Miley Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as the star of the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana. Since then, she has reinvented herself as a versatile and dynamic artist, exploring a range of musical genres, from pop and country to rock and hip-hop. Cyrus has become one of the most popular and successful musicians of her generation, with numerous chart-topping singles and albums.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Miley Cyrus songs of all time. We will take a journey through her extensive discography and highlight the songs that have made the biggest impact on her career and the music industry as a whole. From the early hits as Hannah Montana to her later releases as a solo artist, we will showcase the songs that have captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. Miley Cyrus’ music has become a symbol of the 21st-century pop culture, and her legacy continues to evolve. So, let’s celebrate the life and career of this musical icon through the top 10 best Miley Cyrus songs of all time.
1. “Wrecking Ball”
This smash hit is a powerful and emotional ballad that showcases Cyrus's vocal range and raw talent. The song's lyrics express intense emotions and the music video portrays vulnerability, adding to its appeal. "Wrecking Ball" has become synonymous with Cyrus's artistic journey and remains a fan favourite.
The song was written by Sacha Skarbek and Lukasz Gottwald, produced by Dr Luke, and released as part of Cyrus's fourth album, Bangerz. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains one of her most successful singles.
Adding to its success, "Wrecking Ball" won multiple awards, including Video of the Year at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. Its popularity continues to inspire covers, parodies, and tributes from fans worldwide.
Despite controversy surrounding the music video's nudity, "Wrecking Ball" remains a powerful anthem for heartbreak and hope. Its emotional depth resonates with fans worldwide, solidifying its place as one of Miley Cyrus's best songs of all time.
Get ready to slide away from all your problems with Miley's latest breakup anthem.
2. “Slide Away”
This masterpiece, with Miley Cyrus's emotional vocals, is sure to become one of your all-time favorites. "Slide Away" is a song about moving on from a tainted relationship where both partners share a sense of nostalgia for the good times they had together. It beautifully portrays Miley's soulful voice with an underlying theme of love and its complexities.
The lyrics strike an emotional chord and are relatable for anyone who has experienced the tumultuous aftermath of a failed romance. The production quality is top-notch, which makes it stand out and gives it a unique feel that reverberates within you long after the last note fades away.
As you listen to "Slide Away", you can practically feel the emotions that Miley is pouring into every note, conveying her raw feelings to the listener. The song doesn't preach or judge but instead conveys a message of hope and reveals that things will get better in time.
If you haven't listened to this gem yet, give it some well-deserved attention as it deserves to stand among Miley Cyrus's finest songs.
Plastic Hearts proves that Miley Cyrus can show her softer side without sacrificing her rock and roll edge.
3. “Plastic Hearts”
The fourth track on Miley Cyrus's seventh studio album is a powerful and emotional ballad, showcasing her powerful vocals. "Plastic Hearts" tells the story of heartbreak and resilience, with lyrics that resonate with fans who have experienced similar painful situations. The song features a driving beat, electric guitar riffs, and soaring vocals, creating an anthem for anyone who has been through tough times and emerged stronger. The track has been praised by critics for its raw emotion and honest storytelling.
Cyrus wrote "Plastic Hearts" in collaboration with Louis Bell and Andrew Watt, both of whom produced the song. In interviews, Cyrus has described the track as personal and cathartic, drawing on her own experiences of heartbreak to create an authentic expression of pain. The song was released as a single in November 2020, along with a striking music video featuring Cyrus in various rock-inspired outfits.
"Plastic Hearts" is one of the standout tracks on Cyrus's most recent album, earning praise from fans and critics alike for its emotional resonance and powerful sound. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Cyrus's music, this track is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Even though Miley climbs every mountain in this song, she still can't reach the standard set by her dad's mullet.
4. “The Climb”
This song showcases Miley Cyrus' vocal range and highlights her lyrical prowess. Its thoughtful lyrics outline a winding journey of personal growth, complemented by a powerful chorus that instills a sense of hope and resilience. Released as part of the “Hannah Montana: The Movie” soundtrack, it's become one of Cyrus' most beloved tunes and remains relevant to this day.
In addition to being received with critical acclaim, “The Climb” has also resonated with audiences worldwide. Its universal message about perseverance and determination has struck a chord with listeners across all ages and cultures. Moreover, it stands out as a shining example of Cyrus' artistic versatility, as she effortlessly shifts between balladry and pop sensibilities.
This track is significant for Miley Cyrus in more ways than one. During an emotional interview in 2017, the singer revealed that its powerful sentiment helped her through some dark times. She specifically cited the line "there's always going to be another mountain" as serving as a much-needed reminder to keep fighting through adversity. It's clear that for many fans and Miley herself, “The Climb” remains an anthem of hope and inspiration.
Get ready to wave your American flag and sing along to Miley’s patriotic bop – unless you’re watching from Canada, in which case just pretend you’re at a really fun party.
5. “Party In The U.S.A.”
This chart-topping hit, full of Miley Cyrus' signature pop sound, captures the spirit of a fun night out with friends in America. The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics keep the energy high from start to finish, making it a crowd favorite at parties and events.
As one of her most popular songs, “Party In The U.S.A.” cemented Cyrus' place in the pop music scene. Released in 2009 as part of her EP "The Time of Our Lives," it quickly became a smash hit and is still enjoyed by fans of all ages today. Its success also extended to international charts, making it one of Cyrus' most globally recognized tracks.
While some critics may argue that “Party In The U.S.A.” lacks depth or meaningful lyrics, its playful nature and undeniable catchiness have made it an iconic pop song. From its electrifying opening beat to its infectious chorus, this track embodies everything fans love about Miley Cyrus' music.
For listeners who enjoy upbeat dance tracks with an unmistakable American flair, “Party In The U.S.A.” offers the perfect party playlist addition. Its optimistic and carefree lyrics are sure to lift spirits and energize any gathering.
One suggestion for those looking to maximize their enjoyment of this classic track is to play it loud and proud at any occasion where good vibes and socializing are on the menu. Whether it's a road trip with friends or a backyard barbecue, “Party In The U.S.A.” will help set the mood for an unforgettable time.
If you miss the old Miley, 'See You Again' will take you back to a simpler time before foam fingers and wrecking balls.
6. “See You Again”
This hit single, frequently played in clubs and parties, remains an all-time favourite. With its upbeat tempo and catchy hook, it quickly became one of Miley Cyrus's most iconic songs. It infuses pop rock elements with lyrics that convey the message of unrequited love.
The chorus is particularly noteworthy with its repetition of the title phrase, evoking memories of first crushes and teenage romances.
Cyrus's voice is exceptional in this song, showcasing her versatility as a singer and performer. Moreover, the production quality amplifies the song's energy, creating a memorable listening experience. Fans appreciate the effortless mix of techno-synth beats with guitar riffs that complement Cyrus's vocals.
It's worth noting how "See You Again" paved the way for Cyrus to become one of pop music's biggest stars in the late 2000s. With her unique blend of country-pop and rock influences fused with electronic music, she created a fresh sound that appealed to a wide audience range.
For listeners keen on exploring more similar tracks, some suggestions could be "7 Things," "The Climb," or "Party in the U.S.A". Each has its own unique touch but maintains that signature Cyrus flair. These songs encapsulate various themes from heartbreak to self-empowerment while remaining quintessentially Miley Cyrus-esque.
Even Miley knows that nothing breaks like a heart, except for maybe her wrecking ball.
7. “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart”
This particular track by Miley Cyrus, which serves as her collaboration with Mark Ronson, is a perfect example of her musical versatility. With its seamless fusion of country and dance-pop elements, “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” showcases the singer’s vocal range and ability to move across genres effortlessly. The song boasts of an infectious chorus, smooth harmonies and striking instrumentation that form the perfect background for Cyrus’ powerful vocals.
Cyrus’ lyrical prowess shines through in this track, as she touches on themes such as heartbreak, love and the complexities of modern relationships. Her emotive delivery adds an extra layer of depth to the already poignant lyrics. In addition, Ronson's production skills elevate the track even further with his use of live instruments like guitar and strings to create a unique sonic palette that sets it apart from other pop songs.
It is worth noting that “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” received critical acclaim upon its release in 2018 and has since become one of Cyrus’ most popular tracks. The song also performed well commercially, charting in several countries worldwide and earning a spot on numerous year-end lists.
Interestingly enough, Cyrus later revealed that she co-wrote this song while getting over her own heartbreak. Fans have praised her for speaking candidly about her personal life through her music, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to all her performances.
Who needs drugs when you can just listen to 'We Can't Stop' on repeat and experience the same level of intoxication?
8. “We Can’t Stop”
This Miley Cyrus hit has a strong vibe of partying and rebellion. The song is about living in the moment, with lyrics that encourage listeners to let go and enjoy the night without worrying about tomorrow. Its catchy melody and energetic beats make “We Can’t Stop” an instant hit among young audiences everywhere.
The music video features Cyrus taking partying to another level as she flaunts her wild side with provocative dance moves and outfits. With a mix of modern pop, hip-hop, electronic, and R&B influences, “We Can’t Stop” undoubtedly earns its place among Cyrus’ top 10 songs.
It’s worth noting that this track marked a turning point in Cyrus’ music career as it showcased her bold new image, which deviated from her previous wholesome Disney persona. Hence, it deserves recognition for its role in establishing a new identity for this artist.
Don't miss out on the rebellious anthem "We Can't Stop," a song that showcases Miley's growth as an artist while giving us all permission to let our hair down and live for the moment!
Move over Hannah Montana, Miley's got a new beachy persona and it's making waves – or at least a soothing ripple with 'Malibu'.
9. “Malibu”
This track exhibits a shift in Miley's musical style and lyrics, portraying her vulnerability and the beauty of her relationship with Liam Hemsworth. The emotional acoustics blend well with lyrics like "I never would've believed you if three years ago you told me I'd be here writing this song," which showcases the personal growth of the artist. The catchy chorus and overall upbeat tempo can lift anyone's mood while enjoying the nostalgic imagery depicted in the song.
The collaboration with producer Oren Yoel epitomizes Miley's artistic vision for making music that reflects her through different phases of life. "Malibu" reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received positive reviews from critics worldwide.
In contrast to Miley's earlier work, she sings about true love and being happy, which is refreshing given current pop culture trends. This song proves she can create an emotional piece but still keep her signature quirks intact.
According to MTV News, "Malibu" was inspired by Malibu's beach house where she wrote it, along with other tracks that followed the release of her 2013 album Bangerz.
Move over, Mother Teresa, Miley Cyrus is here to preach with 'Mother's Daughter' – a song that'll make you want to dance on tables and overthrow the patriarchy.
10. “Mother’s Daughter”
This Miley Cyrus hit, with its pulsing beats and catchy chorus, is a modern-day feminist anthem. "Mother’s Daughter," the 10th song in our list of the best Miley Cyrus songs of all time, speaks to the empowerment of women and encourages self-love and confidence. It was released in 2019 as a part of her album, "She Is Coming."
The lyrics of this song are explicitly about taking pride in one's own individuality and identity. Cyrus sings, "Don't f*** with my freedom / I came back to get me some," indicating a refusal to be subjugated by outsiders’ opinions or actions. The chorus urges listeners to take control of their lives and embrace themselves with lines like "So don't f*** with my freedom / I'mma do it like I want it," boldly proclaiming that one's life belongs solely to oneself.
What sets this track apart from others on Cyrus' discography is the unapologetic way it champions feminism and encourages individualism while remaining incredibly danceable. It serves as both a statement piece for females everywhere as well as an effective earworm.
Listeners looking for more music that champions feminism could try Beyoncé's "Run The World (Girls)" or Lizzo's "Truth Hurts." Each song celebrates being yourself on your own terms and reminds listeners that they possess power when they embrace who they are truly.
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.
