Miley Cyrus has been a force of nature in the music industry for over a decade, constantly reinventing herself and pushing the boundaries of pop music. From her early days as a Disney Channel star to her evolution into one of the most daring and versatile artists of her generation, Miley has delivered countless hits that have defined eras and soundtracked countless moments in pop culture. Whether she’s belting out heart-wrenching ballads, commanding the dance floor with anthems of self-empowerment, or stirring up controversy with her rebellious spirit, Miley’s music continues to captivate fans worldwide. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres—whether it’s pop, rock, country, or disco—makes her one of the most dynamic voices of our time. In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular Miley Cyrus songs of all time, highlighting the tracks that have not only topped the charts but also left an indelible mark on her career and the music industry. From tear-jerking ballads like “Wrecking Ball” to party anthems like “Party in the U.S.A.,” these are the songs that have solidified Miley’s status as a pop icon. Get ready to relive the hits that made Miley Cyrus a household name!
1. Wrecking Ball (2013)
Released on August 25, 2013, “Wrecking Ball” became an international phenomenon, cementing Miley Cyrus as a pop culture icon. The emotionally charged power ballad delves into themes of heartbreak and vulnerability, resonating deeply with listeners worldwide. The song’s impact was amplified by its provocative music video, in which Miley famously swings naked on a wrecking ball, sparking widespread controversy and conversations about artistic expression. Crafted by songwriting heavyweights like Dr. Luke and Sacha Skarbek, the track marked a pivotal moment in Miley’s career, as she shed her Disney persona and embraced a bold new artistic identity. “Wrecking Ball” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Miley’s first number-one single in the United States. With its heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable imagery, it remains a fan favorite and a defining moment in her evolution as an artist.
2. Party in the U.S.A. (2009)
On August 11, 2009, Miley released the infectious anthem “Party in the U.S.A.” as part of her The Time of Our Lives EP. Written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the upbeat track captures the excitement of new beginnings and finding your place in unfamiliar surroundings. With its catchy melody and feel-good vibe, the song became a cultural touchstone, regularly played at parties, road trips, and American celebrations. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly became one of Miley’s signature hits. The song’s irresistible energy and themes of freedom and joy helped catapult Miley further into pop superstardom. Today, “Party in the U.S.A.” remains an enduring classic, synonymous with carefree fun and American pride.
3. The Climb (2009)
Released on March 5, 2009, “The Climb” became an instant anthem of perseverance and self-discovery. Featured on the Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack, the song was penned by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe. Its uplifting lyrics and Miley’s soulful delivery struck a chord with listeners of all ages. A significant departure from the pop-rock style Miley was known for, the ballad showcased her emotional depth and vocal growth, earning her critical acclaim. “The Climb” became a commercial success, charting worldwide and receiving multiple award nominations. Its empowering message about overcoming life’s obstacles continues to inspire audiences and remains a highlight of Miley’s discography. Often performed at her live shows, it stands as one of her most beloved tracks.
4. Malibu (2017)
With its release on May 11, 2017, “Malibu” marked a refreshing turning point in Miley Cyrus’s career. Inspired by her rekindled romance with Liam Hemsworth, the song features breezy acoustic melodies and heartfelt lyrics that reflect a serene and introspective side of Miley. Departing from the edgy and provocative style of her Bangerz era, “Malibu” showcased her artistic evolution, earning praise for its simplicity and sincerity. The track reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and resonated with fans for its celebration of love and renewal. Its serene beach-inspired visuals and stripped-back production solidified “Malibu” as a standout moment in Miley’s discography, embodying personal and artistic clarity.
5. We Can’t Stop (2013)
Released on June 3, 2013, “We Can’t Stop” was Miley Cyrus’s unapologetic anthem of freedom and reinvention. The lead single from her Bangerz album, the track embodied a dramatic shift in her image, signaling her departure from her Disney roots. Produced by Mike Will Made It, the song’s hypnotic beat and carefree lyrics captured the essence of youthful rebellion. Its provocative music video, featuring bold imagery and twerking, sparked controversy and further cemented Miley’s position as a pop culture provocateur. Peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, “We Can’t Stop” became a defining hit of the 2010s, symbolizing Miley’s fearless artistic transformation.
6. Midnight Sky (2020)
“Midnight Sky,” released on August 14, 2020, revealed a fresh, disco-inspired direction for Miley Cyrus. Drawing inspiration from 80s icons like Stevie Nicks and Blondie, the track features shimmering production and empowering lyrics about independence and self-reliance. Miley’s raspy vocals and confident delivery elevated the song to critical acclaim, with its retro vibe earning comparisons to classic synth-pop hits. The self-directed music video, featuring bold visuals and glamorous aesthetics, showcased Miley’s creative vision. “Midnight Sky” became a defining track of her Plastic Hearts era, solidifying her ability to reinvent her sound while staying authentically Miley.
7. Flowers (2023)
Released on January 12, 2023, “Flowers” became a global sensation and an anthem of self-love. The lead single from her Endless Summer Vacation album, the song radiates empowerment and resilience, as Miley reflects on healing and independence after heartbreak. Its breezy production and uplifting lyrics struck a chord with fans worldwide, propelling the track to the top of charts in multiple countries and breaking streaming records. Timed during a period of personal growth for Miley, “Flowers” embodies her knack for crafting relatable and emotionally resonant pop hits. It stands as a testament to her enduring connection with audiences.
8. 7 Things (2008)
On June 17, 2008, Miley released “7 Things,” a pop-punk anthem about the highs and lows of young love. Rumored to be inspired by her relationship with Nick Jonas, the track combines teenage angst with emotional vulnerability. Its catchy hooks and relatable lyrics resonated with her fanbase, making it a standout hit from her Breakout album. The accompanying music video, featuring Miley and other young women expressing their frustrations with exes, further amplified its appeal. Peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, “7 Things” marked Miley’s transition into a mainstream pop artist capable of connecting deeply with her audience.
9. Adore You (2013)
Released on December 17, 2013, “Adore You” is a tender ballad that contrasts sharply with the more provocative tracks from Miley’s Bangerz album. Its gentle production and heartfelt lyrics reveal a vulnerable and intimate side of Miley, highlighting her emotional depth and vocal prowess. Though not as commercially explosive as its predecessors, “Adore You” earned praise for its sincerity and understated beauty. The accompanying music video, featuring personal and sensual visuals, emphasized the track’s emotional core. Loved by fans, it remains one of Miley’s most touching songs, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
10. Can’t Be Tamed (2010)
With the release of “Can’t Be Tamed” on May 18, 2010, Miley Cyrus boldly declared her independence. The electro-pop anthem, paired with a provocative music video, signaled her departure from her Hannah Montana image. Featuring lyrics about refusing to be controlled and embracing one’s true self, the track resonated with fans seeking empowerment and authenticity. While the song’s edgier tone surprised some of her younger audience, it peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and set the stage for Miley’s more daring artistic ventures. “Can’t Be Tamed” remains a milestone in her career, marking the start of her evolution into a fearless and multifaceted performer.
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.
