Miley Cyrus has been a force in the music industry for over a decade, continually reinventing herself and redefining pop culture with each era. Starting as a Disney star on Hannah Montana, Miley has since evolved into a fearless artist, unafraid to push boundaries and explore new sonic landscapes. From her infectious party anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, Miley has delivered hit after hit, creating a diverse catalog that spans genres like pop, rock, country, and everything in between. Whether she’s swinging from a wrecking ball or belting out a self-empowerment anthem, Miley’s music has left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 most popular Miley Cyrus songs of all time, celebrating the tracks that defined her career and resonated with millions. From chart-topping bangers to emotional ballads, these songs showcase not just her vocal prowess but her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Get ready to relive the moments that made Miley Cyrus a global superstar and discover why she continues to dominate the music scene with her unique style and fearless attitude!
1. Wrecking Ball (2013)
Released on August 25, 2013, as part of Miley Cyrus’s Bangerz album, “Wrecking Ball” is perhaps her most iconic song to date. The track is an emotional ballad about heartbreak and vulnerability, resonating with listeners through its raw and powerful lyrics. Miley’s vocal performance is incredibly intense, perfectly capturing the feeling of devastation after a relationship’s end. Its accompanying music video, which features Miley swinging on a wrecking ball, became a cultural phenomenon, sparking both admiration and controversy. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Miley’s place as a pop icon. With its massive success, “Wrecking Ball” continues to be a defining track of the 2010s.
2. Party in the U.S.A. (2009)
“Party in the U.S.A.” was released on August 11, 2009, as part of Miley’s The Time of Our Lives EP, and it quickly became an anthem. Written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the song is a breezy, feel-good pop track celebrating the excitement of living in America. With its catchy chorus and carefree vibe, it became a massive hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s infectious energy made it a staple at parties, celebrations, and even Fourth of July events. “Party in the U.S.A.” is still one of Miley’s most beloved songs, with timeless appeal that transcends generations.
3. The Climb (2009)
“The Climb” was released on March 5, 2009, as part of the Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack. This inspiring ballad marked a turning point in Miley Cyrus’s career, as it showcased her vocal maturity and moved away from the bubblegum pop sound associated with her Disney persona. The song’s empowering lyrics about perseverance and overcoming obstacles resonated deeply with fans. It became a motivational anthem for many, climbing to the top of numerous charts worldwide. “The Climb” is still considered one of her most impactful songs, with its uplifting message continuing to inspire listeners years after its release.
4. Malibu (2017)
Released on May 11, 2017, “Malibu” marked Miley’s return to music after a brief hiatus, showcasing a softer, more reflective side of the artist. The song was a love letter to her then-fiancé Liam Hemsworth and the peaceful life they shared in Malibu, California. With its breezy, acoustic-driven sound, “Malibu” stood in stark contrast to the edgier, rebellious image Miley had cultivated in previous years. The song was a commercial success, peaking in the top ten in various countries, and it remains a fan favorite for its serene energy and heartfelt lyrics. “Malibu” was a reminder of Miley’s versatility and ability to evolve as an artist.
5. We Can’t Stop (2013)
Released on June 3, 2013, “We Can’t Stop” was the first single from Miley’s Bangerz album, and it was a bold declaration of her new, edgier persona. The song is a party anthem, celebrating freedom, self-expression, and living life on your own terms. With its heavy beats and rebellious lyrics, it became an instant hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video, full of wild and provocative imagery, further solidified Miley’s departure from her Disney past. “We Can’t Stop” remains one of her most memorable songs, capturing the essence of her 2013 reinvention.
6. Flowers (2023)
“Flowers” was released on January 12, 2023, as the lead single from her Endless Summer Vacation album. The song is a self-empowerment anthem, with Miley reflecting on self-love and independence after a breakup. With uplifting lyrics like “I can buy myself flowers,” the song resonated with listeners worldwide, quickly becoming one of her most commercially successful tracks. It topped the charts in multiple countries, including the U.S., and was praised for its mature themes and catchy melody. “Flowers” is a testament to Miley’s growth as an artist, offering a message of personal strength and resilience.
7. 7 Things (2008)
Released on June 17, 2008, as the lead single from her Breakout album, “7 Things” is an energetic pop-rock track that showcases Miley’s ability to capture teenage angst and heartbreak. The song was rumored to be about her breakup with Nick Jonas, though Miley has never confirmed the speculation. The lyrics list seven things Miley hates about her ex, but also seven things she loves, making it a bittersweet reflection of young love. The song was a commercial success, peaking in the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, and it became a fan favorite for its raw emotion and relatable themes.
8. Slide Away (2019)
Released on August 16, 2019, “Slide Away” is a poignant post-breakup ballad that reflects Miley’s emotional state after her split from Liam Hemsworth. The song features haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that speak to letting go and moving on. “Slide Away” is a departure from the bolder, more rebellious tracks Miley had been known for, showcasing her vulnerability and emotional depth. The song was well-received by critics and fans alike, with many praising Miley’s heartfelt vocal performance. It’s a standout track in her discography, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the end of a relationship.
9. Adore You (2013)
“Adore You” was released on December 17, 2013, as the third single from Miley’s Bangerz album. A tender love ballad, the song showcases a softer side of Miley, with lyrics that express deep affection and vulnerability. Her vocal performance is both powerful and emotional, adding depth to the song’s romantic themes. Though it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as “Wrecking Ball” or “We Can’t Stop,” “Adore You” was praised for its sincerity and emotional resonance. The accompanying music video, which featured intimate and sensual imagery, further emphasized the song’s personal nature.
10. Midnight Sky (2020)
Released on August 14, 2020, “Midnight Sky” is a glittering, disco-infused anthem that channels 1980s pop influences. The song is a declaration of independence and self-empowerment, with Miley confidently singing about living life on her own terms. Inspired by artists like Stevie Nicks and Joan Jett, “Midnight Sky” marked a new chapter in Miley’s artistic evolution, blending rock, pop, and disco elements seamlessly. The song was both a commercial and critical success, praised for its nostalgic yet fresh sound. With its infectious energy and empowering lyrics, “Midnight Sky” quickly became one of Miley’s standout tracks in her Plastic Hearts era.