“I’m a female rebel, can’t you tell?” Miley Cyrus rhetorically asks in her song “4×4” off her new album, Bangerz. The aggressive question begs for an answer.
This album has a raunchy promotion that hopes to continue to launch Cyrus out of her clean teen audience. It is, however, a more successful declaration of rebelliousness compared to her previous album, Can’t Be Tamed, which released in 2010.
Bangerz is a celebration of the past eight months of Cyrus’ life. From her unapologetic and sexually-charged image that has rendered the general public helpless and charmed, Cyrus may have finally created the image of a viable pop princess that she wants.
Does the music compare to her Goody Two-Shoes days? It’s almost as good or even better—Mike Will Made It, Pharrell and other producers have hand-crafted an album complete with soon-to-be party song staples and emotional, cry-along ballads.
While the vulgar language is shocking and at times seems to be forced just for the shock factor, it is interesting to see Cyrus take on pop, country and hip-hop all in one album. Miley shines during her country-influenced songs like “Drive” and “Someone Else.”
In “Love, Money, Party” the singer narrates a life of decadence and debauchery that’s even too much for her to handle. Can you imagine having too much love, money or party? I couldn’t. The last laugh goes to Cyrus who mockingly sings about her wealth and fame over the staccato, ear-drowning beat. It’s at moments like this when listeners are reminded how easily Cyrus makes it look to create hit s
“#GETITRIGHT,” made with the help of Pharrell, reads as the voice of the video girls from Robin Thicke’s music video for “Blurred Lines.” Cyrus is comfortable with being objectified and takes on the watchful eyes of the male gaze as she announces “the thirst pouring out of me” (These are actual lyrics). The production is classic Pharrell, but it outpaces his past collaborations like “Get Lucky” with youthful and southern twangs that only Cyrus could contribute to this record.
As a female who is in control of her image, the newly rebellious and sexualized Cyrus takes center stage on “Do My Thang,” where she ambitiously taking on rap material that even Nicki Minaj would consider.
However, ridiculousness ensues once the singer raps over the clap-echo production and warns skeptics to “stay in yo lane, b***h.” The songs sound great, but they are not “Miley songs.”
Where the singer sounds her most honest is on the other half of the record. We are reminded of the Hannah Montana chanteuse we were introduced to on the Disney Channel. What’s left of the old Miley is apparent in “Wrecking Ball” and the reflective “Maybe You’re Right.” They are introspective responses to her critics who question her recent behavior.
Bangerz is appropriately titled. The music is loud and full of repetitive lyrics that radio programmers will love. At best, there are a lot of singles on Bangerz worthy of heavy rotation, but the actual substance remains subpar. What will keep her relevant is Miley The Celebrity (not Miley The Musician), the girl who continues to keep herself in the spotlight.
Critic’s Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Tevin Christopher can be reached at tevin.christopher@spartans.ut.edu