Bangerz is a guilty pleasure that you keep hidden from your loved ones and secretly indulge in. Miley Cyrus’s music is like addictive substance that feels so wrong but so right at the same time. It’s a musical journey of extreme emotions, ranging from self-awareness, wild child anthems to feelings of heartbreak and despair that are common in the life of a 20-something-year-old. The album is a mix of “short hair, don’t care” attitude in songs like “SMS (Bangerz)” and “Love, Money, Party” and the familiar pain of love lost in tracks such as “Wrecking Ball” and “Maybe You’re Right.” The album’s most popular tracks are “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball,” which have broad appeal. However, the Southern hip-hop influences and Cyrus’s attempt at rapping are evident throughout Bangerz, with some questionable lyrics that may not be her finest lyrical hour, such as mentioning an orangutan. The album does not offer any deep or thought-provoking messages. The lyrics mostly revolve around topics like discovering suspicious text messages and preferring a vibrator over a boyfriend. However, anyone who listens to “FU” will hear Cyrus belting it out like some of the greatest female singers, which is why this track stands out on the album.
Miley Cyrus’ recent VMA performance has caused quite a stir, with many eagerly anticipating the release of her fourth studio album, Bangerz. The album marks Cyrus’ transformation from the innocent Hannah Montana to a more daring and provocative version of herself. It’s not surprising that some are shocked by her evolution, but perhaps they don’t understand the wildness that comes with being a 20-something. Cyrus embodies the self-awareness and confidence of her generation, as seen in her fashion choices, which include the iconic “Pretty Woman” hooker dress, crop tops, and super-stacked platform shoes. Her “I know I look crazy, but I don’t care” attitude is a form of controlled rebellion that celebrates independence and confidence.
Cyrus is often seen wearing outfits on the red carpet that could be easily replicated through affordable stores like Forever 21 and GoJane. In fact, one would see more daring dance moves on Sixth Street on a Thursday night. The criticism towards Cyrus’ new image stems from the fact that it’s not considered sexy. If we look back at her performance at the VMAs, we’ll see shots of Cyrus playing with hair extensions and sticking out her tongue while emerging from a teddy bear. It’s an odd and silly image, and it definitely doesn’t exude sensuality.
Celebrities like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have undergone transformations through their daring performances. For instance, who can forget the scandalous bodysuit that Britney wore at the 2000 VMAs? These performances were considered acceptable because they were considered sexually appealing. However, Miley Cyrus has taken it to a new level where her sexual image has become saturated to the point that it is no longer mainstream. In her song “4 x 4,” Cyrus sings lyrics that are not considered sexy by most standards. Her Southern accent adds to the boner-kill factor. Despite this, her album Bangerz shows that there is a place for the “weird chick” in pop music, even among those wearing barely-there bikinis and long blonde hair. Miley Cyrus has become a force to be reckoned with and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. She’s just being herself.
