Miley's highly anticipated eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation, was just released and it does not disappoint. The lead single, Flowers, has set streaming records and reached the top of charts around the world (in 36 countries to be exact). The album has been met with critical and commercial success, earning a Metacritic score of 81/100 and glowing reviews from top music publications. For once I have to agree with the critics. The album offers a cohesive narrative, despite its juxtaposition of styles and influences, one which showcases a mature and confident Miley who has done some soul searching. The album also highlights her impressive vocal range. Indeed, Consequences points out that Endless Summer Vacation "comes absolutely alive in the moments when Cyrus lets her trademark vocals fly, unleashing her full power on the listener".
The album is divided into two parts: the AM part represented the morning when, according to Miley, "there’s a buzz and an energy and there’s a potential of new possibilities" while the PM part represents "a slinky, seediness and kind of a grime but a glamour at the same time".
Here is my first impression of each track on the album:
1. Flowers
The worldwide hit - and Miley's first number one song in a decade - that boldly announced a new Miley era. The self-love anthem has dominated charts and TikTok videos alike since its release. According to Esquire, the song is "less look at me, and more here I am", evidenced by the accompanying music video in which she unapologetically struts around her mansion confidently showing off her flawless physique.
2. Jaded
This is a pop-rock ballad that takes the listener on a journey of reflection, regret and ultimately resilience. The lyrics have led to speculation that the song is about her split from Liam Hemsworth. I couldn't care less who it's about; the song speaks for itself, especially the soaring chorus.
3. Rose Colored Lenses
The track is a dreamy, optimistic love song that also references the album's title. According to Seventeen, it "captures the carefree and euphoric honeymoon state of a relationship".
4. Thousand Miles Feat. Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile, who has the Midas touch when it comes to any project she's involved with, her exquisite vocals which compliment Miley's raspy voice perfectly. Brandi's guitar stylings and harmonica also add a welcome Americana twang to the song. One of my favorites on the album.
5. You
Miley debuted the song on her New Year's Eve special last year, before the song had officially been recorded. The ballad suggests an awareness of her flaws but also her affirms belief in happily ever after with the right person: "I got some baggage / Let's do some damage / I am not made for no horsey and carriage / You know I'm savage / But you're looking past it / I want that late-night sweet magic, that forever-lasting love".
6. Handstand
This track has a very different feel from the rest of the album (more of a Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Petz vibe) which marks a transition between the first, so-called AM, part of the album and the second, PM, part. The song includes spoken vocals (reminding me of Madonna's Justify My Love), electronic elements and an instrumental interlude.
7. River
Miley has described the song as a "dancefloor banger" that is "fucking nasty", making it the perfect way to kick off the album's more provocative PM act. It's a sexually-charged synth-pop gem that is slated to be one of the top songs of the summer.
8. Violet Chemistry
A midtempo track that seamlessly blends several influences including pop, funk and RnB. According to Billboard, " the extended bridge, where the production simplifies to focus on the beats and bass as Cyrus turns sex into a Monet simile, makes Violet Chemistry both the longest song on Endless Summer Vacation and one of the best".
9. Muddy Feet Feat. Sia
The angry pop song is directed at a partner who has been cheating. The "muddy feet" is a reference to the offending party bringing their dirty cheating ways into her home, prompting her to tell them to "get the fuck out of my house with that shit". Sia makes a guest appearance although her contributions don't really enhance the song.
10. Wildcard
Billboard accurately refers to the song as "the grown-up verison of Can't Be Tamed'. The song stands out for its powerful vocals and a catchy hook but it's possibly my least favorite on the album.
11. Island
I love this song. It has a tropical vibe and lyrics that embrace solitude. The dreamy melody makes you feel as though you should be lounging on a beach, cocktail in hand and the smell of coconut oil wafting on the breeze.
12. Wonder Woman
This track highlights Miley's softer side with tender vocals and a beautiful piano-driven melody. The song was inspired by her late grandmother and explores the intergenerational strength and struggles of women in her family.
Comments
Post a Comment