Bangerz is the kind of music you secretly enjoy and keep it hidden from your close ones, only to listen to it alone in your dorm room. Miley Cyrus has created an addictively tempting soundtrack that is so unconventional, it somehow feels acceptable.
Bangerz features a mix of songs that capture the ups and downs of being in your 20s. With tracks like “SMS (Bangerz)” and “Love, Money, Party,” Cyrus projects a carefree, confident attitude, while songs like “Wrecking Ball” and “Maybe You’re Right” deal with heartbreak. The only songs with broad appeal are “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball,” and the album is heavily influenced by Southern hip-hop. Although the lyrics can be superficial at times, Cyrus’s vocal range shines through on “FU.” Overall, Bangerz is an album that captures the emotional rollercoaster of young adulthood.
Miley Cyrus’ recent performance at the VMA caused quite a stir among fans and critics alike, as she gears up to release her fourth studio album titled Bangerz. The album marks Cyrus’ transformation from her previous persona as Hannah Montana to her current persona as ratchet Miley 2.0, complete with a grill and tiny peroxide buns in her hair. However, those who are shocked by her dramatic evolution must not know much about young adults in their 20s. This generation has a unique and self-aware wildness that Cyrus embodies and brings to the forefront of the public eye. Her fashion choices, which include the revival of the “Pretty Woman” hooker dress, crop tops, and super-stacked platform shoes, along with an “I know I look crazy, but I don’t care” attitude, reflect a controlled rebellion of confidence and independence. Interestingly, Cyrus frequently dons red carpet outfits that could be easily found in Forever 21 or GoJane, while her risque dance moves on Sixth Street prove even more daring than her stage performances. In summary, Cyrus represents the modern-day youth with all its quirks and unconventional behavior.
In all honesty, Cyrus has been heavily criticized due to her new image lacking any Sexy appeal. Let’s go back to the VMAs where she was seen playing around with long hair that obviously wasn’t hers and sticking out her tongue while coming out of a teddy bear. It was bizarre, comical, and not at all alluring. Comparatively, pop princesses like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have matured in their careers through performances that showed off their bodies. Who could forget Spears’ scandalous nude and crystal bodysuit at the 2000 VMAs? Although it was controversial, it was deemed acceptable because she had Sexual appeal.
Miley Cyrus has reached a point of saturation in her Sexual image, where she no longer fits the mainstream idea of “H๏t”. In her song “4 x 4”, Cyrus sings about driving so fast that she may urinate on herself – not exactly what most people would consider Sexy. Her strong Southern accent also adds to the unappealing factor. However, her album Bangerz proves that there is still a place in pop music for the unconventional girl in fuzzy costumes and creepers, even amidst the barely legal crystal biκinis and long blonde hair. Cyrus is becoming a force to be reckoned with and isn’t concerned about what others think. After all, she’s just being Miley.
