Miley Cyrus Finds Her Footing with “Endless Summer Vacation”
Rating: 8.5/10
Standout tracks: Jaded, Violet Chemistry, River, Thousand Miles, Rose Colored Lenses
Miley Cyrus’ long-awaited eighth studio album is here, and the pop diva is brilliant as ever. Throughout her expansive discography, Cyrus has experimented with country, pop-punk, hip-hop, rock, and more. The genre-bending Endless Summer Vacation combines the pure pop sound of Bangerz and the exhilarating rock of Plastic Hearts, with hints of her country roots present as well. With this project, it seems the 30-year-old singer has found a sound and aesthetic that suits her perfectly, rolling all of the strengths from her previous works into one electrifying album.
The opening track, “Flowers,” was an instant smash hit, holding the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks. The song addresses her very public divorce, explaining the reasoning behind the marriage’s demise. Instead of pitying herself, Cyrus shows that she has moved on and does not need her former lover to be happy. Throughout the song she repeats the sentiment, “I can love me better than you can.”
“Rose Colored Lenses” would not be out of place on the soundtrack of a romantic comedy. The lyrics reference the album’s title and convey the optimism that comes with the start of a new relationship. The hazy instrumentals and vocal delivery make it feel like you’re floating among the clouds. The incorporation of a saxophone during the outro, with a loop of the hook “let’s stay like this forever” playing over it, creates an endless illusion of happiness.
The country-pop track “Thousand Miles” features beautiful guest vocals from Brandi Carlile. Cyrus croons about her nomadic lifestyle, singing “I’m out of my mind, but still, I’m holding on like a rolling stone. A thousand miles from anywhere.” Cyrus said that she originally wrote the song in 2016 after a close friend lost her sister to suicide. The song transformed into an ode to her younger sister, whom she says she couldn’t imagine living life without.
“You” is a country ballad that builds upon the theme of not wanting to settle down. It reiterates Cyrus’ desire for independence, calling back to her 2020 hit “Midnight Sky.” The song turns country cliches on their head with lines like, “I don’t need Jesus ‘cause, baby, you saved me.”
My personal favorite track, “Jaded,” is evocative of Cyrus’ Hannah Montana days, blending a strong bassline with dreamy pop production. It’s a song I can clearly imagine a more mature version of the character singing, and it illustrates Cyrus’ vivid, emotional lyricism. The half-spoken interlude “Handstand” stands out among the aforementioned tracks, foraying into more experimental pop. The song pulls listeners underwater with its futuristic production and is a refreshing addition to Cyrus’ repertoire.
The second single from the album, “River,” is a synth-pop track that could be a b-side on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way. The sexy, black-and-white music video depicts Cyrus dancing freely on a runway, encompassed by a sea of male models.
Another highlight of the album is “Violet Chemistry,” a sensual pop track featuring writing credits from James Blake and Sia. The song is an instant classic within Cyrus’ catalog, with lavish production from longtime collaborator Mike WiLL Made-It. On “Muddy Feet,” Cyrus sounds like a bonafide rockstar with her powerful, raspy vocals. The song’s chorus layers whistles straight out of an old Western film over a contemporary trap beat.
The album closes with “Wonder Woman,” an empowering piano ballad about female resilience. The track features chilling, emotional vocals from Cyrus and the introspective lyrics tell the story of a woman who gives her all to provide for others but still maintains the façade of unwavering strength. It is an apt conclusion to the album, tying together the themes of female empowerment that are present throughout the project.
Alongside the album’s launch, Cyrus also released Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions). This documentary includes acoustic performances of songs from the album, as well as a new rendition of her 2009 single “The Climb.” In the film, she says, “If you're close to me and you listen to this album, it sounds like a conversation with me.” The stripped-back performances showcase her raw vocal talent, and the short interviews in between provide insight into the album’s formation.
Throughout Endless Summer Vacation, Cyrus displays her talent for fusing different musical styles together–and proves that her artistry is strongest when doing so. She delivers passionate vocals alongside pensive lyrics, solidifying her as one of the most distinguished songstresses of the current generation.
Cyrus has confirmed that the album is only the first chapter of a two-part project, dubbing this release the “AM” side. If this album is any indication of what the “PM” edition will sound like, I will be awaiting its drop with bated breath.
You can listen to Endless Summer Vacation in its entirety here. Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions) is available on Disney+.