Miley Cyrus: Beyond Shapeshifting – A Post-Genre Pop Evolution
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Is Miley Cyrus more than just a musical chameleon? Her journey from Disney star to genre-bending artist has been nothing short of revolutionary. With her ninth studio album, “Something Lovely,” Cyrus solidifies her status as a post-genre pop icon, unafraid to experiment adn redefine her sound.
The Evolution of a Pop Star
Cyrus’s discography reads like a history of pop music itself. From the R&B-infused “Bangerz” to the psychedelic “Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Petz,” and the ’80s rock of “Plastic Hearts,” she’s consistently defied expectations. “Endless Vacation” hinted at a new direction, but “Something Beatiful” fully embraces her artistic freedom.
A Voice That Can Do It All
What sets Cyrus apart is her voice.Once considered remarkably hoarse for a Disney Channel star, it’s now a versatile instrument capable of tackling any genre. This vocal prowess allows her to seamlessly transition between styles, making her a true post-genre artist.
“Something Beautiful“: A Musical Film and Autonomous Disc
“Something Beautiful” isn’t just an album; it’s a musical film, described by Cyrus as her “way of tour” without hitting the road. While the visuals promise to enhance the experience,the album stands strong on its own. The instrumental interludes, while likely more impactful with the film, don’t detract from the overall listening experience.
Collaborations and Influences
Cyrus’s collaborators on “Something Beautiful” include rock producer Shawn Everett, Jonathan Rado of Foxygen, and drummer Maxx Morando, who is also her romantic partner. This diverse team has helped her create an album that feels cinematic without being overly thematic. Imagine Fleetwood Mac writing a song for an ’80s movie – that’s the vibe of “Golden burning Sun.”
A Nod to the Classics
The single “End of the World” might potentially be a chart-topper, but its classic sound includes a subtle Beatles reference.When Cyrus sings, “Organize a party like McCartney with the help of our friends,” it’s a charmingly cheeky nod to musical history. this blend of modern pop and classic influences is a key element of her appeal.
Echoes of the ’80s and Beyond
The ’80s influence is strong throughout the album, culminating in “Influence,” which features Naomi Campbell commanding, “Pose, installation, pose!” over kinetic rhythms.It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated fun, showcasing Cyrus’s willingness to embrace the theatrical.
Breaking the Mold
At 13 tracks and 53 minutes, “Something Beautiful” feels expansive and unconcerned with current trends. It’s hard to imagine a Spotify playlist that could accommodate “Reborn,” which sounds like a show tune written on mild hallucinogens. This willingness to defy categorization is what makes Cyrus a true post-genre artist.
An Artistic Statement
While “Something Beautiful” may not be Cyrus’s most accessible album, it’s undoubtedly an artistic statement. She’s not chasing trends; she’s creating her own path. this album is a testament to her growth and evolution as an artist.
The Future of Post-Genre Pop
Miley Cyrus’s journey is a sign of things to come in the music industry. As artists increasingly reject genre labels and embrace experimentation, we can expect to see more albums like “Something Beautiful” – bold, eclectic, and unapologetically unique. Cyrus is not just a shapeshifter; she’s a pioneer, leading the way for a new generation of post-genre pop stars.
Miley Cyrus: Post-genre Pioneer or Pop Chameleon? An Expert Weighs In
Time.news sits down with musicologist Dr.evelyn reed to discuss Miley Cyrus’s latest album, “Something Beautiful,” and her evolving role in teh music industry.
Keywords: Miley Cyrus, something Beautiful, Post-Genre Pop, Music Industry, Album Review, pop Music, Music Evolution
Time.news: Dr. Reed, thanks for joining us. Miley Cyrus’s new album, “something Beautiful,” is generating quite a buzz. This article positions her as a “post-genre pop icon.” What does that term even mean in today’s music landscape?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Thanks for having me. “Post-genre” essentially means artists are no longer confined by conventional genre boundaries. They’re blending elements from different styles, creating something entirely new and challenging to categorize. Miley Cyrus realy exemplifies this. She’s moved so fluidly between R&B-influenced pop, psychedelic rock, and ’80s sounds, constantly challenging expectations. That’s a key characteristic of the post-genre approach.
Time.news: The article mentions her discography reading “like a history of pop music.” Do you agree with that assessment?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Absolutely. Think about “Bangerz,” so heavily influenced by R&B and hip-hop, then contrast it with the experimental, almost avant-garde nature of “Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Petz.” And of course, “Plastic Hearts,” which was a full blown love letter to 80s rock.Each album marks a purposeful shift, reflecting her exploration of different sounds and her artistic growth. She has become a true chameleon; able to adapt her sound to the times.
Time.news: Her voice is described as a “versatile instrument.” How crucial is vocal ability in pulling off this kind of genre-bending?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: It’s paramount. You can experiment with different musical styles, but if your vocals don’t adapt, it won’t work. Miley’s voice, while famously carrying a distinct rasp, has proven its versatility. She can deliver a powerful rock ballad,a soulful R&B tune,or something more delicate and pop-oriented and it all sounds like her. That adaptability is the foundation for her genre-hopping.
Time.news: “Something Beautiful” is presented as a musical film.How meaningful is the visual component to her artistic vision? Is the album strong enough on its own?
Dr. evelyn Reed: The fact that she’s releasing a musical film indicates a desire to offer a much more immersive experience. She’s not just producing music; she’s building a world around it. The article rightly points out, though, that even without the visual element, the album holds its own.The instrumental interludes, while designed for the film, don’t feel out of place on the record.They contribute to the overall atmosphere. I would still like to see how Cyrus develops this multimedia format.
Time.news: The article highlights some key collaborators on “Something Beautiful,” including Shawn Everett and Maxx Morando. how influential are these partnerships in shaping her sound?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Collaboration is essential. Each of those collaborators come from different musical backgrounds. A rock producer like Shawn Everett is going to nudge her sound in a completely different direction than somebody steeped in hip-hop. By incorporating feedback and expertise from professionals in different genres, she’s able to maintain authenticity while pushing the boundaries of her sound.
Time.news: The Beatles reference in “End of the World” is mentioned as a “charmingly cheeky nod to musical history.” What’s the impact of incorporating these classic influences into modern pop?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Referencing the classics brings a sense of timelessness and sophistication. With that single, Cyrus is cleverly signaling she is aware of her legacy and the music that came before her. It also might draw in listeners who have more “vintage” tastes.
Time.news: the ’80s influence, particularly on “Influence,” with Naomi Campbell, is quite prominent. Why do you think the ’80s are having such a resurgence in pop culture and music?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: The ’80s were a time of experimentation, boldness, and a certain theatrical flair. I think there’s a longing for that kind of exuberance. Many listeners associate the 80s with a time when their musical tastes began to develop. Tapping into that nostalgia connects with existing audiences and introduces that era of pop into modern music. In a world obsessed with authenticity, sometimes the best thing you can do is embrace the theatrical.
Time.news: The article suggests “Something Beautiful” may not be her most accessible album. Is that a risk for a pop star?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: It can be, but taking risks is what separates true artists from purely commercial acts. If she were simply chasing chart success,she would stick to a formula. The fact that she’s willing to experiment, even if it means alienating some listeners, demonstrates her commitment to her artistic vision. Even if it doesn’t break records, it still establishes her place as a powerful artist.
Time.news: The piece proposes that Miley Cyrus is a “pioneer” leading the way for “a new generation of post-genre pop stars.” Do you see that happening?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Absolutely. The traditional constraints of genre are loosening, fueled by streaming services and a more open-minded audience. Young artists are growing up with music from all eras and styles readily available.This generation is far less concerned with traditional labels, as it is about simply finding the music it likes.
Time.news: any final thoughts for our readers listening to “Something Beautiful?”
Dr.Evelyn Reed: Pay attention to the quality of the production. The way the music sounds as it layers in its effects speaks to the work of Cyrus’s collaborators. “Something Beautiful” is testament to the fact that music creation is, at its heart, teamwork.
