Miley Cyrus Is Done Chasing Hits—And Something Beautiful Proves It

Rebecca McDevitt
May 30
3 min read

Post-“Flowers” Miley Isn’t Who You Think She Is (And That’s the Point)

Miley Cyrus cover artwork for album, Something Beautiful — *Photography and artwork by Glen Luchford*

Let’s be real—when Flowers dropped in 2023, it felt like a cultural reset. Miley had the breakup anthem of the year, the power strut of the decade, and a global audience chanting “I can love me better.” It was a moment. So what happens when you follow up a worldwide smash that redefined your narrative?

If you’re Miley Cyrus, you pivot hard. And drop Something Beautiful, a genre-defying, emotionally rich, and completely unexpected album that feels more like a diary than a pop record.

The Sound of Freedom (And a Little Psychedelia)

Something Beautiful is her ninth studio album—and it doesn’t care what’s trending. This record weaves through neo-soul, prog-rock, electro-pop, and even country. Think Prince, Pink Floyd, and Joni Mitchell having a midnight jam session in Laurel Canyon, with Miley at the helm, unfiltered and glowing.

The title track sets the tone: slow-building, lush, and emotionally expansive. “Something Beautiful” sounds like a sunrise you didn’t know you needed. Then there’s “End of the World,” which throws us back into an ‘80s synth daydream while asking some very 2025-level existential questions. Miley’s voice is as raspy, raw, and real as ever—like she's not just singing at us, but to us.

Standouts, Surprises & Soul-Searchers

One of the most surprising moments? “Easy Lover.” It starts soft and earthy, then spirals into a chaotic electronic groove that totally works. It’s a genre blender in the best way. Then you’ve got “More to Lose,” a stripped-back piano ballad where Miley gets quiet—and it hits you harder than any power chorus ever could.

She’s not alone on the journey, either. Brittany Howard lends her unmistakable soul to “Thorns,” and, yes, Naomi Campbell shows up with a spoken word interlude that somehow doesn’t feel out of place. It’s artsy, theatrical, and totally unapologetic.

A Visual Album Worthy of the Big Screen

Let’s talk about the visual side of things. Miley co-directed a short film to go with the album (also titled Something Beautiful), and it’s debuting June 6 at New York’s Beacon Theatre as part of the Tribeca Festival. It includes videos for all 13 tracks and is being billed as an immersive experience—plus there’s a post-screening discussion with Miley herself.

Since she’s still dealing with Reinke’s edema and isn’t planning a tour anytime soon, this premiere is one of the few ways fans can get a taste of the new Miley in a live setting. If you’re in NYC, get your ticket. Seriously.

She’s Not Trying to Be Viral—She’s Trying to Be Honest

Here’s the thing, Something Beautiful isn’t chasing radio play or TikTok trends. It’s not packaged for mass appeal, and that’s what makes it so magnetic. This album asks you to slow down, sit with it, and maybe even feel a little uncomfortable in the process. It’s complex, unpredictable, and quietly powerful.

And honestly? That’s the most Miley thing she could’ve done.

Final Thoughts

If Flowers was about reclaiming independence, Something Beautiful is about exploring what happens after the dust settles. Miley is no longer singing to prove a point—she’s singing to process, to connect, and to create.

And in doing that, she’s made one of her most honest, expansive, and dare we say—beautiful records yet.

Rating: 8.5/10