The singer’s latest album combines the joy of her early pop years with her more edgy sound effortlessly to create a sound that is all her own.
Filled with contrasting styles that really captures Miley Cyrus’s career to date (very much expect the unexpected), Endless Summer Vacation is a bold and catchy release that really allows her to release a lot of emotion.
While the album as a whole feels very reflective and about moving forward with your life in the wake of a break up as highlighted ‘Flowers’, it also has a confrontational element to it as heard on songs such as ‘Jaded’ that makes the listener sit up and pay attention. For many who have been through a break up it is also relatable. The way in which the album approaches it through many different styles, captures just how versatile of a singer Miley Cyrus is.
The contrasting nature of her vocals can be heard particularly on tracks such as ‘You’ which has a romantic quality about it but sounds slightly raw as well in a pleasing way, while ‘Wonder Woman’ is certainly the most sensitive song on the album in the way in which it showcases the softer aspect to her vocals.
Throughout it all, there is no sense of vulnerability to the singer, highlighting her strength in personality which is pleasing to hear. You get a sense of a singer who is really in control of moving forward with her life. This can be experienced on ‘Violet Chemistry’ which captures her willingness to push her musical style as much as possible. It is fantastic to hear, but there are moments which there is so much going on that it can be slightly overwhelming – particularly on the song ‘Handstand’ which comes as across as trying too hard.
Yet overall there is plenty to admire about this album, with highlight songs including the vibrant and thoughtful ‘Thousand Miles’, featuring Brandi Carlile which highlights the contrasting nature of a break up and the emotions it brings. Meanwhile, ‘River’ is a sharp and catchy number that is certain to get people dancing.
As an album, it is a bold and enjoyable that captures the singer’s resilience through adversity. It feels like a deeply personal album for her to release and is powerful for it.
By Emma Clarendon
Endless Summer Vacation is available to buy now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐