Known for her genre-hopping, Miley Cyrus’ music often reflects a playful, experimental spirit rather than a strategic artistic direction. And that isn’t a bad thing!
From her days as the Disney sensation Hannah Montana to her current status as a pop culture icon, Miley has never shied away from exploring different musical realms. Whether delving into hip-hop with Bangerz, experimenting with avant-psychedelia on Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz, or embracing melancholic country vibes on Younger Now, she has carved her own unique path in the industry.
Despite possessing a powerful voice with a husky twang, Miley’s studio albums have sometimes felt constrained, lacking the freedom to fully showcase her vocal prowess. However, her live performances, including captivating covers of classics like “Jolene” and “Comfortably Numb,” have demonstrated her raw talent and versatility.
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On her latest album, Plastic Hearts, Miley continues to push boundaries with a mix of collaborators and a sound that exudes a rebellious charm. Teaming up with artists like Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson, Louis Bell, Billy Idol, and Stevie Nicks, she delivers a fresh blend of rock-infused pop that oozes attitude and energy.
Tracks like “WTF Do I Know,” a song that serves as the last word to ex-husband Liam Hemsworth, showcase gritty guitars and Miley’s sassy vocals, revealing her embracing her wild side while giving a sonic ‘FU’ to her former beau. It’s typical for the album’s aesthetic, reminiscent of ’80s glam rock, with bold visuals and edgy guest features, and adds a new dimension to Miley’s evolving persona.
Plastic Hearts may not be a flawless masterpiece, but it captures Miley Cyrus in her element – fearless, unapologetic, and always ready to surprise. This record is a departure from her country-pop roots, embracing a fusion of hard and soft, pop and country, fierce and sweet, fresh and authentic.
Take the track “Bad Karma,” for instance, where Cyrus teams up with Joan Jett to deliver a surprising mix of electro-spare beats and tribal elements. What could have been a gritty punk anthem transforms into an irresistibly catchy pop-country chorus that channels both Shania Twain and Peaches. It’s a testament to the producers for highlighting the strengths of both vocalists and creating a playful dynamic between them.
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Conversely, songs like “Night Crawling” with Billy Idol and “Prisoner” featuring Dua Lipa don’t quite hit the mark. While the former feels like a lackluster attempt at recapturing past glory, the latter gets lost in a mess of processed vocals and blurred lines. If Cyrus is going to serve up treats, they should be bold and decadent, not just fluffy confections.
Tracks like “Hate Me” showcase a different side of Cyrus, with a Beatles-esque melody that complements her sweet yet airy vocals. The blame for heartbreak is laid squarely at her feet, adding a layer of vulnerability to the song. Similarly, “Golden G-String” maintains a somber tone with a rough edge as Cyrus laments the injustices of a male-dominated world.
Thankfully, most of Plastic Hearts perfectly balances grit and vulnerability, with Cyrus’s emotive vocals shining against a backdrop of electronic textures and tender melodies. From the synthy rock vibes of “Midnight Sky” (don’t skip the Stevie Nicks remix!) to the country-tinged “High” and the soulful “Never Be Me,” Cyrus navigates these diverse sounds with ease, avoiding any sense of contrived nostalgia or musical confusion.
Ultimately, “Plastic Hearts” is a bold step forward for Miley Cyrus, showcasing her growth as an artist unafraid to experiment and push boundaries. It’s an album that feels both familiar and new, a testament to Cyrus’s evolution as a musician who refuses to be pigeonholed.
