Miley Cyrus’ “Something Beautiful” is truly something beautiful

Miley Cyrus

Photo: Miley Cyrus in "Something Beautiful".

Miley Cyrus in "Something Beautiful". Photo courtesy of Columbia Records.

Miley Cyrus’ new 13-track album, “Something Beautiful,” can be summed up in three words: cinematic, yearning, and dramatic. Cyrus explores ideas of love – its influence on both people’s actions and their personalities – and grapples with the question of how individuals can grow through love.

With “Something Beautiful,” Cyrus is expanding her already diverse discography through experimental instruments and sounds as well as exploring jazz. It’s emotional, intense, and an amazing listen.

The album starts with a “Prelude,” which feels straight out of a film score. It's orchestral, creating goosebumps on listeners' arms. It brings out feelings of hope, hesitation, and excitement. The lyrics, spoken more than sung, are a series of similes describing what love feels like: beautiful yet fleeting. Though unconventional as an opening track, it delivers a powerful opening to the album.

“Prelude” is followed by “Something Beautiful,” which transitions the intense cinematic score to a smoother jazzy track. However, it still retains elements of “Prelude,” with unexpected intense moments of rock during the chorus. “Something Beautiful” captures elements of the beginning of a love: a yearning and devotion. 

Next comes “End of the World,” which is a typical pop song. It's a bright and infectious track, exploring the elements of a carefree love. This is a stark difference from the following song, “More to Lose,” which describes the characteristics of a fading love. Cyrus beautifully captures these emotions through violin and piano, overlaid with a soft, echoing chorus – all while still retaining a jazzy undertone.  

Following “More to Lose” is “Interlude 1,” which is one of two solely instrumental pieces. It's extremely experimental, but still pleasing to the ear. Next is “Easy Lover,” which returns to elements of jazz while describing a seemingly “perfect” relationship.

“Interlude 2” follows “Easy Lover” and is the second instrumental piece of the album. Like “Interlude 1,” it's experimental but it is a smooth transition between songs and is extremely fun to listen to. “Golden Burning Sun” follows, losing the jazz and replacing it with traditional pop while still retaining elements found in cinematic scores. That said, the song is extremely emotional, with promises of love and nostalgia of past dalliances.

“Walk of Fame,” which features blues artist Brittany Howard, also retains elements of jazz, although now, it’s blended with traditional pop. It captures the feeling of faking confidence in embarrassment, while being watched wherever you go. After follows “Pretend You’re God,” another song that discusses fading love. This time, however, from the perspective of someone doubting the love of another and wishing to live in blissful ignorance rather than know the truth. 

The succeeding song is “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved,” which features British model and former R&B artist Naomi Campbell. This song has a heavy spotlight on the saxophone, leaning fully into the album’s jazz motif. “Reborn,” the second-to-last song of the album, nods back to “Prelude” with a hushed chant that mixes with ambient electronic sounds. Still imbued with jazz while utiliznig non-traditional instruments, it discusses being reborn in love and committing to one person – loving them, and them only. 

The album closes with “Give Me Love,” a soaring, string-laden track that feels almost angelic. It leaves listeners with a sense of acceptance and hope, ending the album on a positive note. 

Every song smoothly transitions from one to another, with no breaks in tracks. This really makes the album a listening experience, rather than just a queue of songs. With “Something Beautiful,” Cyrus creates a beautiful story of love, change, and growth. She paints a clear arc with new and exciting love, fear of loss and commitment, devotion, and finally acceptance. “Something Beautiful” truly is something beautiful, so go check it out!

Miley Cyrus’ new album “Something Beautiful” released on May 30, 2025, will be fittingly followed by a 55 minute film of the same name on June 6, 2025 at the Tribeca Film Festival. More details can be found here.