Miley Cyrus has been a dominant force in pop culture for over a decade, constantly reinventing herself while delivering some of the most unforgettable hits in modern music. From her early days as the beloved Disney star on Hannah Montana to becoming a boundary-pushing pop icon, Miley’s career is a testament to her incredible versatility as an artist. Whether she’s belting out heart-wrenching ballads, delivering rebellious anthems, or embracing retro-inspired grooves, she never fails to captivate both her fans and critics alike. Her ability to seamlessly move between genres while maintaining her unapologetic authenticity has earned her a loyal following and a long list of chart-topping songs. In this article, we’ll take a nostalgic ride through the top 10 most popular Miley Cyrus songs of all time. These tracks represent not only her biggest commercial hits but also the moments that defined her as a musician and cultural icon. From the emotional wreckage of “Wrecking Ball” to the carefree vibes of “Party in the U.S.A.,” get ready to relive some of Miley’s most iconic musical moments that have left an indelible mark on pop history. Let’s dive into the Miley Cyrus songbook!
1. “Wrecking Ball” (2013)
Released in August 2013 as part of Miley Cyrus’s Bangerz album, “Wrecking Ball” instantly became a global sensation. The song’s raw emotion and powerful lyrics about heartbreak resonated deeply with fans, propelling it to the top of the charts. Miley’s poignant vocal delivery and the song’s anthemic pop production struck a balance between tenderness and explosiveness. The accompanying music video, where Miley swings on an actual wrecking ball, became iconic, smashing records for most views on Vevo in 24 hours. The bold imagery, combined with her vulnerability, cemented Miley’s transformation from a Disney star into a more mature, daring artist. “Wrecking Ball” earned Miley her first-ever No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it remains one of her most definitive tracks, illustrating her ability to mix deep emotion with undeniable pop appeal. The song not only became a commercial success but also marked a turning point in Miley’s career, where she fully embraced her new artistic identity and became a household name for a whole new generation. Even today, “Wrecking Ball” continues to be a go-to song for fans experiencing heartbreak or those who simply admire Miley’s powerful vocal and emotional performance.
2. “Party in the U.S.A.” (2009)
In August 2009, Miley Cyrus released “Party in the U.S.A.,” a track that quickly became one of her most beloved pop anthems. Featured on her The Time of Our Lives EP, this song celebrates carefree joy and excitement, creating an infectious, feel-good atmosphere. With its catchy lyrics and bouncy melody, “Party in the U.S.A.” dominated summer playlists and became a cultural staple in end-of-decade celebrations. Its cheerful vibe and instantly recognizable chorus made it a favorite at parties and public events, with its popularity even extending to political rallies. Written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the track showcased Miley’s ability to deliver memorable pop hits that transcended her early Disney career. Despite its light-hearted theme, the song became a massive commercial success, achieving multi-platinum status. It solidified Miley’s position as a pop star, showing that she could hold her own in the industry. “Party in the U.S.A.” was more than just a summer jam—it became a defining moment in Miley’s career, representing a new phase where she embraced her growing independence while still connecting with a wide audience through upbeat, carefree music.
3. “The Climb” (2009)
Released in March 2009 as part of the Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack, “The Climb” is a deeply motivational ballad that has touched the hearts of listeners across generations. The song’s reflective lyrics speak to the importance of perseverance and personal growth, while Miley Cyrus’s heartfelt delivery adds emotional depth to the track. “The Climb” quickly became popular for its universal message about overcoming life’s challenges, making it one of Miley’s most inspiring songs. Its uplifting nature resonated with fans and critics alike, and it became an anthem for those in need of encouragement or seeking motivation to keep going. The song achieved commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earned Miley critical acclaim for her mature, emotional performance. It even received a Grammy nomination, cementing Miley’s ability to deliver more than just catchy pop tunes. “The Climb” represents a moment in Miley’s career where she demonstrated her capacity for creating songs with profound messages, making it a standout track in her discography. Even after moving away from her Disney roots, “The Climb” remains one of her most beloved and timeless pieces, reminding listeners of the power of perseverance.
4. “We Can’t Stop” (2013)
“We Can’t Stop,” released in June 2013, marked a bold and defining moment in Miley Cyrus’s career. As the lead single from her Bangerz album, this track introduced a new, edgier Miley, signaling her departure from her Disney Channel image and embracing a more provocative and fearless persona. “We Can’t Stop” is an anthem of rebellion and carefree living, celebrating the freedom to be yourself and live in the moment without apologizing. Its laid-back, trap-infused production, paired with Miley’s confident vocal delivery, made the song an instant hit, especially during the summer of 2013. The accompanying music video, filled with surreal and provocative imagery, further amplified Miley’s transformation and sparked widespread conversation about her evolving image. Though controversial, “We Can’t Stop” was a commercial success and a cultural touchstone for Miley’s post-Disney era. The song’s boldness and Miley’s fearless approach to pushing boundaries made it a turning point in her career, allowing her to redefine herself as an artist willing to challenge expectations. “We Can’t Stop” became a symbol of her artistic freedom and newfound confidence, proving that Miley was more than capable of reinventing herself while staying true to her rebellious spirit.
5. “Malibu” (2017)
Released in May 2017, “Malibu” marked a softer and more introspective side of Miley Cyrus. Co-written by Miley, the song is a breezy, heartfelt ode to love, inspired by her reconciliation with then-fiancé Liam Hemsworth. “Malibu” signaled a shift away from the bold, provocative style of her Bangerz era to something more organic, reflective, and personal. The song’s stripped-back production, with its folk-pop influences, allowed Miley’s vocal versatility to shine. Fans who had followed her evolution appreciated the honesty and simplicity of “Malibu,” which captured a sense of calm and newfound maturity. Its sunny, optimistic sound resonated with listeners, and the song climbed into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. Critically, “Malibu” was praised for its mellow vibe and emotional sincerity, standing out in Miley’s catalog as a more mature and grounded track. It was a departure from her previous rebellious anthems, offering fans a glimpse of a more reflective Miley who was reconnecting with herself and her roots. “Malibu” remains a fan favorite for those who appreciate its heartfelt message and laid-back sound, showcasing Miley’s growth both as an artist and as a person.
6. “Midnight Sky” (2020)
Released in August 2020, “Midnight Sky” is a shimmering, disco-tinged anthem that highlights Miley Cyrus’s evolution as an artist, combining her love for 80s pop and rock icons with modern sensibilities. The song is a reflection of Miley’s personal journey, particularly her newfound independence and self-love following her publicized divorce. With its powerful, self-assured lyrics, the track became an instant hit, showcasing a polished and mature sound. The driving beat and Miley’s sultry, commanding vocals made “Midnight Sky” one of her standout singles. Critics praised its bold production and the strength of Miley’s vocal delivery. The accompanying music video, which Miley directed herself, further underscored her creative vision and control over her artistry, marking a pivotal moment in her career as both a singer and a visual artist. The song became a commercial success, proving once again Miley’s ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her artistic roots.
7. “Flowers” (2023)
In January 2023, Miley Cyrus released “Flowers,” a powerful anthem that immediately resonated with listeners worldwide. The song, featured on her Endless Summer Vacation album, is an uplifting declaration of self-love, independence, and resilience. With lyrics that reflect Miley’s confidence in her ability to thrive on her own, “Flowers” became a viral sensation, particularly on social media platforms. Its catchy, upbeat pop production and empowering message quickly made it a favorite among fans, while critics praised its infectious chorus and relatable themes. The track’s success was undeniable, as it topped charts globally, further solidifying Miley’s place as a leading figure in pop music. The song’s blend of vulnerability and strength struck a chord with listeners, offering a message of empowerment for anyone navigating personal challenges.
8. “7 Things” (2008)
In June 2008, Miley Cyrus released “7 Things,” a pivotal song in her career that showcased her transition from Disney star to mainstream pop sensation. Featured on her Breakout album, the pop-rock track captured the raw emotions of teenage heartbreak, resonating with a generation of young fans. With its relatable lyrics and infectious hooks, “7 Things” became a breakout hit, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s angsty, rebellious sound marked a clear departure from her Hannah Montana persona, signaling Miley’s desire to explore more mature themes in her music. “7 Things” was a defining moment in her early career, setting the stage for the bolder artistic choices she would make in the years to come.
9. “Adore You” (2013)
Released in December 2013 as the third single from her Bangerz album, “Adore You” is a tender, heartfelt ballad that showcases Miley Cyrus’s emotional depth and vocal range. The song’s lyrics express intense love and devotion, with Miley’s voice delicately navigating the song’s minimalist production. While it didn’t reach the commercial heights of hits like “Wrecking Ball,” “Adore You” remains a fan favorite for its sincerity and vulnerability. The accompanying music video, featuring intimate and emotional visuals, added to the song’s impact. Critics praised Miley’s ability to convey raw emotion, and the track became a standout for its subtlety amidst the more provocative singles on Bangerz. “Adore You” is a testament to Miley’s versatility as an artist.
10. “Can’t Be Tamed” (2010)
In May 2010, Miley Cyrus released “Can’t Be Tamed,” a bold declaration of independence from her Disney image. The high-energy electro-pop anthem, which served as the title track for her third studio album, was a statement of rebellion and self-expression. The song’s fierce production and unapologetic lyrics symbolized Miley’s desire to break free from the constraints of her former persona. The accompanying music video, featuring Miley in a birdcage, was a powerful visual metaphor for her yearning to escape societal expectations. While “Can’t Be Tamed” didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some of her later hits, it marked a crucial turning point in Miley’s career, paving the way for her artistic reinvention and bolder image in the years that followed.