Miley Cyrus, known for her role in Hannah Montana, gained immense popularity on TikTok for her rendition of Blondie’s iconic track “Heart of Glass” from 1978. Fans, both old and new, couldn’t help but request a fusion of Miley’s pop sound with a rock album. Finally, their wishes have been fulfilled as Cyrus released her latest LP “Plastic Hearts” last Friday.
Being an artist who has been in the limelight since her Disney Channel days, Cyrus is no stranger to transforming her image. However, this venture into a new genre is completely unprecedented for her. With her seventh album, “Plastic Hearts,” Cyrus faced the challenge of creating authentic rock songs without alienating her existing fanbase. Fortunately, she accomplished this task effortlessly.
The new album from Cyrus departs from her previous mainstream offerings right from the start. The first song, called “WTF Do I Know,” opens with the line “You probably won’t want to play me on your radio station.” The chorus then explodes into a pure rock-and-roll sound, complete with explicit lyrics and intense electric guitar solos. This sets the tone for the rest of the album, establishing a bold and edgy direction.
In “Plastic Hearts,” Cyrus showcases her powerful and raspy vocals on every track. Her voice easily captivates the listener, and it feels as if rock-and-roll is her true calling. Whether she’s belting out with intensity in songs like “Midnight Sky” or letting her distinct Tennessee twang shine through in the title track, “Plastic Hearts,” Cyrus plays to her strengths throughout the entire LP.
@MILEYCYRUS/TWITTER | Miley Cyrus’ “Plastic Hearts” marks the start of a successful artistic journey for the singer, with a cohesive lyrical theme and impressive collaborations.
One of the highlights of “Plastic Hearts” is the abundance of star-studded features present throughout the album. One such feature is “Prisoner,” featuring Dua Lipa, although it falls slightly short compared to the rest of the tracks. Unlike most of the album, this song follows a more mainstream pop sound, which makes it stand out in a slightly awkward way. While Dua Lipa’s smooth vocals could have been a perfect contrast to Miley’s gritty delivery, they may have been better suited to a deliberate pop song.
On the other hand, the sixth track, “Night Crawling,” featuring punk-rock legend Billy Idol, shines brightly. It effortlessly lives up to the high expectations set by the collaboration. The chorus is incredibly catchy, with a powerful beat and a touch of ’80s-style synth weaving through the music. The bridge adds an intense drop, amplifying the excitement of the song and delivering an adrenaline-inducing experience. When Cyrus sings alongside rock icons like Idol, Joan Jett, and Stevie Nicks, it brings out the best in her and showcases her true talent.
Cyrus’ latest album, “Plastic Hearts,” is an exciting entry into the rock genre. A standout track, “Midnight Sky,” serves as a rebellious power ballad that embodies the spirit of individuality and self-rule. It sets the tone for the rest of the album, as many of the other songs also use the night sky as a metaphor for independence. This consistent theme adds to the album’s appeal, and “Midnight Sky” itself is a solid foundation.
One notable aspect of “Plastic Hearts” is the inclusion of multiple covers. A homage to Cyrus’ introduction to the genre, the cover of “Heart of Glass” showcases her vocal strength in a live setting. The covers chosen highlight Cyrus’ talent while paying tribute to rock classics.
Closing the album with a cover of The Cranberries’ 1993 hit, “Zombie,” is a fitting conclusion. Cyrus’ original rock songs are impressive for a debut album, but her covers shine even brighter. “Zombie” adds an intentional and humble touch, as it reinforces the album’s theme of independence. Cyrus showcases her versatility and leaves listeners eager for her future artistic endeavors.
Overall, Cyrus’ debut rock album is an exhilarating foray into the genre. With a coherent lyrical theme running throughout and well-executed covers and features, it sets the stage for a promising artistic journey for the talented singer.