Following the success of “Flowers”, the debut single from the album that debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Miley Cyrus has finally released her new album “Endless Summer Vacation”, and it is a perfect dive into a new era. Here is each song on the pop singer’s eighth studio album, both rated and reviewed.
Flowers- 10/10
“Flowers”, an emotional yet energetic song about embracing yourself and caring for who you are, debuted at number one on the Billboard Chart and became the quickest single to reach 100 million streams in just two weeks. Miley is persuading herself that she can love herself better than anyone else in the song’s lyrics.
Jaded- 7/10
Continuing with the dynamic sound, “Jaded” is the second track on the album and follows the effects of a breakup on Miley. With a much more slowed pace, the echoes of bending guitar lines express melancholy, then ball up its resolve during a grand, affecting chorus.
Rose Colored Lenses- 9/10
Going back to more of an upbeat tune, “Rose Colored Lenses” features the title of the album in the second verse, and the lyrics insist on making special moments last forever. The musical instruments in the background bring a much more iconic sound to the song. The guitar rock chug that leads into a saxophone solo makes this song one of a kind.
Thousand Miles- 7/10
Going back to her roots, “Thousand Miles” takes the musical tune of a country sound that features the angelic background vocals of Brandi Charlie. The musician instruments of a grand piano, harmonica, guitar, and programmed drums all help push the song towards a recall of the classic single by Miley, “The Climb.”
You- 8/10
Signifying Miley’s sound of the pop genre, “You” is a uniquely made 5th track album that explores the POV of a lovestruck Miley. The lyrics state, “I wanna cut off my hair and kick off my boots / Dance in the wind just to do it again,” which is seen as an ode to embracing a flawed partner.
Handstand- 10/10
With a completely different tune, “Handstand” falls into a trippy synth dream that sets this song apart from the others on the album. With a messy yet captivating sound, the “Handstand” vocals blend perfectly with the mixture of sounds to create a great song.
River- 9/10
Named the ‘follow up’ to ‘Flowers,’ in the song “River”, Cyrus chose to sing the verses in a monotone while the song’s melodies explode like laser beams. Although the base of “River” harkens back to the dazzling pop-rock vibe of “Flowers,” the sophisticated production keeps the tempo up and makes the song fun.
Violet Chemistry- 10/10
With other musical geniuses like Mike WiLL Made-It, Sia, James Blake, and more on the track, “Violet Chemistry”’s unique sound creates a ‘forget about tomorrow’ anthem. Being the longest track on the album with a flow and beat change that blends perfectly to create a synth-pop melody makes Violet Chemistry the best song on the album.
Muddy Feet- 9/10
With a short run time, “Muddy Feet” captures a similar sound to Cyrus’ “Bangerz” era with the raspy and rage vocals. With softer background vocals from Sia, “Muddy Feet”s creates an upbeat tune that certainly sets it apart from the rest of the album.
Wildcard- 8/10
The captivating lyrics tell how Cyrus will never place herself in the different boxes that pop culture has tried to put her in over the years. “Wildcard” has a mixture of an upbeat and sad melody that creates a sound of pure bliss.
Island- 7/10
On an album filled with compelling stories, “Island” gives more of a relaxed tone with quiet instruments that blend perfectly with the lyrics. With the repeated chorus at the end, “Island” delivers a somber tone that distinguishes it from every other song on the album.
Wonder Woman- 7/10
Continuing the slowed melody of the album, “Wonder Woman” serves as a tear-jerking piano anthem that tells the story of a woman who is forced to bear too much in an imperfect society. Being the final non-demo song on the album, “Wonder Woman” is an excellent ending to an already iconic album.
Flowers (Demo)- 10/10
With just being a slower version of “Flowers” this demo shows an entirely different sound and just how musically talented Cyrus is. Not only can she create songs with upbeat party tunes, but there is also room in her discography for slowed, powerful melodic sounds that make her one of the best pop artists of this decade.