From Disney darling to pop provocateur, Miley Cyrus has lived a thousand musical lives—and each one left a mark on the charts, our playlists, and pop culture itself. Whether she’s belting out heart-wrenching ballads, dropping rebellious anthems, or redefining self-love with viral hits, Miley has proven time and again that she’s not just a singer—she’s a movement. With a voice that’s both raw and powerful, and a fearless approach to reinvention, she’s captivated fans across genres and generations. From her early days as Hannah Montana to her evolution into a Grammy-winning powerhouse, Miley’s discography is packed with unforgettable tracks that defined moments, sparked conversations, and got the world dancing—or crying. In this countdown, we dive into the top 10 most popular Miley Cyrus songs of all time, ranked not just by chart success, but also by cultural impact, streaming power, and fan devotion. These are the songs that turned up the volume on who Miley really is—unapologetic, unfiltered, and undeniably iconic. Ready to take a musical trip through her most explosive, emotional, and empowering hits? Let’s break it down, one anthem at a time. 🎤✨
1. “Party in the U.S.A.” (2009)
When “Party in the U.S.A.” hit the airwaves in 2009, it instantly became more than just a catchy song—it was a cultural moment. Written by Jessie J, the track was originally intended for someone else, but it ended up in the hands of Miley Cyrus, who turned it into a sunny, feel-good anthem that resonated with fans across the country. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a nervous newcomer arriving in Los Angeles with little more than a dream and a cardigan, finding comfort in music and self-assurance. The beat is light and bouncy, the chorus endlessly singable, and the message universal: we’ve all felt out of place, but music can make us feel at home. It was a defining moment for Miley, signaling her transition from Disney Channel sweetheart to emerging pop star. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple at parties, road trips, and celebrations. Even over a decade later, “Party in the U.S.A.” is still a staple on playlists—it’s not just a song, it’s a vibe, one that captures the freedom and excitement of finding your place in the world.
2. “Wrecking Ball” (2013)
Released in 2013, “Wrecking Ball” was a dramatic turning point for Miley Cyrus—both sonically and personally. Known for her rebellious new image at the time, Miley took a surprising turn with this powerful ballad, laying her emotions bare. The song, produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut, begins softly, gradually building into an emotional explosion that’s as raw as it is unforgettable. Her voice is front and center, aching with vulnerability as she sings about a love that crumbled under its own weight. The now-infamous music video—featuring Miley swinging naked on a wrecking ball—sparked massive controversy and conversation, quickly becoming one of the most viewed videos in Vevo history. But behind the shock factor was something real: heartbreak, longing, and the pain of emotional devastation. Critics who had written her off as just another child star were forced to reconsider—this wasn’t a gimmick; it was a statement. “Wrecking Ball” cemented Miley’s place as a serious artist with range and depth. It’s not just a breakup song—it’s a scorched-earth confession of vulnerability and survival that still resonates today.
3. “Flowers” (2023)
In 2023, Miley Cyrus returned to the top of the charts with “Flowers,” a song that effortlessly blends empowerment, independence, and a splash of disco-pop cool. Released as the lead single from her Endless Summer Vacation album, the track marked a major moment of personal growth. With lyrics that subtly allude to her past relationship with ex-husband Liam Hemsworth, Miley flips the traditional breakup narrative on its head. Instead of wallowing in sorrow, she reclaims her power, singing about how she can buy herself flowers, hold her own hand, and love herself better than anyone else could. The groove is smooth and catchy, evoking retro influences while still feeling fresh and modern. Her vocals are confident but not boastful—there’s a sense of calm assurance in every line. “Flowers” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for multiple weeks, striking a chord with listeners around the globe. It’s more than just a chart-topping hit; it’s an anthem of self-love and strength. With “Flowers,” Miley proved once again that she knows how to evolve, speak her truth, and stay fiercely herself through it all.
4. “The Climb” (2009)
“The Climb,” released in 2009 as part of Hannah Montana: The Movie, stands as one of Miley Cyrus’s most uplifting and heartfelt ballads. At a time when she was still straddling her dual identity as both a Disney character and a rising music artist, this song helped bridge the gap. With its country-pop sound and inspirational lyrics about perseverance and self-belief, “The Climb” quickly became a go-to anthem for anyone facing adversity. It speaks to the idea that success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about the journey, the struggle, and the growth along the way. Miley delivers the song with sincerity and warmth, showing off her vocal maturity and emotional depth. It was a standout moment in her early career and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Over the years, “The Climb” has taken on a life of its own, often played at graduations, competitions, and motivational events. It’s one of those songs that never really goes out of style, because the message is timeless: no matter how hard the road may seem, every step forward matters.
5. “We Can’t Stop” (2013)
When “We Can’t Stop” dropped in 2013, it was clear that Miley Cyrus was done playing it safe. This single marked a bold departure from her Disney past and introduced the world to a new, uninhibited version of the pop star. Produced by Mike Will Made-It, the song features a slow, hypnotic beat and lyrics that embrace partying, rebellion, and living without regrets. It’s a celebration of letting go and doing what feels right, even if it ruffles a few feathers. The music video was equally rebellious—filled with surreal and often controversial imagery that left audiences stunned. From foam fingers to teddy bears to eyebrow-raising dance moves, Miley made it clear she was taking control of her narrative. Though it sparked backlash in some circles, “We Can’t Stop” also won her a whole new audience and earned her respect as a risk-taker. It climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and set the tone for her Bangerz era. More than just a party anthem, the song was a declaration of independence. Miley wasn’t just growing up—she was breaking free.
6. “Malibu” (2017)
“Malibu,” released in 2017, offered a surprising change of pace from the bold and brash persona Miley had adopted in earlier years. Instead of shocking the world, she gave us something gentle, genuine, and reflective. Inspired by her rekindled romance with Liam Hemsworth at the time, the track is a breezy, sun-soaked love song that feels like a deep breath after a storm. Acoustic guitars and light percussion create a serene backdrop for Miley’s soft, unguarded vocals. The lyrics speak of healing, hope, and rediscovery—not just of love, but of self. With “Malibu,” Miley signaled that she didn’t need to scream to be heard. She returned to a more stripped-down sound, letting her authenticity do the talking. The single was well-received by critics and fans alike, peaking within the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reminding listeners that Miley’s talent goes far beyond headlines. “Malibu” felt like an emotional reset, a reminder that growth can be quiet and beautiful. It’s a standout moment in her discography that showcases her ability to shift gears while staying completely herself.
7. “7 Things” (2008)
“7 Things,” released in 2008, captured the rollercoaster of teen heartbreak with raw honesty and plenty of attitude. At the time, Miley was still best known as Hannah Montana, but this track gave fans a glimpse into her real-life feelings—especially since it was widely believed to be about her breakup with Nick Jonas. The song starts off like a classic breakup letter, listing the things she hates about her ex, but quickly reveals the lingering affection that makes moving on so hard. It’s angsty, emotional, and completely relatable to anyone who’s ever been stuck in that love-hate limbo. Musically, it blends pop-rock energy with confessional lyrics, creating a track that feels like reading a diary set to guitar riffs. The music video, featuring young girls expressing their own heartbreak, added a layer of universality to the message. “7 Things” was a turning point—it let Miley blur the line between her public persona and her private life. It wasn’t just catchy; it was cathartic. For many fans, it remains a nostalgic favorite and an early sign that Miley had more to say than any scripted character ever could.
8. “Midnight Sky” (2020)
In 2020, Miley Cyrus delivered a bold, glitter-drenched anthem of freedom with “Midnight Sky.” Drawing inspiration from icons like Stevie Nicks and Joan Jett, the song is a glamorous blend of synth-pop and rock, complete with a driving beat and Miley’s unmistakable raspy vocals. It’s a declaration of self-reliance and autonomy, with lyrics that proudly announce she’s done apologizing and isn’t looking back. The track arrived at a time of personal transformation, following her divorce and several career shifts, and it felt like a reintroduction: this is Miley on her own terms. She even directed the music video herself, featuring dazzling neon visuals, bold fashion, and all the fierce, unapologetic energy you’d expect from a true rock star. “Midnight Sky” doesn’t just sound good—it feels good, like someone reclaiming their narrative in real time. It charted well, but more importantly, it reinforced Miley’s reputation as an artist who’s never afraid to evolve. The song is a glittering reminder that reinvention can be powerful—and sometimes, the best version of yourself is the one you build from the ashes.
9. “See You Again” (2007)
“See You Again” marked Miley Cyrus’s first big step into mainstream pop under her own name, separate from her Hannah Montana identity. Released in 2007, the song showcased a more mature sound, pairing pulsing synth beats with lyrics about the nervous excitement of a teen crush. It tells the story of locking eyes with someone unforgettable and feeling that rush of emotion that makes your heart race and your words stumble. The track’s infectious hook and confident energy made it an unexpected hit, climbing into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and gaining traction with audiences well beyond her Disney fanbase. “See You Again” was a musical coming-of-age moment, offering a glimpse of who Miley was becoming as an artist. It showed that she could stand on her own outside the world of wigs and scripted episodes. More importantly, it was fun—pure, unapologetic fun. Even now, it holds up as a perfect example of early 2000s pop: nostalgic, vibrant, and a little awkward in the most charming way.
10. “Can’t Be Tamed” (2010)
With “Can’t Be Tamed,” released in 2010, Miley Cyrus made one thing crystal clear: she was breaking out of the mold. Gone were the days of clean-cut Disney pop—this song was dark, fierce, and unapologetically rebellious. From the pounding electro-pop beat to the bold lyrics about refusing to be boxed in, the track was a statement of independence. The music video, featuring Miley as a rare bird in a cage who breaks free in full glam-rock regalia, only amplified the message. Fans and critics were divided—some were shocked, others exhilarated—but no one could ignore it. This wasn’t just a new chapter; it was a total reinvention. Though not her biggest commercial hit, “Can’t Be Tamed” became a symbol of artistic freedom and self-expression. It marked the beginning of Miley’s journey into more experimental and boundary-pushing territory. In hindsight, it was the warning shot: Miley Cyrus wasn’t going to play by the rules anymore. And really, why should she?
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.
