Analyzing the Pop Missteps on Miley Cyrus’ Something Beautiful
The Disappointment of Pop Tracks
One of the starkest disappointments on Miley Cyrus’ latest album, Something Beautiful, lies within its pop songs. Despite the album’s 52-minute runtime, it lacks the inviting hooks reminiscent of hits like “Flowers.” Numerous attempts at funk and disco-infused tracks fall flat, leaving listeners yearning for more engaging melodies.
Critical Takes on Individual Tracks
“Easy Lover”
“Easy Lover” emerges as a striking example of musical redundancy, echoing a sound that feels like a leftover from Bruno Mars’ catalog. With its walking bassline, thumping beat, and repetitive “oohooh-ooh-oohs,” the track fails to leave a lasting impression. Cyrus’ lyrics, such as “You’ve got the love I always needed,” feel flat, while lines like “Tie me to horses and I still wouldn’t leave ya” lack depth, culminating in a song that feels more like a collage of clichés than a cohesive piece.
“Walk of Fame”
Similarly, “Walk of Fame” is riddled with problems. Despite attempts to elevate the track with contributions from Danielle Haim’s guitar and Brittany Howard’s ethereal vocal loops, the sanitized disco beats and self-aggrandizing lyrics do little to redeem it. The line, “Every time I walk, it’s a walk of fame,” encapsulates the song’s uninspired ethos. Howard’s tribute to Cyrus with lines like:
You’ll live forever
In our hearts and minds
An ageless picture
A timeless smile
We’ll wear it on our T-shirts
A star buried in the pavement
Everyone will walk around it
is particularly cringeworthy, serving as a lackluster eulogy rather than a celebration.
“Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved”
Naomi Campbell’s contribution to “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved” is another misfire. The absurdity of her half-whispered lines, such as “She has the perfect scent” and “She never wears a watch, still she’s never late,” attempts to inject a sense of grandeur but ultimately falls flat. Cyrus has labeled this album her “gayest” yet, but the song comes across as a marketing ploy rather than an authentic expression of LGBTQ+ experiences.
The Overall Issue
The overarching flaw in Something Beautiful is its prioritization of superficial signaling over genuine artistry. Although Cyrus has access to top-tier musicians and producers, the songs lack the emotional depth and innovative sound that could elevate them. Cyrus herself appears aware of this disconnect, admitting to The New York Times that her role in the music industry often confines her artistic freedom. She expressed a yearning to be “untied, untethered,” leaving fans to wonder what her true artistic voice might sound like.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Something Beautiful showcases Cyrus’ potential and her willingness to experiment, the execution in its pop tracks leaves much to be desired. As listeners, we are left hoping for a future where Cyrus can fully realize her artistic vision, unbound by commercial constraints.
FAQs
What are the standout tracks on Something Beautiful?
While several tracks aim for mainstream appeal, many fail to resonate, with critics highlighting “Easy Lover” and “Walk of Fame” as particularly weak entries.
How does Something Beautiful reflect Cyrus’ artistic journey?
The album shows Cyrus grappling with her identity as an artist in the commercial music landscape, revealing her desire to create more meaningful and authentic work in the future.
What themes are explored in the album?
The album touches on themes of love and self-expression but often does so in a manner that feels contrived and lacking in substance.
