America’s former teen queen, Miley Cyrus pops up yet again with a trending fan anthem, “Used to be Young,” coming in seven months after the release and astounding global success of her multiple No. 1 hit single, “Flowers” in January. In less than a week of its release on August 25, the record has beaten other new songs to emerge as the favorite new music of the week on Billboard’s poll. In two decades, the 30-year-old performer has transitioned from being a Disney sweetheart to owning her place on the global music stage, unapologetically displaying her versatility as a hitmaker. Curated in this piece are ten of the Miley Cyrus top songs that you should listen to.
Flowers
A Spotify billion streams and record-breaking classic, “Flowers’ had ears buzzing the first few months of 2023 following its incredible global streaming numbers on the platform. Claiming the No. 1 spot on music charts across countries in the world, including the US, UK, Canada, and the Global 200, among others. This song is the vocalist’s first number-one record in one decade and excellently set the pace for the release of her platinum-certified eighth studio album, released later in March. In less than a year of its release, this record has garnered over 560 million views, landed an MTV MIAW nomination, and continues to make the list of fan-favorite songs of the year.
Wrecking Ball
Labeled as one of the most controversial records in entertainment, “Wrecking Ball” was released about a decade ago in 2013, and stands to date as one of the artist’s leading iconic creations. Although delivered to a critical response, this single rode up to become Cyrus’s very first No. 1 on the United States Billboard Hot 100. Ushering in a defining era for her, the award-winning music remains a top hit among the singer’s greatest records.
Party in the USA
Debuting atop the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 2, this song kicked off as one for the books. “Party in the U.S.A was a summertime melody, quickly rising to land a No. 1 on Pop Songs Radio chart in the US. Due to her seemingly controversial visual performance of the song at the Teen Choice Awards, the then 16-year-old faced public backlash. However, with its resonating tune, the 2009 single soon became a unifying anthem for lovers of great pop classics.
Used to be Young
Ascending into global fame as a teenager and taking on more decisive steps in her showbiz career as a growing woman had been quite influential in the singer’s life and relations. Taking that much-needed moment to reflect on this new record, the “Plastic Hearts” singer pays a heartfelt homage to her formative years through “Used to be Young.” While it is only natural that anyone would say that time has changed Miley Cyrus, the talented lyricist wants you to know that ‘That’s fine … I know I used to be crazy, I know I used to be fun, You say I used to be wild, I say I used to be young.”
The Climb
Although released about a decade ago for a movie, this record is one of those evergreen productions that will always fit into any season. Delivered by the talented teenager from the Cyrus dynasty, “The Climb” expectedly gained tremendous commercial success, landing a 6-time RIAA platinum after selling millions of copies in the country. Beyond the singer’s personal live performances, this song has received more attention through its many cover versions on television. It was a defining piece of art for Miley’s success as a future megastar.
Mother’s Daughter
When counting one of the best songs with respect to women’s empowerment, Miley Cyrus’s “Mother’s Daughter” is a top player. Beyond encouraging body positivity, self-confidence, and independence, this record took the form of a feminist tribute, with its concept centering around the anti-abortion conversations at the time. The visual performance of the video made the song an even bigger hit – an intentional release with a burning message.
Midnight Sky
Off her 2020 rock-pop album, Plastic Hearts, the “Midnight Sky” single among over 10 tracks featured on the 38-minute project. Co-written by the singer, alongside other lyrical talents like Louis Bell and Tamposi, the song was released during the pandemic. On arrival, it marked yet another bold move by the singer in corroboration of her relentless confidence and revolutionary stance on the American pop stage. Hitting a Top 20 on the UK Singles chart and the Hot 100, the record also took home nominations from the MTV VMAs in 2020 and Millennial Awards Brazil in 2021.
Malibu
With ”Malibu,” we got introduced to Miley’s 6th studio project, Younger Now in 2017. Released earlier in May, the multiple-time platinum-certified song was a breath of fresh air for listeners who had been used to the songster’s contentious works. Regarded as a public proclamation of the love between her and popular Australian actor, Liam Hemsworth, the Hot 100 top-10 got a warm reception and was viewed about 50 million times within two weeks of its release.
Slide Away
Inspired by her infamous separation from her ex, “Slide Away” tells the story of the aftermath of a heartbreak, and eventually letting go. Taking a reflective theme, this song made the pop star over 200,000 certified units with the ARIA. Despite the music’s melancholy, the singer graciously flexes her vocal abilities, leaving listeners yearning for more. While her experience with him was seemingly like glue, pulling away seemed to be inevitable.
Nothing Breaks Like a Heart
A duo production with London’s Grammy-Award-winning singer, Mark Ronson, “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” turned out to be a masterpiece created by the two superstars. A global smashing hit, the metaphorical piece of music fully addresses the woes of heartbreak but promotes the good in strength. Apart from its No. 1 status on multiple charts in over ten countries, this particular collaboration boosted our Cyrus princess’s career.
With the existing evidence of Miley Cyrus’ success as a hitmaker, the singer’s newest music, “Used To Be Young” is undoubtedly setting the pace for yet another defining era in her adult career. Garnering over 11 million views on YouTube in less than a week of its release, we just might have another evergreen pop chorus in our hands.