‘Subject Beautiful’: Miley Cyrus transforms musical experimentation into the search for beauty | Music
What happens when an artist who has lived a thousand lives in one decides to stop, look back and turn his scars into art? Miley Cyrus has just released Subject Beautifulyour new albumthe first after winning three Grammy awards and consolidating itself as one of the most versatile voices of its generation.
After the first listening, anyone can realize that the new study of the American singer is an ode to vulnerability, heartbreak and rebirth. An album in which he gives his creative freedom. And, as explained from the outset, this album that Not only is music, but an emotional experience in every way He is accompanied by a movie that will come out next month. And not, It’s not just another pop album: Well in his Ninth album He did not want to use a single musical style to tell these stories.
The Ex Disney girl has been in the music industry for almost twenty years. And although many we met her being a Popstar in Hannah Montana, the artist has never closed only to popalthough it has been the genre that most used and will never abandon, as explained in several interviews.
However, He has never wanted to forget his roots with the countryhe has always passionate about Rock —It had the good thing that is for it in Plastic Heart– and has experienced With sounds that drink from hip hop, the funk wave electronics. For this album, the artist has also included songs from R&B either soul.
This is ‘Something Beautiful’
Since it was announced, the hype was real. But what nobody expected is that Miley will give us such an intimate jobso cinematic and so honest. Produced next to Shawn Everett And accompanied by a visual film that the world is looking forward to seeing, This ninth studio album is a trip through the chiaroscuros of the soul, with letters that hurt and heal, and sounds that embrace and surprise.
In addition, at a time when songs do not usually exceed three minutes, Cyrus has marked an album in which most of the songs exceed four minutes.
A pop opera with a soul of emotional and visual diary
Subject Beautiful It consists of 13 songs They flow as chapters of a personal diary. From the first second, Miley immerses us in a universe where vulnerability is not a weaknessbut art. The album opens with Preludean atmospheric and spoken piece, where the artist recites: “How to say your name out loud in an empty room. How to see my body in a mirror, wishing to be seen, wishing to be real.” It is the beginning of an identity search in the midst of fame noise.
It follows Subject Beautifulthe topic that gives name to the album, begins with A soul that catches youto get to rock that we like to hear so much in your voice. On the subject, the artist talks about heartbreak, such a strong feeling of devotion that leads her to lose control: “Eat my heart, break my soul, take what remains of me, let me go.”
End of the world becomes one of the public’s favorites Thanks to its eighties rhythm —Ispired in the sounds of The Wall of Pink Floyd– And the energy that gives off. This issue changes the tone with a more festive melody and a letter that celebrates life: “Let’s do as if it were not the end of the world.”
We continue discovering the album with More to lise, a melancholic ballad on the inevitable end of a relationship: “He approaches again. And you say it. But I wish it wasn’t true, I knew that one day one would have to choose. I thought we had more to lose.” Miley’s voice sounds raw, without filters. She already explained that she never wanted this issue to be perfect, “I wanted to sound significant and emotional.”
From pain to light: an emotional trip in 13 acts
After a brief instrumental respite with Interlude 1, arrives Easy Lovera confession about emotional attachment after a break: “You drive me crazy, but I still miss you when you are not “. Here, the sound becomes more indie, with soft guitars and a rhythm reminiscent of the 2000s.
After this topic that gives vibes of good vibes, the second Interlude of the album with a darker and electronic rhythm.
“Golden Burning Sun” It is one of the luminous pieces of the album, both for its production and for its message. With a warm base of acoustic guitars and soft synthesizers, Miley sings: “You’re The Only One Under The Golden Burning Sun”. It is a statement of love without conditions, almost childish in its purity, but with the emotional maturity of those who have learned to love without possessing.
In “Walk of Fame”the collaboration with Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes), the album is stained as Soul and Southern Rock. The chemistry between the two is palpable, with verses like “We Carved Our Names in the Boulevard, But Lost Ourselves in The Lights”. It is a subtle criticism of fame, but also a celebration of the female brotherhood in the industry.
“Trend You’re Gone” It is one of the most heartbreaking. Here, Miley faces emotional duel with an almost whispered voice: “I talk to you like you’re Still Here, but i pretend you’re Gone”. Production is minimalist, with piano and strings that accompany without distracting. It is a song that hurts, but also comforts.
The surprise comes with “Every girl you’ve Ever Loved”where Naomi Campbell provides Spoken Word on an elegant electronic base. Miley sings: “I’M not Her, But i Carry Her Pain”while Naomi recites: “We are there the ghosts in your bed”. It is a reflection on comparison, insecurity and sorority, with an aesthetic that reminds of Madonna’s experiments in the 90s.
“Reborn” It is, as the name implies, a rebirth. With an electronic beat that grows to explode in an epic chorus, Miley sings: “I died a thousand Times to be born again”. It is an issue that could close a concert with fireworks, but also a metaphor for its artistic evolution.
And finally, “Give me love” Close the album with a sincere plea: “Don’t Give Me Fame, Don’t Give Me Gold, Just Give Me Love”. It is the most human miley, which has tried everything and has decided to keep the essential. Production is soft, almost like a nanny, and leaves the listener with a feeling of peace.
An album to remember
Subject Beautiful It’s not just an album, it’s an experience. Miley has created a work that mixes with a impeccable productionletters that hit and a aesthetics that He promises to shine even more with his visual film.
After winning his first Grammys, Miley hasn’t fallen asleep in the laurels. He has opted for authenticity, for risk, for art. And he has won. Because Subject Beautiful No It is just something beautiful. It is necessary.
