An album, evoking the surreal and vivid sensations of a dream in feverish intensity. - Dream-like Record: An Aural Equivalent of a Feverish Nightmare
Miley Cyrus's Ambitious "Something Beautiful": A Psychedelic Pop Opera
Miley Cyrus's latest release, "Something Beautiful," is a groundbreaking 13-track album accompanied by a 55-minute visual film. This ambitious project, released via Columbia Records on May 30, 2025, reflects Cyrus's artistic evolution, blending music and visual storytelling into an immersive pop opera.
The visual film, also titled "Something Beautiful," co-directed by Cyrus and Jacob Bixenman, promises a floating dreamscape revolving around themes of healing, transformation, and finding beauty in dark moments. Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and the film "Mandy" are cited as inspirations for this cinematic project.
Musically, the album's style ranges from psychedelic to pop, featuring collaborations with artists like Brittany Howard on electric guitar and vocals in tracks like "Walk of Fame." Shawn Everett, the primary producer and engineer, infuses the soundscapes with extensive synth work, drum programming, and other electronic elements.
The first four singles from the album, along with high-gloss music videos boasting nostalgic elements and expensive costumes, were released prior to its launch. Among them, the video for the title track is particularly noteworthy, showcasing Cyrus's range as an artist, deviating from stereotypes and engaging viewers on a deeper level.
"Something Beautiful" delivers a wild ride, merging infectious pop songs with an artistic claim that aims to captivate audiences beyond the charts. As the album progresses, it dives into futuristic retro sounds, seeming to pull inspiration from '90s video games, ancient synthesizers, and "Star Trek" sound effects.
The epic finale of "Walk of Fame" exemplifies the album's ability to balance catchy earworm potential and emotional resonance, showcasing Cyrus's versatility as an artist. Though disjointed at times, the project breathes life into a fascinating, psychedelic universe.
The album is a testament to Cyrus's creative vision, skillfully blending music and visual storytelling to create a unique pop opera experience. The accompanying visual film, premiering at the Tribeca Festival on June 6, 2025, will further enrich the narrative, adding a cinematic layer to this complex and engaging project.
- Miley Cyrus's creative vision in "Something Beautiful" is a fusion of music styles, as seen in the album's psychedelic pop sounds, reminiscent of Pink Floyd, yet strikingly different, positioning her as "the first to say" something beautiful in pop-culture.
- The entertainment landscape is about to be captivated by the ambitious project of Miley Cyrus, titled "Something Beautiful," as it merges pop music with opera, exploring themes of healing and transformation, all while blending elements of Pink Floyd, Tim Burton, and other influences within the realm of pop-culture.
