Miley Cyrus's 'Something Beautiful': Why Her Psychedelic Pop Opera Is Her Most Experimental—And Commercially Challenging—Album Yet

Miley Cyrus has once again shattered expectations with the release of her ninth studio album, *Something Beautiful*, which officially dropped on May 30, 2025. This latest project is not just a collection of songs; it is a full-scale "psychedelic pop opera" and visual album that represents the most radical and experimental shift in her already chameleonic career, moving far beyond the polished pop-rock of her recent work. The new album arrives just over two years after the massive global success of *Endless Summer Vacation* (2023), and the contrast could not be more stark. While the previous record was a sun-drenched, dance-pop hit machine, *Something Beautiful* plunges into deeper, more existential, and often challenging sonic territory. The project is a daring artistic statement, yet its unique nature has led to a surprisingly complex commercial reception, sparking intense debate among critics and fans alike in the weeks following its release.

Miley Cyrus: A Brief Biography and Artistic Evolution

Miley Ray Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who has been a prominent figure in popular culture for two decades. Her career is defined by constant reinvention, moving through distinct musical and public eras.

• Full Name: Destiny Hope Cyrus
• Born: November 23, 1992 (currently 33 years old as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Franklin, Tennessee, U.S.
• Parents: Billy Ray Cyrus (father, country singer) and Tish Cyrus (mother, producer)
• Early Career: Rose to global fame as the titular character in the Disney Channel television series *Hannah Montana* (2006–2011).
• Studio Albums (Prior to *Something Beautiful*):
  1. *Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus* (2007)
  2. *Breakout* (2008)
  3. *Can't Be Tamed* (2010)
  4. *Bangerz* (2013)
  5. *Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz* (2015, experimental)
  6. *Younger Now* (2017)
  7. *Plastic Hearts* (2020)
  8. *Endless Summer Vacation* (2023)
• Key Collaborators: Dolly Parton (godmother), Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, Dua Lipa, Stevie Nicks, Maxx Morando.
• Recent Achievements: Her single "Flowers" from *Endless Summer Vacation* became one of the best-selling songs of the decade, earning her multiple Grammy Awards.

The Psychedelic Pop Opera: Dissecting 'Something Beautiful'

*Something Beautiful* stands out as Miley Cyrus’s ninth studio album, released through Columbia Records. The project is an ambitious thirteen-track journey that is more focused on atmosphere, narrative, and sonic texture than traditional radio hits. The overarching themes revolve around existential healing, self-discovery, and the beauty found in life’s most difficult moments, a stark contrast to the carefree, post-breakup energy of her previous work.

A Deep Dive into Production and Collaborators

The album’s unique sound is largely credited to the creative partnership between Miley Cyrus and executive producer Shawn Everett. Everett, a highly respected figure known for his work with artists like Kacey Musgraves and The War on Drugs, helped steer the album into its promised "psychedelic" and "experimental" direction.

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The collaborative spirit on *Something Beautiful* is extensive and diverse, showcasing Cyrus’s commitment to a more indie and alternative soundscape. Key musical entities involved in the album include:

• Shawn Everett: Executive Producer, co-writer, and co-producer.
• Molly Rankin & Alec O'Hanley: Members of the Canadian indie pop band Alvvays, their involvement signals a clear move toward a shoegaze/dream-pop influence.
• Maxx Morando: Cyrus’s boyfriend and drummer for the band Liily, he is credited as a key collaborator and co-writer, continuing their creative partnership.
• Michael Pollack & Jonathan Rado: Two other notable names who contributed to the writing and production credits, further solidifying the album's alternative rock leanings.

With only thirteen songs and a total duration of 52 minutes, the album is a cohesive, almost cinematic experience, designed to be listened to as a complete body of work.

The Visual Album Component: A Cinematic Experience

One of the most defining features of *Something Beautiful* is its status as a full-length visual album and accompanying musical film. Described as a "one of a kind pop opera fueled by fantasy," the film serves as a complete visual companion to the thirteen original tracks, elevating the entire project into a multi-sensory experience.

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This commitment to a complete cinematic vision is a bold move, reminiscent of Beyoncé's groundbreaking visual albums, but with a distinct, psychedelic-infused aesthetic. The film’s narrative is deeply intertwined with the album's existential themes, allowing Cyrus to explore complex emotional states through both music and performance art. The visual component was crucial to the album's promotion, with a trailer released ahead of its May 30, 2025, release.

Critical Acclaim vs. Commercial Performance: The Great Debate

The reception to *Something Beautiful* has been one of the most polarizing and talked-about moments in music for 2025. The album has been lauded by some critics for its artistic bravery and experimental depth, with some reviewers praising the shift away from mainstream expectations.

For example, while the music publication Pitchfork gave the album a somewhat middling score of 5.6, other influential critics, such as Anthony Fantano (The Needle Drop), reportedly gave the album a high rating of 8/10, highlighting the split in critical opinion over its unconventional style.

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However, the most surprising element of the album's rollout has been its commercial performance. Despite the massive momentum from *Endless Summer Vacation* and the global hit "Flowers," reports indicate that *Something Beautiful* has struggled commercially, with some outlets describing the release as an "unexpected flop" or "tanking."

This commercial coldness is largely attributed to the album's deliberately non-commercial sound and a more subdued promotional strategy that focused on the artistic integrity of the visual album rather than a massive, radio-friendly single rollout. The lack of a clear, immediate "hit single" has made it difficult for the record to gain traction on streaming charts, prompting a significant discussion on whether artistic experimentation at this level can still achieve mainstream success for a global superstar like Miley Cyrus.

The Legacy of 'Something Beautiful'

Regardless of its commercial metrics, *Something Beautiful* is already cemented as a pivotal moment in Miley Cyrus's discography. It is a powerful example of an artist using their platform to pursue personal, challenging, and non-pop-centric creative endeavors. The album is a testament to her refusal to be creatively stagnant, choosing an ambitious "pop opera" over the guaranteed success of a *Plastic Hearts* or *Endless Summer Vacation* sequel.

For fans and music enthusiasts, the album offers a deep, rewarding listen, rich with existential themes, psychedelic textures, and the raw vocal power that has defined her recent years. It is a project that demands attention, and its long-term critical appreciation may ultimately outweigh its initial commercial struggles, solidifying Miley Cyrus's reputation as one of the most fearless and transformative artists of her generation.

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