Alexis Williams | Assistant News Editor

After much discussion of her ‘different’ haircut, risqué VMA performance, and her nude music videos, Miley Cyrus has been a topic of discussion for quite a while now. Many people have wondered what she is doing, if she is in fact having a breakdown, or if this is just a new, heartbroken version of the sweetheart Hannah Montana we all grew to love. With all the buzz over Miley Cyrus in the past few months, it is about time to discuss whether or not her highly anticipated album “Bangerz” was worth the wait. As a dedicated Miley fan, I was one of the many who were anxiously awaiting the arrival of this album.

I had quite a few expectations for this album as I had hoped it would be full of songs for dancing, and getting over a rough break up (hopefully I won’t need those- knock on wood). I expected that this album would sound nothing like the things I have heard from Miley in the past; that her newly rebellious reputation would be reflected in her new music. I wanted to be in shock after all of her songs; I think I even expected to hate it just a little bit.

So with all of this in mind, what did I find in her recently released album? I found love. But not in the romantic, “wow these are so sweet and wonderful” way, but rather in the sense that I fell in love with the different sounds, the ridiculous lyrics, and the upbeat rhythms of all of her music. Her new music is so strange that I cannot get enough of it. The more I listen to it, the more I love it.

My favorite songs from the album are “SMS (Bangerz),” and “Do My Thang,” because of their catchy beats and because they give me a sense that I can do anything on my own. Her collaboration with Nelly in the song “4×4” is my least favorite by far because of the extremely strange lyrics and attempt to be ‘country’, but it is catchy nonetheless. With the new classics of “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball” on the album, I already knew that I would love two songs on the new release, as these songs are the best of both worlds—party and somber. Actually, after listening to the album time and time again, I really don’t hate any song on the album—they really are all ‘bangerz.’

Overall, Miley’s album has exceeded the expectations I had because not only are there dance songs and songs about break ups, the album is full of cool, clever collaborations, and shocking lyrics that really hook a listener. It still sounds like Miley, as her voice is quite unique but the type of music is quite new for her. All in all, if you haven’t listened to it you should give it a try. Despite the ridiculousness of her recent acts, this album is worth a listen. All that is left to say is that if she announces an upcoming tour, I will be there: screaming, yelling, singing, and completely and utterly obsessed with this new Miley.

Photo courtesy of RCA Records