From Disney darling to global pop powerhouse, Miley Cyrus has spent over a decade redefining what it means to be a modern music icon. Her fearless evolution—from the sweet melodies of Hannah Montana to the raw, genre-blending anthems of her solo albums—has kept fans and critics alike on their toes. Whether she’s swinging from a wrecking ball, belting out a heartfelt ballad, or dancing through heartbreak with fierce independence, Miley has never been afraid to bare her soul and push boundaries. Her discography is a kaleidoscope of sound, emotion, and reinvention—proof that she’s not just surviving the ever-changing music industry, she’s shaping it.
In this countdown of the Top 10 Most Popular Miley Cyrus Songs of All Time, we’re diving deep into the tracks that defined generations, broke records, and turned Miley into a cultural phenomenon. These aren’t just chart-toppers—they’re songs that sparked movements, soundtracked milestones, and revealed the many layers of an artist who refuses to be boxed in. So whether you’ve been a Smiler since the “Best of Both Worlds” or you just discovered her through Endless Summer Vacation, get ready to relive the hits that built a legacy. Miley’s greatest moments are more than music—they’re history.
1. Wrecking Ball (2013)
Released in 2013 as part of her Bangerz album, “Wrecking Ball” marked a seismic shift in Miley Cyrus’s career. With its raw emotional intensity and stripped-down vulnerability, the ballad peeled back the layers of her public persona and revealed something far more personal. The song’s soaring chorus, paired with melancholy verses, tells the story of a love that started strong but ended in devastation. Cyrus’s vocal performance is nothing short of gripping—fragile in one moment, explosive the next. Though it quickly became infamous for its provocative music video, what truly cemented “Wrecking Ball” as a cultural milestone was its emotional authenticity. This wasn’t just a pop song; it was a catharsis. The vulnerability in her delivery, coupled with the bold departure from her Disney image, made the track a defining moment of her artistic reinvention. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and resonated deeply with fans around the world navigating heartbreak.
2. Party in the U.S.A. (2009)
Few songs define an era quite like “Party in the U.S.A.”, released in 2009. This feel-good pop anthem became an instant classic and remains one of Miley Cyrus’s most widely recognized tracks. Written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the song captures the story of a young girl arriving in Los Angeles with stars in her eyes and music in her ears—a sentiment that mirrored Miley’s own real-life transition from teen sensation to mainstream artist. The catchy chorus, easygoing beat, and sing-along lyrics made it a staple at parties, barbecues, and even political rallies. Despite its lighthearted vibe, the song’s success was no accident—Cyrus’s charisma shines through every note, making it more than just a pop hit; it became a cultural touchstone for a generation. Over a decade later, it still sparks joy and nostalgia, proving that sometimes, the simplest songs leave the biggest impression.
3. The Climb (2009)
Released in 2009 as the lead single from Hannah Montana: The Movie, “The Climb” showcased Miley Cyrus’s vocal maturity and emotional range at a pivotal moment in her career. The ballad stands out not just for its powerful lyrics, but for the message it carried—one of perseverance, inner strength, and the journey over the destination. With a country-pop feel and a swelling orchestral backing, the song spoke directly to young fans facing life’s uncertainties. Cyrus delivers each line with heartfelt sincerity, her voice rising and falling with the emotional weight of the lyrics. It became an anthem not just for teens navigating growing pains, but for anyone confronting personal obstacles. “The Climb” earned numerous award nominations and was praised for its inspirational tone. It was a turning point, showing the world that Miley was more than a Disney Channel personality—she was a serious vocalist with real depth.
4. Flowers (2023)
With “Flowers”, released in January 2023, Miley Cyrus achieved something few pop stars ever do: she dropped a breakup anthem that was both deeply personal and universally empowering. Arriving as the lead single from Endless Summer Vacation, the song quickly went viral, breaking streaming records and topping charts globally. Its disco-tinged beat, self-assured lyrics, and clever lyrical nods to Bruno Mars’s “When I Was Your Man” created a wave of internet discussion and fan theories. But more than the gossip, what made “Flowers” special was its message of self-love. Cyrus flips the script on heartbreak, turning sorrow into strength with lines like “I can buy myself flowers” and “I can take myself dancing.” Her voice glides confidently over the laidback instrumentation, signaling not just recovery, but rebirth. It’s a masterclass in modern pop songwriting—catchy, clever, and emotionally resonant. “Flowers” wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural reset.
5. Midnight Sky (2020)
“Midnight Sky”, released in August 2020, is a glam-rock infusion of independence and self-realization. As the lead single from her Plastic Hearts album, the track draws heavy inspiration from the 1980s—think Stevie Nicks meets Joan Jett—with synth-laden production and a throaty, gravel-tinged vocal performance. Miley channels her inner rock goddess here, shedding the remnants of her past personas and stepping into full creative control. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman breaking free from expectations and labels: “I was born to run, I don’t belong to anyone.” It’s bold, unapologetic, and entirely in command—a declaration of autonomy wrapped in an infectious melody. The song’s visual aesthetic, with vintage filters and retro fashion, only further highlighted her artistic transformation. “Midnight Sky” proved that Miley wasn’t just experimenting with rock—she was owning it.
6. Malibu (2017)
When Miley Cyrus released “Malibu” in May 2017, fans were met with a softer, more reflective side of the artist. Departing from the edgier sound of her Bangerz era, this breezy love song introduced a more grounded, earthy Miley. Inspired by her rekindled relationship with Liam Hemsworth, the track is filled with imagery of sun-soaked beaches and personal rebirth. The acoustic guitar-driven melody and airy production created a serene, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Unlike her previous hits, “Malibu” doesn’t aim to shock—it aims to soothe. The lyrics, though simple, carry a sincerity that resonated with listeners craving authenticity. It marked a return to roots both musically and emotionally, and while it diverged from the mainstream pop trend of the time, it earned praise for its honesty and vulnerability. “Malibu” was Miley’s way of saying she’d grown—and she did it without losing her edge.
7. We Can’t Stop (2013)
With “We Can’t Stop”, released in June 2013, Miley Cyrus shattered her Disney image once and for all. This mid-tempo party anthem, drenched in synths and rebellion, was a bold proclamation of freedom and self-expression. The lyrics are unapologetically hedonistic—“It’s our party, we can do what we want”—and the sound is drenched in a kind of dreamy, druggy haze that perfectly captured the post-teen angst of the time. It was controversial, yes, but also undeniably catchy. Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, the track leaned into hip-hop influences, signaling Miley’s willingness to explore and push genre boundaries. The music video, filled with surreal and provocative imagery, went viral and sparked endless conversation. But beyond the headlines, “We Can’t Stop” was a clear artistic statement: Miley was in charge now, and she wasn’t asking for permission.
8. See You Again (2007)
“See You Again” marked Miley Cyrus’s first real foray into solo stardom outside of her Hannah Montana persona. Released in late 2007 from the Meet Miley Cyrus album (the second disc of Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus), the song introduced a darker, more mature sound that hinted at her massive potential. With its punchy beat, eerie synth lines, and catchy chorus, “See You Again” was a departure from the bubblegum pop of Disney. The lyrics tell the story of a teenage crush laced with mystery and awkward charm—“She’s just being Miley,” as the line goes. The song climbed the charts quickly, becoming her first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the kind of debut that signaled a star in the making: confident, catchy, and just a little bit edgy. Looking back, it’s clear this was the first glimpse of the boundary-pushing artist she’d become.
9. 7 Things (2008)
Released in June 2008, “7 Things” was one of Miley Cyrus’s earliest hits to blend pop and punk elements, laying the groundwork for her more rebellious future. The track was inspired by a real-life breakup—widely speculated to be with Nick Jonas—and it captures the messy, cathartic emotion of teen heartbreak with unfiltered honesty. The song’s structure is clever: it lists the seven things she hates about a former lover, before flipping the script in the final lines to reveal lingering affection. The punk-pop guitar riffs and angsty vocals made it a favorite among younger listeners navigating first loves and bitter endings. Despite its youthful tone, there’s a sharpness to the songwriting that elevates it beyond typical teen fare. It was catchy, emotional, and unashamedly relatable, proving that Miley could channel her personal life into universally resonant pop.
10. Slide Away (2019)
“Slide Away”, released in August 2019, is a somber, introspective ballad that marked a turning point in Miley Cyrus’s personal and musical life. Dropping shortly after her separation from Liam Hemsworth, the song is widely interpreted as a breakup reflection—a quiet letting-go of a shared past. With its melancholic guitar lines and dreamy production, “Slide Away” trades bombast for emotional nuance. The lyrics are direct but poetic: “Move on, we’re not 17 / I’m not who I used to be.” It’s a farewell, not with anger, but with acceptance. Cyrus’s vocals are restrained, almost weary, capturing the emotional exhaustion that comes with endings. Though it didn’t dominate the charts like some of her other hits, the song was critically acclaimed for its maturity and subtlety. “Slide Away” showed that Miley didn’t always need to shout to be heard—sometimes, a whisper is more powerful.
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.
