By Maggie Peknic
Released March 10th, Miley Cyrus’ eighth studio album Endless Summer Vacation explores her complicated relationship with Liam Hemsworth. The album opens with “Flowers,” a major “f*** you” to her former lover as Cyrus lets go of their past relationship. The track reworks the chorus of Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” (a song that Hemsworth supposedly dedicated to Cyrus at their wedding) and combines it with a melody similar to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” to create the ultimate independent, single woman anthem.
While “Flowers” positions Cyrus as an independent woman who’s over her ex, that does not mean she still doesn’t feel the wounds of the past. The album closes with a demo of “Flowers.” The demo strips the song of its upbeat, summer pop melody and replaces it with soft piano chords. The lyrics that once beamed with the joy of freedom and independence turn into a last resort of hope that her future without him will be okay.
These intense feelings of heartbreak erupt in “Jaded” and “Muddy Feet” as Cyrus belts out the lyrics with her raspy, rocker vocals. But as with all heartbreak, the frustration is contrasted with wistful despair on “Rose Colored Glasses” and “You.”
While Cyrus dives into all the feels, she also dives into a pool of genres. “Thousand Miles” harks back to her country, Hannah Montana roots; while “River” and “Handstand” are EDM-styled synth tracks that are a less intense version of her 2013 Bangerz album. However, these synth-sounds tend to overpower Cyrus’ vocals at times.
Overall though, the emotional impact of the album showcases Cyrus’ lyrical skills as she navigates her complex feelings. So if you’re going through a heartbreak, let Cyrus accompany you on your journey of healing and self-discovery.
3/5
