Album Review: Miley Cyrus’s “Something Beautiful”

Miley Cyrus’ newest studio album, Something Beautiful, released this past May, marks an evolution in the singer’s artistry, blending sonic experimentation with personal lyricism. Exploring themes of love, loss, healing and transformation, this new body of work is accompanied by a visual film that demonstrates there is beauty amidst the chaos.

Picture credit: Glen Luchford

Cyrus described the project as “hypnotic” and as a way to “medicate somewhat of a sick culture through music.” Referencing Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’, “but with better clothing and an extra dosage of glamour,” ‘Something Beautiful’ opens with ‘Prelude’,' a spoken-word poem layered over mysterious instrumentation. The track sets the tone for the entire project, building suspense and leaving the listener wanting more.

‘Prelude' opens the door to the title track, ‘Something Beautiful’, an alternative R&B ballad with a special twist, building into a rock song halfway through. As one of the chosen singles for the record, Cyrus describes it as a way to create a piece of work that lasts, threading the tightrope between gentle and obsessive.

Arriving at ‘End of the World,’ which is perhaps the most pop and upbeat song on the album, with a tinge of disco, this track reflects on the enjoyment of life. ‘End of the World’ states that if the world were about to end, life should have been lived and enjoyed. It’s a nostalgic track, perfect for singing your heart out on a drive with the windows rolled down.

After this upbeat moment, the project slows down to a raw, emotional ballad reflecting on the pain of parting ways with a romantic partner, titled ‘More to Lose’. The track explores how hard it can be to drift apart from someone you love, and the pain of having the other party not feel as deeply about it. It’s a stripped-back, vulnerable song that sees Cyrus in her vocal prime.

The fifth track is titled “Interlude 1,” and it’s an instrumental song with a somber feel, building up to an atmospheric and ecstatic sonic experience. It is followed by ‘Easy Lover’, a country song mixed with an electric guitar pop-rock throwback feel. While emotionally resonant, I felt the chorus could have been stronger. The lyrics explore the toxic and addictive cycle of a thorny relationship.

Different from the first interlude, ‘Interlude 2’ is a more chaotic and euphoric track, almost overwhelming, and it successfully breaks the first half of the album from the second half. Afterwards, ‘Golden Burning Sun” brings us a calm but powerful romantic pop song, with the outro being a particular highlight. Cyrus expresses her love for someone as “the only one under the golden burning sun.”

Next, we are presented with ‘Walk of Fame’, featuring Brittany Howard. It is a dance-pop track that would have benefited from Howard being more present throughout. Lyrically, this track talks about the challenges of stardom and fame. ‘Pretend You’re God' is a vulnerable track in which Cyrus expresses wanting someone to be their everything and their safe place, even if it’s just for a brief moment. It’s a much-needed melancholic pop moment.

The second feature of the album brings on the incomparable Naomi Campbell in ‘Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved' In the track, Campbell delivers cinematic ad-libs at the end of the song, a collaboration that Cyrus described as “iconic.”

Reaching the end of the album comes ‘Reborn’, a disco-pop song with a switch-up into a rock chorus. Once again, it brings us back to a past time, in a good way. Focussing on themes such as ego death and the rebirth of relationship, it’s a hopeful, yet realistic track. 

‘Give Me Love’, the last song on the record, is a country ballad which delves into Cyrus’ early roots. It’s the perfect closing song for the project, offering a feeling of closure while speaking about love, the driver behind the entire album. It is safe to say that ‘Something Beautiful’, Miley’s ninth studio album, is very cohesive and well thought through, providing the listener with a cohesive storyline from beginning to end. 

It is clear that Cyrus was heavily involved in the creation of this project, and that is palpable, as she is credited not only as a writer on every song but also as a producer on every track of the album, alongside her collaborators. You can hear the growth in her music in this project, as well as a more mature version of her sonic identity. It’s worth a listen, and I recommend delving not only into the sounds but also exploring her lyrics and the messages she aims to convey throughout.

As Miley Cyrus continues to evolve, one can’t help but wonder what new artistic territories she will explore next. If Something Beautiful is any indication, her journey is far from over, and her music will keep surprising us for years to come.

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WORDS CATARINA BRANDÃO