From Disney darling to pop provocateur, Miley Cyrus has redefined what it means to grow up in the spotlight—and she’s done it all with a powerhouse voice and a catalog full of unforgettable hits. Whether she’s swinging from a wrecking ball, dancing under disco lights, or strumming heartfelt ballads on the beach, Miley has proven time and again that she’s not just a pop star—she’s a force of musical evolution. With each era, she’s pushed boundaries, reinvented her sound, and delivered songs that resonate across generations.
This list isn’t just about chart positions or viral moments—it’s a celebration of the tracks that have defined Miley’s career and made her one of the most compelling artists of her time. From early teen anthems to mature, soul-baring hits, these songs showcase her range, her courage, and her undeniable ability to capture the cultural moment.
So whether you’ve been with her since the Hannah Montana days or you just hit repeat on “Flowers,” get ready to relive the highs, the heartbreaks, and the head-banging anthems that make up the Top 10 Most Popular Miley Cyrus Songs of All Time. Let the countdown begin! 🎤🔥
1. “Wrecking Ball” (2013)
When Miley Cyrus released “Wrecking Ball” in 2013, she didn’t just drop a hit single—she ignited a global conversation. This emotionally raw power ballad, produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut, pulled back the curtain on a more vulnerable side of the pop star. The song’s stripped-down verses and thunderous chorus create a dramatic space where Cyrus’s voice takes center stage, trembling with heartbreak as she sings about love’s collapse. But it was the infamous video—featuring Miley swinging naked on an actual wrecking ball—that turned the track into a cultural phenomenon. The imagery sparked outrage, memes, praise, and parody, but behind all the noise was a song with genuine emotional heft. “Wrecking Ball” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, smashed Vevo streaming records, and earned Miley her first U.S. chart-topper. It marked a defining moment in her transition from teen idol to boundary-pushing artist, showing the world that she was ready to shatter expectations and rebuild herself on her own terms. Beneath the controversy lies a timeless, heart-wrenching pop anthem that continues to resonate with anyone who’s ever had to let go of something they still loved.
2. “Party in the U.S.A.” (2009)
“Party in the U.S.A.” is the quintessential American pop anthem of the late 2000s—a feel-good track that still gets crowds singing at barbecues, school dances, and road trips. Released in 2009, the song marked a turning point for Miley Cyrus as she stepped further away from her Disney roots. Written by Jessie J, Claude Kelly, and Dr. Luke, the track cleverly blends bubblegum pop with radio-friendly R&B, offering a lighthearted story about Miley’s move to Los Angeles and how music became her comfort in a strange new world. That unforgettable chorus—“So I put my hands up, they’re playing my song…”—instantly struck a chord with listeners, capturing the unifying power of pop music. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Miley’s most beloved and enduring hits. Even years later, it continues to symbolize youthful optimism, freedom, and the comforting power of a good beat. “Party in the U.S.A.” didn’t just help Miley break into mainstream radio—it secured her place as a voice of her generation, one who knew how to turn personal nerves into a national celebration.
3. “Flowers” (2023)
With “Flowers,” Miley Cyrus opened 2023 with more than just a new single—she delivered an anthem of self-empowerment that resonated around the world. Released as the lead track from her Endless Summer Vacation album, “Flowers” flips the traditional breakup song on its head. Rather than wallowing in sorrow, Miley celebrates the strength of self-love, singing about how she can buy her own flowers and hold her own hand. The disco-pop production is light and breezy, but beneath it lies a message of deep emotional independence. Fans and critics alike viewed the song as a pointed yet graceful response to her very public divorce, but its message extended far beyond headlines. “Flowers” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for weeks, fueled by social media trends and universal relatability. It quickly became a staple on playlists across genres—empowering, danceable, and deeply personal. For Miley, “Flowers” signaled not just a new musical chapter but a full-circle moment of maturity. It’s her most graceful declaration yet: she doesn’t need saving, and she’s finally thriving on her own terms.
4. “The Climb” (2009)
“The Climb” is one of those rare songs that transcends its origin to become a life anthem. Released in 2009 as part of Hannah Montana: The Movie, this country-pop ballad gave Miley Cyrus a chance to break out from her TV character and show off her vocal and emotional range. Written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe, the lyrics speak to perseverance and the journey, rather than the destination. With lines like “It’s not about how fast I get there, it’s the climb,” the track quickly resonated with listeners of all ages facing their own uphill battles. Miley’s voice soars through the chorus with warmth and conviction, making it feel like she’s singing directly to anyone who’s ever struggled. The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple at graduations, talent shows, and personal milestone moments. More than a soundtrack hit, “The Climb” became a motivational anthem that defined a generation. It was proof that behind the pop persona was an artist capable of delivering messages of depth, heart, and hope—qualities that have remained central to her evolution.
5. “Midnight Sky” (2020)
“Midnight Sky” marked a stylish, synth-drenched transformation for Miley Cyrus in 2020—one that felt like a bold blend of classic rock attitude and disco-era glam. With its throbbing bassline, retro flair, and raspy, empowered vocals, the track pays homage to icons like Stevie Nicks while forging its own lane. Written and co-produced by Miley herself, it’s a confident statement of autonomy and self-possession. “I was born to run, I don’t belong to anyone,” she declares, and the line became an instant mantra for fans. The production oozes cool, merging vintage textures with modern polish, and the neon-lit music video, styled with sequins and saturated colors, perfectly matched the song’s vibe. Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, “Midnight Sky” reached the Top 20 in the U.S. and topped charts internationally. It also set the tone for her Plastic Hearts album, a project that showcased Miley at her most self-assured and musically adventurous. With “Midnight Sky,” she didn’t just change her sound—she claimed her space in music history as a shape-shifter unafraid to embrace her evolving identity.
6. “Malibu” (2017)
“Malibu,” released in 2017, revealed a softer, more introspective side of Miley Cyrus. After years of pushing boundaries and defying expectations, she surprised fans with a tender love song inspired by her real-life relationship. Co-written with Oren Yoel, “Malibu” is set against a backdrop of acoustic guitars, gentle rhythms, and poetic reflections on love, nature, and personal renewal. With its coastal imagery and stripped-down production, the song feels like a fresh breeze—serene, simple, and honest. Miley’s vocals are unforced and heartfelt, capturing a peacefulness that felt worlds apart from her previous provocations. The track debuted at No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly climbed to No. 10, proving that her emotional honesty resonated with fans old and new. “Malibu” marked a shift in her artistry—not a reinvention, but a reconnection with her roots and a celebration of emotional clarity. It reminded the world that underneath the glitter and rebellion was a songwriter capable of deep sincerity. The song felt like watching a storm clear, with Miley standing in the sunshine, vulnerable and strong all at once.
7. “We Can’t Stop” (2013)
“We Can’t Stop” was a sonic shot across the bow—Miley Cyrus’s declaration that her Disney days were officially behind her. Released in 2013, this slow-burning party anthem was produced by Mike Will Made-It and helped define a new wave of edgy, trap-influenced pop. With lyrics that champion rebellion, self-expression, and living without apology, it became a generational anthem for breaking free. “It’s our party, we can do what we want,” Miley sings with swagger, embracing her new image with full force. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and came with a controversial music video that featured surreal, provocative visuals—earning both praise and criticism. But beneath the shock value was a clear message: Miley was done playing it safe. “We Can’t Stop” was more than just a party song—it was a bold reinvention. It showed that she wasn’t afraid to make people uncomfortable in the name of authenticity. Whether celebrated or condemned, it was a cultural moment that helped reshape the boundaries of mainstream pop and cemented Miley as one of the most fearless artists of her generation.
8. “See You Again” (2007)
“See You Again” was the spark that ignited Miley Cyrus’s solo music career. Released in 2007 as the standout track from her debut album Meet Miley Cyrus, this pop-rock anthem was a bold step away from her Hannah Montana persona. The song’s vibrant synths, thumping rhythm, and sing-along chorus gave it an infectious energy, while the lyrics captured the awkward magic of teenage crushes. Lines like “The last time I freaked out, I just kept looking down” feel ripped from a high school diary, and that’s exactly why fans latched onto it. Co-written by Miley, Antonina Armato, and Tim James, “See You Again” hit No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100—her first solo Top 10 hit—and proved she had the chops to make it without the Disney brand behind her. It was catchy, youthful, and brimming with personality, marking the moment she began carving out her own path. More than a fun pop tune, it was a declaration: Miley Cyrus wasn’t just a character on TV—she was a pop star in her own right, ready to take on the world.
9. “7 Things” (2008)
“7 Things” captured the fury, confusion, and contradiction of teenage heartbreak better than almost any song of its time. Released in 2008, it was Miley Cyrus’s cathartic response to a messy breakup—rumored to be with fellow teen idol Nick Jonas. The track blends pop-punk energy with confessional lyrics that list all the reasons she can’t stand her ex…before admitting she still kind of loves him. The tension between bitterness and longing makes the song irresistibly relatable. Produced by John Fields, the track’s crunchy guitars and angsty vocals made it perfect for screaming along in your bedroom. The music video, featuring raw, emotional close-ups of other young women, added to its sense of authenticity and vulnerability. “7 Things” climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified Miley’s post-Disney musical direction. It wasn’t polished perfection—it was real, emotional, and a little chaotic, just like first love. And that’s why it hit so hard. Even years later, “7 Things” remains one of Miley’s most iconic teen anthems—a snapshot of heartbreak that never really gets old.
10. “Can’t Be Tamed” (2010)
Released in 2010, “Can’t Be Tamed” was Miley Cyrus’s explosive farewell to her Hannah Montana image. This electro-pop banger is brash, defiant, and dripping with attitude. With its high-energy synths and thundering beats, the song sounds like a battle cry for personal freedom. “I’m like a puzzle, but all of my pieces are jagged,” she proclaims, warning listeners that she’s no longer playing by the rules. Produced by Rock Mafia, the track is unapologetically bold, and the video—which shows Miley in a cage before breaking free—drives home the message of transformation. It peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and, while not her biggest hit chart-wise, it was one of the most pivotal in her career. “Can’t Be Tamed” was more than a pop single—it was a manifesto. It told the world that Miley was evolving, taking control of her narrative, and refusing to fit into anyone else’s mold. It’s the kind of song that feels like a turning point—an artist tearing down the old to make space for the new. And Miley’s never looked back since.
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.
