Miley Cyrus is one of the most dynamic and fearless artists of her generation, constantly evolving while staying unapologetically true to herself. From her roots as a Disney Channel star to her transformation into a global pop icon, Miley has continuously pushed boundaries, challenged expectations, and delivered unforgettable music along the way. Whether it’s belting out heartfelt ballads, delivering empowering anthems, or getting the party started with infectious pop hits, she’s proven time and again that her versatility knows no limits. Her songs have not only dominated charts but also become anthems for self-expression, resilience, and individuality. With a voice that can convey raw emotion and a fearless approach to her artistry, Miley has cemented her place in music history.
In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular Miley Cyrus songs of all time, celebrating the tracks that have defined her career and captured the hearts of millions worldwide. From the tear-jerking power of “Wrecking Ball” to the self-love empowerment of “Flowers,” these songs showcase Miley’s remarkable journey as an artist. So, grab your headphones, crank up the volume, and join us as we revisit the hits that made Miley Cyrus a true pop legend!
1. “Party in the U.S.A.” (2009)
Released on August 11, 2009, “Party in the U.S.A.” quickly became one of Miley Cyrus’s most iconic tracks. Written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the song blends catchy pop melodies with an infectious, feel-good vibe. The lyrics reflect the universal experience of feeling out of place yet finding comfort in the music that surrounds us. With a nod to iconic artists like Jay-Z and Britney Spears, the song struck a chord with listeners and instantly became a pop culture staple. It also marked a significant moment in Miley’s career, as she transitioned from her Disney Channel fame to a mainstream pop sensation. “Party in the U.S.A.” is more than just a hit—it’s an anthem that captures the spirit of American fun and freedom, making it a go-to track for road trips, parties, and sing-alongs. Its upbeat, carefree energy ensures that the song continues to resonate with fans, standing the test of time as one of the defining tracks of the late 2000s.
2. “Wrecking Ball” (2013)
When “Wrecking Ball” dropped on August 25, 2013, it marked a pivotal moment in Miley Cyrus’s career. Written by MoZella, Sacha Skarbek, and others, this heart-wrenching ballad sees Miley at her most vulnerable, singing about the intense pain of heartbreak. With minimalist production, the song allows Miley’s raw vocals to take center stage, creating an emotional atmosphere that pulls listeners in. The accompanying music video, featuring Miley swinging on a wrecking ball, became one of the most memorable and controversial visuals of the decade, further solidifying her departure from her “Hannah Montana” image. “Wrecking Ball” is a testament to Miley’s willingness to be open and authentic in her music, showing her evolution from child star to a fearless artist unafraid of exploring complex emotions. The song’s blend of vulnerability and power resonated deeply with audiences, propelling it to international success and ensuring its place as a defining anthem of her career.
3. “Flowers” (2023)
Released on January 12, 2023, “Flowers” marked a bold new chapter in Miley Cyrus’s musical journey. The lead single from her album Endless Summer Vacation, the song became a global hit, resonating deeply with listeners thanks to its empowering lyrics about self-love and independence. Co-written by Miley herself, “Flowers” is infused with a breezy, disco-inspired beat that complements its message of moving on and rediscovering strength after a challenging breakup. The track’s lyrics, which many speculated referenced Miley’s personal life, spoke to themes of resilience and self-empowerment, with the catchy melody and upbeat tempo making it perfect for both personal reflection and dancing. “Flowers” is a testament to Miley’s growth, both as an artist and an individual, capturing her ability to channel personal experiences into music that connects with audiences on a deeply emotional level. The song became an instant anthem of empowerment, proving that Miley’s musical evolution is as dynamic and multifaceted as her career itself.
4. “The Climb” (2009)
“The Climb,” released on March 5, 2009, as part of Hannah Montana: The Movie, became one of Miley Cyrus’s most cherished and motivational songs. Written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe, this soaring ballad is a tribute to perseverance, embodying the challenges and triumphs of life’s journey. Its powerful, heartfelt lyrics encourage listeners to keep going despite the obstacles they face, with Miley’s emotional vocal delivery enhancing the song’s message of hope. “The Climb” quickly became an anthem for anyone overcoming adversity, capturing the essence of self-belief and strength. The song resonated with fans of all ages, establishing Miley as more than just a teen idol and showcasing her vocal range and emotional depth. As one of her early career-defining songs, “The Climb” paved the way for Miley’s transition from Disney star to a respected artist. Its timeless appeal continues to inspire listeners, cementing its place as one of the most enduring songs of her career.
5. “Malibu” (2017)
On May 11, 2017, Miley Cyrus released “Malibu,” a song that signaled a softer, more reflective phase of her musical career. Co-written by Miley herself, the song draws on her personal experiences, particularly her relationship with Liam Hemsworth, and expresses themes of love, growth, and self-discovery. With its stripped-down instrumentation and gentle, sun-kissed vibe, “Malibu” offers a stark contrast to the bold, rebellious sound of her previous album Bangerz. The song’s warm, feel-good energy evokes the carefree beauty of the California coastline, perfectly capturing the spirit of a summer love. Miley’s sincere vocals and the song’s intimate, organic production make it a standout in her discography. “Malibu” not only marked a shift in her musical direction but also resonated with fans who appreciated its authenticity and vulnerability. The song quickly became a summer anthem, and its heartfelt lyrics continue to showcase Miley’s ability to evolve while remaining deeply connected to her personal journey.
6. “We Can’t Stop” (2013)
Released on June 3, 2013, “We Can’t Stop” was Miley Cyrus’s bold declaration of independence, marking the beginning of her Bangerz era. Co-written by Miley and Mike WiLL Made-It, the song exudes a carefree, rebellious attitude, celebrating self-expression and the freedom to live life unapologetically. With its hypnotic beat and sultry vocals, “We Can’t Stop” became an instant party anthem, reflecting the fun and wild energy of youth. The provocative lyrics and the accompanying music video, which featured Miley twerking and embracing a more daring, sexualized image, sparked significant controversy and media attention. However, it also solidified Miley’s break from her child star image, establishing her as a bold, fearless pop icon willing to challenge societal norms. “We Can’t Stop” was not only a commercial success but also a defining moment in Miley’s evolution as an artist, showing that she was unafraid to push boundaries and embrace her newfound freedom.
7. “Adore You” (2013)
“Adore You,” released on December 17, 2013, is a hauntingly beautiful ballad from Miley Cyrus’s Bangerz album. The song showcases Miley’s softer, more vulnerable side, with its minimalist production and emotive lyrics. Written by Stacy Barthe and Oren Yoel, “Adore You” expresses deep devotion and longing, drawing listeners into its intimate atmosphere. While it didn’t carry the same level of controversy as some of Miley’s other Bangerz tracks, its understated beauty and heartfelt delivery made it a fan favorite. The lush strings and subtle beats create a serene backdrop for Miley’s voice, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to resonate more deeply. “Adore You” might not have been a commercial juggernaut, but its quiet elegance and emotional depth showcased Miley’s versatility as an artist, proving that she could master both bold anthems and tender ballads with equal finesse.
8. “See You Again” (2007)
Released on December 29, 2007, “See You Again” marked Miley Cyrus’s first major solo hit, stepping away from her role as Hannah Montana and launching her as a standalone pop star. Featured on her debut album Meet Miley Cyrus, the song, written by Miley and Antonina Armato, captures the giddy excitement of a teenage crush, with a catchy pop-rock melody and danceable beat. The infectious chorus and playful lyrics made “See You Again” an instant favorite among fans, establishing Miley as a rising star. The song’s blend of electronic and pop-rock elements helped it stand out in a sea of typical teen pop hits, and its success paved the way for Miley’s future career as a mainstream artist. With its youthful energy and relatable theme, “See You Again” became an anthem for teens everywhere and remains a nostalgic track for long-time fans of Miley’s early music.
9. “Midnight Sky” (2020)
Released on August 14, 2020, “Midnight Sky” is a shimmering disco-pop anthem that blends Miley Cyrus’s rock influences with a modern, retro sound. The track, co-written by Miley, reflects her personal journey of self-discovery, independence, and resilience. With its powerful beat and commanding vocals, “Midnight Sky” is both a nod to the past and a step forward into a new era of Miley’s artistry. The track’s bold production and striking melody showcase her ability to fuse different genres while maintaining her distinct voice. Its lyrics, which touch on themes of liberation and embracing one’s true self, resonated with listeners, cementing Miley’s transformation from pop star to an artist who was ready to take on new musical frontiers. “Midnight Sky” received widespread critical acclaim and was hailed as one of her most impressive works, solidifying her place as a versatile artist who could effortlessly shift between genres and styles.
10. “7 Things” (2008)
“7 Things,” released on June 17, 2008, was one of Miley Cyrus’s first major hits as a solo artist, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Featured on her Breakout album, the song channels the angst and raw emotion of young love. Written by Miley and Antonina Armato, “7 Things” lists the seven things the singer loves and hates about a past relationship, capturing the complexity of emotions that come with a breakup. The song’s punchy guitar riffs and catchy chorus make it a memorable pop-rock anthem, while Miley’s honest, confessional lyrics give it a deeply personal touch. “7 Things” marked a shift in Miley’s musical style, moving away from the teen pop sound of her earlier work and towards a more mature, rock-influenced sound. The song’s success on the charts helped solidify Miley’s place as a prominent pop artist in the late 2000s, showcasing her ability to craft relatable, impactful songs that resonated with her audience.
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.
