, “7 Things” features guitar-driven instrumentation with a catchy chorus. The song’s energetic and emotional delivery helped it become a commercial success, charting in various countries. The accompanying music video, directed by Brett Ratner, depicts Miley Cyrus expressing her emotions through both performance and personal moments.
“7 Things” received positive reviews for its relatable lyrics and Cyrus’s vocal performance. It became a significant song in Miley Cyrus’s discography, showcasing her ability to evolve artistically and connect with a broader audience beyond her Hannah Montana persona.
8. Who Owns My Heart
“Who Owns My Heart” is a pop dance song by Miley Cyrus, released as a single from her third studio album, “Can’t Be Tamed,” in 2010. The song was co-written by Cyrus along with Tim James, Antonina Armato, and Devrim Karaoglu.
“Who Owns My Heart” explores themes of love, attraction, and self-discovery. The lyrics convey a sense of desire and uncertainty about the nature of a romantic relationship. The song is characterized by its electronic and dance-pop sound, marking a departure from Cyrus’s earlier country-pop and rock-influenced music.
The accompanying music video, directed by Robert Hales, features Miley Cyrus in a nightclub setting, dancing and showcasing a more mature image. The video sparked some controversy due to its perceived provocative content, given Cyrus’s transition from her Disney Channel persona to a more adult-oriented image.
While “Who Owns My Heart” didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Cyrus’s previous singles, it contributed to her exploration of different musical styles and marked another step in her evolving artistic journey. The song and its music video were part of Miley Cyrus’s efforts to distance herself from her earlier teen pop image and embrace a more mature and diverse sound.
9. Can’t Be Tamed
“Can’t Be Tamed” is the title track and lead single from Miley Cyrus’s third studio album, released in 2010. The song was co-written by Cyrus, Rock Mafia, and Antonina Armato, and it marked a significant departure from Cyrus’s earlier country-pop sound, showcasing a more dance-pop and electropop direction.
The lyrics of “Can’t Be Tamed” express themes of individuality, freedom, and self-expression. The song portrays a defiant and rebellious attitude, with Cyrus singing about her refusal to conform to societal expectations. The chorus features the memorable lines, “I can’t be tamed, I can’t be saved / I can’t be blamed, I can’t, can’t / I can’t be tamed.”
The music video for “Can’t Be Tamed” further emphasized Miley Cyrus’s transformation and maturity. Directed by Robert Hales, the video features Cyrus in various visually striking and provocative scenes, symbolizing her shedding of her Disney Channel image and embracing a more adult persona.
While “Can’t Be Tamed” received mixed reviews, it showcased Miley Cyrus’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles and establish herself as an artist capable of evolving her sound. The song marked a transitional phase in Cyrus’s career, paving the way for her subsequent ventures into more diverse and mature musical territories.
10. When I Look at You
“When I Look at You” is a power ballad by Miley Cyrus, released in 2009. The song served as the lead single from the soundtrack of the film “The Last Song,” in which Miley Cyrus also starred. It was written by John Shanks and Hillary Lindsey.
“When I Look at You” is characterized by its emotional and heartfelt lyrics, expressing themes of love, admiration, and the impact a significant other can have on one’s life. The song’s chorus features the powerful line, “When I look at you, I see forgiveness, I see the truth.” Cyrus’s vocal delivery adds a depth of emotion to the song, making it a standout ballad in her discography.
The track was well-received for its moving lyrics and Miley Cyrus’s mature vocal performance. The success of “When I Look at You” contributed to the overall positive reception of the “The Last Song” soundtrack. The accompanying music video features scenes from the film, adding visual context to the emotional impact of the song.
“When I Look at You” became one of Miley Cyrus’s notable songs and is often associated with her transition from her earlier pop and rock-infused sound to a more mature and emotive musical style.
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.
