You can’t put Miley Cyrus in a box.
Over the years, the former Disney Channel starlet has dabbled in pop, new wave, hip hop, and country music. Every album has had their success, but it’s Miley Cyrus’ Plastic Hearts that has taken the world by storm.
It’s In the Details
As Cyrus’ seventh studio album, Plastic Hearts is hardly recognizable compared to prevues releases. It’s a modern interpretation of the glam rock era of the 1980s, which is vastly different from that of 2017’s “Malibu” or 2013’s “We Can’t Stop.”
Plastic Hearts features collaborations with Billy Idol and Joan Jett, legendary rock and roll musicians, and Dua Lipa, a powerhouse electro-pop artist. She also co-wrote songs with the likes of Jonathan Bellion and Ryan Tedder. Each singer-songwriter has an extensive history with writing contemporary hits, such as “Daisies” by Katy Perry and “I Know Places” by Taylor Swift, respectively.
Standout Plastic Hearts Songs
Cyrus’ new album opens up with “WTF Do I Know,” a song sure to be heard in karaoke venues once able to open safely. Her smooth voice amplifes the vivacious intent of the not even three minute long song. It’s a bouncy, disco meets industrial rock song that sets the tone of the entire album.
The title track includes a drum beat that was sample from Primal Scream. It goes on to highlight the singer’s gritty vocals patterns interspersed between sweet melodies. This pairs perfectly with a later track, “Night Crawling,” which features Billy Idol. As gritty as “Plastic Hearts” is, the Idol-tinged track is rougher, tougher, and all the more musically distorted. (That is, in the best way possible.)
For a more vulnerable, but still authentic rockstar moment, “High” is the song of choice. Clearly a post-divorce song, “High” grapples with saying goodbye and dealing with the emotions of her relationship ending. A blues-infused musicality only adds depth to the lyrics.
Bringing the record to a close is “Never Be Me” and “Golden G String,” two anthemic songs set in reality. These tracks make Plastic Hearts what it is: an album about acceptance, both personal and public. Miley Cyrus used this album as a way to explain this moment in her life through music.
Reception of Plastic Hearts
Cyrus released Plastic Hearts on November 27 and it’s already loved by fans and critics alike. Whether you’re a fan of the sweetest pop or heaviest rock, there is still something to love on this record.
Rolling Stone gave the record four out of five stars, writing, “[Cyrus’] full embrace of rock at its most bombastic, artificial, hair-metal glory is refreshing to say the least.” (Miley Cyrus is also Rolling Stone’s first 2021 cover star, with an interview that dropped today.)
Stereogum said, “The message is clear: Miley Cyrus rocks.”
And we, Music Daily, think Miley Cyrus’ Plastic Hearts is the global sensation’s latest and greatest musical transformation since Hannah Montana. With the intertwining her adoration for 1980s rock with her Nashville roots, this album is truly the “Best of Both Worlds.”
