The Miley Cyrus Discography Rate Part 1: WINNER ANNOUNCED! FINISHED!

[M24]

I enjoy "Breakout" a lot, but I stand by my score! I feel like it's missing that top-tier quality to score it with more than an 8, but it's still pretty good as the majority said. I think #34 is good enough for it to be honest.

Also, Katy was totally unsuited for this song oh my god. Her voice just doesn't sound well in it. Or maybe it's just the low quality of the demo.

Btw, I'm spending my (self-imposed) quarantine revisiting old Disney albums. Now onto Hilary's "Dignity"! Such a gem. Anyway, I'm bringing this up because I started wondering what you guys think are the quintessential Hollywood Records albums (or maybe just Disney pop star albums, as some left Hollywood Rec. eventually, including Miley). Mine would probably be "Dignity", "Departure" (By JMac, who some of you mentioned before) and "Insomniatic" (which I think you guys love). Rounding up the top five, probably "EVOLution" and "Headstrong" (ok that's not HR but Ash is by most metrics a Disney pop star). What do you guys think?

 

[Music Is Life & Death]

I enjoy "Breakout" a lot, but I stand by my score! I feel like it's missing that top-tier quality to score it with more than an 8, but it's still pretty good as the majority said. I think #34 is good enough for it to be honest.

Also, Katy was totally unsuited for this song oh my god. Her voice just doesn't sound well in it. Or maybe it's just the low quality of the demo.

Btw, I'm spending my (self-imposed) quarantine revisiting old Disney albums. Now onto Hilary's "Dignity"! Such a gem. Anyway, I'm bringing this up because I started wondering what you guys think are the quintessential Hollywood Records albums (or maybe just Disney pop star albums, as some left Hollywood Rec. eventually, including Miley). Mine would probably be "Dignity", "Departure" (By JMac, who some of you mentioned before) and "Insomniatic" (which I think you guys love). Rounding up the top five, probably "EVOLution" and "Headstrong" (ok that's not HR but Ash is by most metrics a Disney pop star). What do you guys think?

Love this discussion!
My top 5 specific to HR would probably be Hilary - Dignity, Aly & AJ - Insomniatic, Demi - Here We Go Again, Miley - Can't Be Tamed and Selena - When The Sun Goes Down. But if we're just going with Disney era albums in general, replace When The Sun Goes Down with Ashley's Guilty Pleasure, which is firmly in my top 3 with Insomniatic and Can't Be Tamed.
If we talk about their post-HR/Disney music and albums, well I have a lot of feelings.

 

[M24]

Love this discussion!
My top 5 specific to HR would probably be Hilary - Dignity, Aly & AJ - Insomniatic, Demi - Here We Go Again, Miley - Can't Be Tamed and Selena - When The Sun Goes Down. But if we're just going with Disney era albums in general, replace When The Sun Goes Down with Ashley's Guilty Pleasure, which is firmly in my top 3 with Insomniatic and Can't Be Tamed.
If we talk about their post-HR/Disney music and albums, well I have a lot of feelings.

Great list! I should check out Selena's and Demi's discography because I only listened to the first albums of each back then (and I was already losing interest in Disney), so apparently I missed out on their best efforts. Really interested to know about your post-HR Disney list... would you include Bangerz or Dead Petz? BIBO? Revival?

 

[Music Is Life & Death]

Great list! I should check out Selena's and Demi's discography because I only listened to the first albums of each back then (and I was already losing interest in Disney), so apparently I missed out on their best efforts. Really interested to know about your post-HR Disney list... would you include Bangerz or Dead Petz? BIBO? Revival?

Oh you're definitely missing out.
And my post-HR Disney top 5 would definitely be...hmmmm...in no particular order fpr my top 3, Dead Petz, Breathe In. Breathe Out., all of Ten Years To Sanctuary from Aly & AJ (also Attack Of Panic, which I think is quickly becoming the best thing they've done since they returned for me, so that's all one), probably Tell Me You Love Me and Revival to round that out.

But I must say, thinking about these top 5s is slightly painful, as it means leaving off people like Emily and Sabrina, but both of them have released albums or EPs that sit comfortably in my top 10.

 

[savilizabeths]

V by Vanessa Hudgens. That’s all I have to say.

 

[Music Is Life & Death]

Hey everyone! Quick little update on school: Almsot nothing new, and online classes will officially begin this Friday for me. But one thing has changed: my music courses will now all be online as well. This is extremely strange and stressful for me, because I have no idea how that's going to work, but none of us do, so it's going to be a work in progress, and hopefully it'll go well. Anyways, I'm hoping to hit the top 30 by Friday, so I'm going to try and get another one out today.

 

[M24]

Oh you're definitely missing out.
And my post-HR Disney top 5 would definitely be...hmmmm...in no particular order fpr my top 3, Dead Petz, Breathe In. Breathe Out., all of Ten Years To Sanctuary from Aly & AJ (also Attack Of Panic, which I think is quickly becoming the best thing they've done since they returned for me, so that's all one), probably Tell Me You Love Me and Revival to round that out.

But I must say, thinking about these top 5s is slightly painful, as it means leaving off people like Emily and Sabrina, but both of them have released albums or EPs that sit comfortably in my top 10.

I second the sentiment on Aly & AJ's new output, and Hilary's last album is pretty great too (imho not as good as Dignity, though its highs are arguably better than the latter's). I should listen to the other albums you mentioned too (guess I'll have to listen to Dead Petz if I take part of the second Miley rate). So much music and so little time!! Gaah.

V by Vanessa Hudgens. That’s all I have to say.

Ooff, it's a contender alright, but not my top album I think. It's top-notch until Let's Dance, after that track it just becomes a bit more forgettable. Enjoyable but not as good as the first few tracks of the album. Or maybe the latter half of the album is just too chill and mid-tempo for me.

Hey everyone! Quick little update on school: Almsot nothing new, and online classes will officially begin this Friday for me. But one thing has changed: my music courses will now all be online as well. This is extremely strange and stressful for me, because I have no idea how that's going to work, but none of us do, so it's going to be a work in progress, and hopefully it'll go well. Anyways, I'm hoping to hit the top 30 by Friday, so I'm going to try and get another one out today.

That makes sense honestly. Otherwise it would've been a half-quarantine at your college. Though I understand the anxiety, it's already weird to have online classes on other subjects. No rush getting through the elims! I'll be sad once the rate is done xD

 

[Music Is Life & Death]

I second the sentiment on Aly & AJ's new output, and Hilary's last album is pretty great too (imho not as good as Dignity, though its highs are arguably better than the latter's). I should listen to the other albums you mentioned too (guess I'll have to listen to Dead Petz if I take part of the second Miley rate). So much music and so little time!! Gaah.



Ooff, it's a contender alright, but not my top album I think. It's top-notch until Let's Dance, after that track it just becomes a bit more forgettable. Enjoyable but not as good as the first few tracks of the album. Or maybe the latter half of the album is just too chill and mid-tempo for me.



That makes sense honestly. Otherwise it would've been a half-quarantine at your college. Though I understand the anxiety, it's already weird to have online classes on other subjects. No rush getting through the elims! I'll be sad once the rate is done xD

Aly & AJ are indie pop icons at this point.
And those opinions are understandable. I do hope you do the second part. Also, a mood.

Yeah I know it technically makes sense, but I still don't like it.
And awwwww thank you! Don't worry I have plenty more rates to come.

 

[Entropy]

I think my commentary for breakout was missed, just thought I’d post it because it’s one to the few I managed to write commentary for

““I LOVE THIS ALBUM SO MUCH and this song is such a good opener. I remember when I saw her in the O2 in 2009, she came on stage, and it started off slow and then when it got to the first chorus it all sped up and there were pyrotechnics and it was all just so brilliant. Etched in my memory. Also she is so right, getting up at 8am really is crazy. I still can’t do it.”

Really surprised about this elimination! However there are still lots of great songs left so I think I’ll be able to move on.

 

[Music Is Life & Death]

I think my commentary for breakout was missed, just thought I’d post it because it’s one to the few I managed to write commentary for

““I LOVE THIS ALBUM SO MUCH and this song is such a good opener. I remember when I saw her in the O2 in 2009, she came on stage, and it started off slow and then when it got to the first chorus it all sped up and there were pyrotechnics and it was all just so brilliant. Etched in my memory. Also she is so right, getting up at 8am really is crazy. I still can’t do it.”

Really surprised about this elimination! However there are still lots of great songs left so I think I’ll be able to move on.

Ahhhh sorry! I don't know how I missed you. I'll edit this into the post when I can.
Also, you lucky bastard for getting to see her live on this tour.

 

[Entropy]

Ahhhh sorry! I don't know how I missed you. I'll edit this into the post when I can.
Also, you lucky bastard for getting to see her live on this tour.

One of the best shows I’ve ever been to. It was so fun and my little heart was racing all the way through.

 

[Music Is Life & Death]

Finally ready to get another one out....






























This also got pretty far considering everything....

#33 - Full Circle: 7.52

(created by Suburbia)
Highest: 2x10s (@DJHazey @savilizabeths) 1x9.5 (Me)
Lowest: 2x5s (@Guy @spaceship) 3x6s (@Entropy @Sprocky's BF @iheartpoptarts)
My Score: 9.5
Favorite Lyric: I don't want to hear these people interfere. What do they know? (Not really sure why on this one. It's just always stood out to me.)
Trajectory
5 Voters: #31
10 Voters: #44
15 Voters: #42
19 Voters: #33
Total Points: 142.85
​

Full Circle was written and produced by the same people who produced Breakout and These Four Walls, Scott Cutler and Anne Preven, making it another song they did for Miley's second album. I've gone over their work before so we'll just get right to the song. It's another pop-rock jam - seriously, the production kinda goes AWF huh? I mean the opening electronic synths leading into the verse with the electric guitar, quickly adding boppy drums and keyboards just before the first chorus starts, leading into something you just wanna rock out too. Lyrically it's about how Miley keeps going back to the same guy (Nick) and they're just a circle of being together and breaking up, but knowing they'll always make it and be with each other. It's just more heartfelt pop-rocky goodness. Now, I could've sworn I gave this a 10. I originally gave it a 9.5 because for some strange reason I used to find the chorus slightly weaker then the verses. Like, those verses are extremely catchy and melodic, and they capture your attention perfectly. And I used to feel like the chorus didn't live up to that. However, it quickly revealed itself to me, and I had planned on changing it to a 10, and just...never actually did I guess. If I had given it a 10, it would've jumped a spot higher and placed above [REDACTED] which...I actually do slightly prefer over this, so I guess I'm okay. I don't really have any other thoughts on the song. It's another perfect pop-rock jam on Breakout that makes me wanna sing along and jam, and sometimes that's all you need. Anyway, Miley did not include the song in the setlist for the Wonder World Tour, but it was performed as part of her AOL Sessions, so I'll link that below. Some critics commented on the song. AllMusic said "with its bubbly melody and playful lyrics, plays like a slightly more sophisticated Hannah Montana single" which I think they mean as a good thing, because the first couple Hannah soundtracks got pretty good reviews from them. Entertainment Weekly named it as one of the album's best songs. The New York Times said most songs on the album are hypocritical and teen accurate "With one exception, “Full Circle,” with its excellent hooks and nebulous I-can’t-quit-you words" which I think is a good thing too, so basically it got a lot of praise dddd.

It got quite a bit of praise from y'all too, but not quite everyone. @Entropy (6) compares it to a long-gone song: One of my least favourites on the album. Could this be the Clear of Breakout? No, I couldn’t be so cruel, this is nowhere near as bad as Clear This is much, much better then Clear, which left way back at #60, nearly 30 places ago. Anyways, moving on. @pop3blow2 (8.6) compares it to some of another artist's music: A solid tune here. Sonically, it wouldn’t be out of place on a Taylor record of the day…. (when she was dipping her toe into pop/rock.) Yeah, I can actually hear it fitting pretty well on Speak Now alongside The Story Of Us. @savilizabeths (10) only rains praise on the song: This song always conjured up so much imagery to me. The bridge is such a powerful moment! It’s just such a bombastic moment of a song. One of the album highlights for me. Like with a lot of the songs on this album, she really goes for it with her vocals and just sells it! Miley's always had vocals for days, so kudos to you for recognizing it Lilly. Last but not least we have @DJHazey (10) who also only knows how to praise the song: This has become another all-time favorite for me over the past few years. I love her rock bangers with a passion and this one just freakin' flows perfectly. Something about rhyming "tried to run" and "tied to one" just works on incalculable levels for me. Also, again with the amazing final choruses, this one lifting some of the instruments away for a second with Miley carving out a place in my heart by perfecting the art of ad-libbing. Yeah, that rhyme scheme is perfection, and I wish I had recognized that sooner. Also, yes her voice is amazing and the final chorus is wonderful. Comments like this are why I love you.

Let's all have a jam session!

Check out this great performance, which goes off to be honest:

And here's some pop-rocky Taylor for you to enjoy, one of her best IMO:
​

 

[DJHazey]

I'm more inclined to actually say this got further than I would've expected. And yes, sometimes I can write a decent comment but it takes forever seemingly to think of what to write and it takes too long and seems like a task. Glad it is appreciated though.

 

[savilizabeths]

Awww, that is one I was majorly routing for. Disappointed but not surprised I suppose.

 

[Music Is Life & Death]

I have to finish PJSC 88 so no elimination tonight probably, but I will get at least one out tomorrow.

 

[Maki]

It's been a while, but I've been following along and enjoyed reading your write-ups, @Music Is Life.
Sorry for not being more active in this thread as I promised, but life's been quite busy during this month.

As for "Full Circle", which is great and I gave an 8,5 - whenever I see that title, this pop rock gem springs to my mind:

I actually prefer it to Miley's song. And it was only a B-side!
It will appear in the No Doubt rate #soon

 

[Music Is Life & Death]

I finally have another one incoming for you guys....















I'm kind of upset about it to be honest...

#32 - Scars: 7.53

(created by Suburbia)
Highest: 1x10 (Me) 1x9.3 (@pop3blow2) 1x9 (@Sprockrooster)
Lowest: 1x4 (@Ana Raquel) 1x5 (@savilizabeths) 1x6 (@phily693)
My Score: 10
Favorite Lyric: If I told you that I love you, but I'm doing alright without you, it'd be a lie. (Stuff like this has always been particularly heartbreaking to me. Don't know why.)
Trajectory
5 Voters: #41
10 Voters: #28
15 Voters: #32
19 Voters: #32
Total Points: 143.05​

Scars was written by Miley and John Shanks and produced by Shanks for Miley's third album Can't Be Tamed. Y'all should definitely be pretty familiar with John's work by now, so moving right on to the song. It's another electro-rock jam on the album, with slightly distorted electric guitars, big arena-ready drums and an anthemic, catchy, melodic, sing-along at the top of your lungs chorus. Lyrically it's about how a past relationship always leaves marks on you in the form of scars, which I think a lot of us can really relate to. I really love the production of this to be honest. As always, John did a great job of combining that underlying rock feel of the song, and adding synths and electronics to make it fit really well in the latter half of the album. This is another song where I can't really explain why I love it so much. I just think every element of it - easch part of the production, the vocals, the lyrics, the melody, all of it - combine to make something that's just a perfect represesntation of Miley's mindset with her relationship with - I'm assuming, considering the timeline - Liam (though I guess there are theories it's about Nick?) at the time, while also making something that would make 50,000 people scream along with at the top of thier lungs. I don't understand how you couldn't love this. And why the fuck am I the only 10? Y'all are tasteless, this deserved top 20 to be honest. Oh well. Another injustice in this rate. Anyways, the song was included in the setlist for the Gypsy Heart Tour (which didn't visit North America and didn't get any official filming. Yes I'm still bitter) in support of the album. Critics either didn't say anything or weren't very nice towards the song. AllMusic said it reaches "for an emotional depth that isn’t there" (rude) and that's it, that's all I got from them, so it's up to you guys now.

We're gonna start with my bestie, @savilizabeths (5) who still needs to go to the ear doctor:
Another song that felt like it dragged a bit. There’s nothing wrong with it but I guess I just don’t enjoy it that much Drags?? Every single second is essential to the song. You want a Miley song that drags? Listen to Clear. Next we have @Entropy (7) who gained taste as he got older: I don’t think I liked this one that much when I was younger, however us I’ve gotten older I’ve started to appreciate it a lot more. That's good. Next we have @DJHazey (7) who needs a little more: Has all the elements to be a perfect mid-tempo for me, but it never adds up to a favorite. It certainly packs enough punch and sounds like a finished product by I'm ending up thinking something is missing. I don't know what you're hearing cause all I hear is perfection. And I don't think this is a mid-tempo song. Moving on, @iheartpoptarts (7) brings up a genre I would like Miley to really delve in to be honest: These titles are so darkpop but there are actually quite a lot of cute bops on this. Did you expect anything less from a Disney Queen and A+ producers? Total jams and cute bops are their things. Next we have @pop3blow2 (9.3) who presents an interesting scenario: Yeah, they botched this album. This is another song that would’ve been a better single choice & better name for the album. I'm happy you like the song, but nah. I do think the "breaking away from Disney" narrative was what this album needed (Hannah was ending after all) but I will concede they might have gone about it the wrong way. There's certainly a song on the album that might have been a better choice, but we'll get to that later. Finally, we have @M24 (8) who simply states the obvious: The chorus slaps. Yes. Yes it does.

Jam and sing right along with Miley:

Enjoy this live performance from the Gypsy Heart Tour:

And these are apparently the tour backdrops from the concert, so enjoy them:
​

 

[pop3blow2]

I'm happy you like the song, but nah. I do think the "breaking away from Disney" narrative was what this album needed (Hannah was ending after all) but I will concede they might have gone about it the wrong way. There's certainly a song on the album that might have been a better choice, but we'll get to that later.

I see your point. I just feel like 'Scars' feel like a more personal & authentic statement as a song... which seemed to be the direction she was heading with the album. I know something being called 'Can't Be Tamed' makes it an obvious choice in her situation, but it just doesn't click with me as much as this one. To be fair, I just much prefer the Shanks-produced back-half of the album, so that probably figures into my opinion.

 

[M24]

I must admit I've been giving Can't Be Tamed a few spins during my disney music nostalgia trip... not because I actually have many feelings attached to it, rather because I want to like it more.

So the back half of the album is starting to click for me little by little... I still don't feel like I'd change my scores to be honest, but it helped me appreciate more the few tracks we lost, and "Scars" happens to be one of them now. It's not instantly catchy, though it is quite enjoyable, and now I especially enjoy how the guitar and drums become more powerful in the verses (and middle-8) as we near the chorus.

 

[Music Is Life & Death]

I see your point. I just feel like 'Scars' feel like a more personal & authentic statement as a song... which seemed to be the direction she was heading with the album. I know something being called 'Can't Be Tamed' makes it an obvious choice in her situation, but it just doesn't click with me as much as this one. To be fair, I just much prefer the Shanks-produced back-half of the album, so that probably figures into my opinion.

It was certainly a direction she was heading for the album, but in my head- because I obviously don't know her - I felt she wanted to entice people with this "I'm not on Disney anymore, I'm an adult now" narrative to get them interested, then have them be surprised by the emotional maturity and personal lyrics found within. But that's just me.
I also understand liking the Shanks-produced half more, especially knowing you.

I must admit I've been giving Can't Be Tamed a few spins during my disney music nostalgia trip... not because I actually have many feelings attached to it, rather because I want to like it more.

So the back half of the album is starting to click for me little by little... I still don't feel like I'd change my scores to be honest, but it helped me appreciate more the few tracks we lost, and "Scars" happens to be one of them now. It's not instantly catchy, though it is quite enjoyable, and now I especially enjoy how the guitar and drums become more powerful in the verses (and middle-8) as we near the chorus.

I'm glad you can find some appreciation for it now.

YAY. Discussion!