Miley Cyrus’ ninth studio album Something Beautiful drops on May 30, kicking off a bold new era of sonic experimentation and visual storytelling— and it’s already being teased through her cinematic rollout. After the massive success of Endless Summer Vacation, which earned Cyrus her first Grammy, she’s back, serving looks and giving full main character energy. With the focus on evolution and a fresh new aesthetic, plus a bonus film releasing in June, this marks Cyrus’ first shot at a concept album— and she’s absolutely killing it!
Act 1: The Singles Setting It Off
The first single, “Prelude,” has a spoken word format and feels super poetic. In the song, Cyrus seems to be holding onto the past, struggling to let go, but time is moving too fast. “Like when following an image from a train / Your eyes can’t keep the passing landscapes / From being swallowed into endless distance,” is a line from the ballad which suggests how life and experiences rush by quickly, and no matter how hard we try to hold on, they fade away beyond our control. Each metaphor in the song touches on the feeling of isolation and moments or emotions that can’t quite be grasped or kept. Then, she ends it beautifully (and a little sadly): “But the beauty one finds alone / Is a prayer that longs to be shared.” This captures the desire to share personal beauty or experiences. Beauty found in solitude feels incomplete, almost like it only becomes meaningful when shared with someone else— suggesting a deep yearning for connection.
Following that, “Something Beautiful,” shifts to a rock-pop sound. Cyrus details a complex, intense relationship filled with emotional highs and lows. She asks to be told something, “beautiful,” hinting at a longing for meaning or comfort amid inner turmoil. The brash guitar instrumental and distorted, whispery vocals in the chorus, repeating, “Boy, I’m losin’ my breath,” highlight just how overwhelming and consuming the relationship feels— both physically and emotionally. The singer seems caught in a cycle of obsession and surrender. She confesses vulnerability and dependence with lines like, “I’m undressin’, confessin’ that I’m so obsessed.” This song is chaotic in the best way possible, addictive, and so hauntingly eerie that it could easily get stuck in your head.
To end Act 1, the disco-infused, “End of the World,” brings a positive vibe, making you want to dance. This single is all about escaping reality and living in the moment. Cyrus belts out, “Let’s pretend it’s not the end of the world,” showing her need to fully enjoy the present, as if time isn’t running out. The line, “Hold me close, you know tomorrow isn’t coming for sure,” hits with bittersweet energy, like she’s craving comfort because the future is beyond her control. In the end, Cyrus wants to live fully and carefree, and, “End of the World,” captures that vibe perfectly.
Styled for the Spotlight
Keeping with the cinematic vibe, Cyrus’ wardrobe in her music videos is nothing short of showstopping. For the artwork and, “Prelude,” video, covered in bright white feathers, Cyrus is draped in archival 1997 Thierry Mugler couture, complete with a crystal headpiece and sheer bodysuit. She also puts on a one-woman show in all three visuals, channeling a 70s variety show style with just a mic, a small band, and close-ups under the spotlight. The videos explore her strong bond with fashion, as she wears original custom designs by Casey Cadwallader for the House of Mugler.
In, “Something Beautiful,” Cyrus rocks a dark green feathery coat that covers her full head— cozy, yet high fashion. Then, in, “End of the World,” she wears a fringe emerald green Mugler mini dress with sheer cutouts near the waist and hips, plus a deep V-line cut— very Tina Turner, like something she would’ve worn in a live 80s performance. Cyrus’ looks eat down, as usual, giving off serious old-school rock diva energy.
As Cyrus’ Something Beautiful rollout is still early, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next. With the tracklist still under wraps, fans are hungry for the full experience— from the chronological music videos to the upcoming film. Cyrus has kept us fed with this first week of releases, leaving us excited for the rest of the album and everything else she has in store. The journey is just beginning, and it’s clear this era is going to be unforgettable.
What's Your Reaction?
