Miley Cyrus has been a force to reckon with in the music industry, constantly reinventing herself while delivering chart-topping hits that define entire eras. From her early days as a Disney Channel sensation to her fearless evolution into one of pop music’s most versatile and provocative artists, Miley has consistently pushed boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide. With a career spanning over a decade, her discography is filled with unforgettable anthems that have not only dominated airwaves but also left an indelible mark on pop culture. Whether she’s belting out a heart-wrenching ballad, dropping a carefree party anthem, or embracing her rock roots, Miley knows how to craft a hit that resonates with fans across generations. In this article, we’re diving into the top 10 most popular Miley Cyrus songs of all time—tracks that have defined her career and continue to be fan favorites. From the rebellious energy of “We Can’t Stop” to the emotional depth of “Wrecking Ball,” these songs showcase Miley’s versatility and undeniable star power. So, let’s take a musical journey through Miley Cyrus’s greatest hits and explore the songs that made her the global superstar she is today!
1. Party in the U.S.A. (2009)
Released in August 2009, “Party in the U.S.A.” quickly became a party anthem and a celebration of good vibes. Written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the song marked a turning point for Miley Cyrus as she transitioned from her Hannah Montana image into a more independent pop artist. Its infectious chorus, feel-good lyrics, and relatable story of arriving in Los Angeles and hearing her favorite songs resonated with listeners worldwide. The simple yet powerful narrative about adjusting to a new environment, paired with the upbeat pop melody, made it a timeless hit for any celebration. “Party in the U.S.A.” topped charts around the globe and solidified Cyrus’s position as a pop force to be reckoned with. It remains one of her most iconic tracks, beloved by fans for its upbeat energy and carefree spirit.
2. Wrecking Ball (2013)
Released in August 2013 as part of her bold Bangerz album, “Wrecking Ball” is a powerful and emotional ballad that struck a chord with listeners everywhere. The song, driven by Miley Cyrus’s raw and impassioned vocals, captures the pain of heartbreak and the emotional devastation that comes with a failed relationship. The music video, which famously featured Cyrus swinging on a literal wrecking ball, became an instant cultural milestone, sparking debates and controversy. Produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut, the song’s soaring chorus and heartfelt lyrics propelled it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Miley’s most successful hits. “Wrecking Ball” is remembered not only for its emotional depth but for its pivotal role in Cyrus’s evolution as an artist, cementing her status as a pop icon unafraid to push boundaries.
3. The Climb (2009)
“The Climb,” released in March 2009 as part of the Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack, became an inspirational anthem for anyone striving to overcome life’s obstacles. Written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe, the ballad’s heartfelt message of persistence and hope resonated with audiences across generations. Miley Cyrus’s emotional delivery further cemented its status as a timeless track, and its message of personal growth and perseverance made it a staple at graduations and motivational moments. “The Climb” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a fan favorite, especially for those who followed Miley from her Disney Channel days. Its uplifting lyrics and Cyrus’s vulnerable performance made it a song that continues to inspire listeners today.
4. Malibu (2017)
Released in May 2017, “Malibu” signified a major shift in Miley Cyrus’s career, as she moved away from the edgy sound of her Bangerz era and embraced a more introspective and serene tone. Written by Miley herself, the song was inspired by her rekindled romance with actor Liam Hemsworth and reflected a newfound sense of peace and personal growth. The breezy, guitar-driven melody, combined with dreamy lyrics about love and simplicity, made “Malibu” a standout track of the summer. The song showcased a more mature side of Miley and earned critical acclaim for its sincerity and heartfelt emotion. “Malibu” peaked within the Top 10 in multiple countries and demonstrated Cyrus’s ability to evolve as an artist, resonating with fans who connected with her personal journey.
5. We Can’t Stop (2013)
June 2013 saw Miley Cyrus burst back onto the music scene with a bold new image through “We Can’t Stop.” The track, which served as the lead single from her Bangerz album, is a slow-burning anthem of freedom and rebellion, embracing themes of self-expression and unapologetic living. Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, the song’s trap-influenced beat and laid-back vibe made it an instant summer hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Known for its provocative music video featuring bold imagery and wild partying, “We Can’t Stop” marked Cyrus’s definitive break from her Disney persona and established her as a fearless pop star willing to take risks both musically and visually. The track set the tone for her career reinvention, solidifying her status as a genre-blending artist.
6. Flowers (2023)
“Flowers,” released in January 2023, became an instant hit and a powerful statement for Miley Cyrus as she returned to the top of the charts. The song, the lead single from her Endless Summer Vacation album, is an empowering anthem about self-love, healing, and personal strength in the aftermath of heartbreak. With its upbeat, disco-influenced sound, “Flowers” resonated with listeners worldwide, becoming a symbol of independence and resilience. Many interpreted the song as a reflection on her past relationship with ex-husband Liam Hemsworth, adding depth to its message of moving on. The song debuted at No. 1 in multiple countries, showcasing Miley’s continued ability to connect with audiences through her personal and empowering storytelling.
7. Adore You (2013)
Released in December 2013, “Adore You” is a slow-tempo ballad from Miley Cyrus’s Bangerz album that highlights her softer and more intimate side. The song is an ode to unconditional love, with Miley’s emotive vocals taking center stage. Unlike the provocative tone of other Bangerz singles, “Adore You” stands out for its sincerity and vulnerability, captivating listeners with its raw emotional depth. The song’s stripped-back production allows its tender lyrics to shine, creating a heartfelt narrative that resonated with fans. Although it didn’t reach the same chart heights as some of her more controversial tracks, “Adore You” showcased Miley’s versatility as a performer, peaking within the Top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100.
8. 7 Things (2008)
“7 Things,” released in June 2008, was one of Miley Cyrus’s first major solo hits and a defining moment in her transition from Disney star to mainstream pop artist. The track, featured on her second studio album Breakout, is an angsty pop-rock anthem fueled by teenage heartbreak. In the song, Miley passionately lists the things she both loves and hates about a former lover, with energetic guitar riffs amplifying the raw emotion behind the lyrics. Fans speculated the song was about her ex-boyfriend Nick Jonas, adding to its popularity. “7 Things” peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking an important step in Miley’s career as she began to break away from her Hannah Montana persona.
9. See You Again (2007)
Released in December 2007, “See You Again” marked Miley Cyrus’s official debut as a solo artist, separate from her Hannah Montana alter ego. The track, which appeared on the Meet Miley Cyrus album, is an upbeat dance-pop song that captures the excitement and nervousness of seeing someone again after developing feelings for them. With its catchy hook and energetic rhythm, “See You Again” quickly became a fan favorite, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was Miley’s first Top 10 hit and served as a launchpad for her solo career, proving that she could stand on her own in the music industry outside of her Disney Channel roots.
10. Midnight Sky (2020)
“Midnight Sky,” released in August 2020, is a glittering pop-rock anthem that reflects Miley Cyrus’s journey of independence and self-reinvention. Drawing inspiration from 80s synth-pop and rock, the song’s retro vibe, combined with its bold and empowering lyrics, made it an instant hit. Co-written by Miley, “Midnight Sky” tells the story of personal freedom and breaking away from constraints, a reflection of her life following her split from Liam Hemsworth. With its infectious groove and unapologetic celebration of self-expression, the song was praised for its confident tone and bold production. “Midnight Sky” became a defining moment of Miley’s Plastic Hearts era, reaching global success and cementing her ability to continuously evolve as an artist.