Following a controversial yet effective VMA performance with Robin Thicke, an emotional and semi-nude music video for her number one hit "Wrecking Ball" and explicit pictures by Terry Richardson, former Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus is distancing herself far from her Disney persona with the release of her very adult sounding Bangerz.
The artist's fourth studio album features collaborations with pop princess Britney Spears and rapper Nelly and includes mature songwriting that is getting the 20-year-old noticed for better and for worse. After the disappointing, lukewarm reception toward her last offering, 2010's Can't Be Tamed, Cyrus has returned with a vengeance, and a lot less clothing. Her new album is preceded by two huge hits and calculated buzz that is making it hard for anyone to stop mentioning her name. Whether the head-turning new image is all planned marketing or a true transformation, let's focus on the music, shall we!
The anticipated album starts out with one its stronger cuts. "Adore You" seems to sum up the point where the artist is in her love life. Was she foreseeing the end of her perfect relationship? Supported by a mid-tempo beat, Cyrus gives a great, simple vocal performance on a song that will surely be the break up song that tops all other break up songs. She really comes out the door swinging.
"We Can't Stop", the album's hard-hitting lead single, was a huge summer hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, for good reasons. The hip-hop infused pop song was a change in sound and image for the former Disney princess and the track was indeed pretty damn catchy. "Remember only God can judge ya, forget the haters, cuz somebody loves ya", she sings on the empowering anthem.
Let's just say "SMS (Bangerz)", the shortest track off the new album featuring Britney Spears, was a missed opportunity, a complete failure. Anticipation was high for the collaboration and you would think that getting two big pop names in the studio would produce a sure smash, but we would all be wrong. The fast-paced effort just becomes an annoying, three-minute nightmare that masks any vocal talent people thought they possessed.
Nelly comes out to assist Cyrus on "4x4", a country hoedown inspired track where the artist labels herself a "female rebel". The interesting sounds and instrumentals are attention-grabbing, they become somewhat of an earworm and Nelly's verse only adds to chaotic nature of the finished product. However, despite all the components, it somehow works and becomes a memorable moment for the project.
Things continue down a smooth, mellow path as "My Darlin'" featuring Future comes up next on the track list. Immediately, Cyrus' vocals stand out, even though Future and the backing production causes some aspects of the song to sound messy and incoherent at times. "We gonna make a movie, and it's gonna be 3D", the two artists sing to each other on the good, but not necessarily amazing piece.
No matter what Cyrus puts out now, it will never compare to the vulnerable nature and sheer power of the beautiful ballad that is second single "Wrecking Ball". Rumored to be written and recorded when her relationship with Liam Hemsworth was slowing deteriorating, the emotional pop track has the artist giving everything she has and proves successful as the song recently became her first number one hit. True perfection.
"Love Money Party" comes off as a creepy, perfect for October, hip-hop song where Cyrus really gives the rapping try all of her energy. It actually doesn't sound too bad. "Money ain't nothing, money can't buy you love," she sings before featured guest Big Sean makes an appearance with a verse that only adds to the unusual yet effective sound. People will surely take the artist's tough image seriously after a listen to this track.
Pharrell Williams has been on a successful roll lately, appearing on "Get Lucky" and "Blurred Lines", but his production credits deserve praise as well. "#GETITRIGHT" bares some similarities to William's past creations including those for Usher, but Cyrus' soaring, commendable vocal performance allows this funky, guitar-driven piece sound like it could fit in perfectly with the tunes that came out of the early 00s.
If there was a standout choice for the album's third single, hopefully Cyrus would see it's "Drive", another emotional post-breakup track rumored to be detailing her failed engagement. The song does a great job at balancing Cyrus' hip-hop and pop influences and styles to create an effective look at the artist's vulnerable side. The production only supports the artist's mature songwriting and vocals, never overpowering.
Another rapper, French Montana, is listed as a featured guest on "FU". Cyrus gives a great amount of sass and attitude on the unique, jazz-sounding track where she hits a few impressive notes that will shake some of the haters off. From the song title, the actual power of the track was not expected, but it's nice to be proven wrong sometimes. A sense of a much more disturbed and troubled Adele comes through. Is that a true compliment?
With will.i.am named a producer on "Do My Thang", the idea of the song could quickly send chills down the spines of listeners for all the wrong reasons. However, it's not as bad as we would expect it to be. Reminiscent to Rihanna's "Where Have You Been" at times, Cyrus sings "don't you worry 'bout me, I will be okay, cuz Imma do my thang" to solidy the fact she doesn't need anyone telling her how to live her life.
"Maybe You're Right" returns the album to a softer tone as the ballad-esque track describes a relationship on the rocks, with Cyrus accusing her lover of calling her crazy, lost and foolish. When the artist allows her voice to do all the work, scaling back on production and controversial new image, she takes the material to another level. The song is a beautiful addition to the album which will help listeners swallow the full experience a bit easier.
The album closes with "Someone Else", where Cyrus finally addresses her shocking image reinvention and the opinions the media seems to have about it. While combining elements of urban hip-hop and pop, mixing in some interesting snyths for good measure, the closing track becomes a strong closing statement to seal the experimental project for the once innocent pop singer. Lyrically and vocally, the song is a must hear.
Bangerz garnered a lot of buzz leading up to its official release, it was up to listeners to take it as good or bad. Putting aside all the reception towards her music videos, live performances, and twerking, Miley Cyrus has put out an album that solidifies the fact that she is an evolving artist with many inspirations and influences. Her fourth studio album is a blend of hard-hitting hip-hop and rap aspects mixed in with her previous knowledge of the pop genre. Her vocals, which could get hard to bare, come off the strongest they have been since her music career started as Hannah Montana. The 20-year-old is showing great range and talent, that is what should count. The album receives an 85%.
Tracks to Hear: "Adore You", "Wrecking Ball", "FU" and "Maybe You're Right"
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