Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus is one of those artists who transitions between albums exceeding any expectations and breaking down any pre-conceived notions of who she might be as an artist. Having initially broken free of her teen idol image with 2010's Can't Be Tamed, her third studio album, she exploded with the addictive and wacky Bangerz in 2013. Having shown she knew how to play the pop game to its very fullest, in 2015 she went all experimental on the often overlooked Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz. Two years later and she has proclaimed herself sober and stated a wish to shed her wild child image as she returns with Younger Now. Will an on-the-rails prove as entertaining and engaging as the colourful pop player?

The easy answer is yes. Younger Now has been hailed as many as Miley's country record, and while a duet with Dolly and undertones of country influence are evident, this is still essentially Miley playing at pop, just with a very different narrative. And no, this is no less addictive or appealing that her previous efforts, for Miley is an artist who simply can't be tamed, even if she wishes to be.

The album opens with the title track, which is easily the most direct of the pop efforts on the release. Boasting an 80s driven hook, this is not a retro hit but one that fits flawlessly into the contemporary soundscape. With her raspy vocal in fine form, we know it will be impossible for you to resist singing along with your hairbrush while dancing on your bed regardless of your age.

Malibu, the single which saw the proclamations of a country reinvention thrown into the pre-album discussion, was a perfect introduction to a release that is as sunny and breezy in content as the summery single. Rainbowland sees Miley and Dolly team up. While it doesn't have the same magic as Dolly's Kesha duet earlier this year, it is playful number that will have you humming along to the two music legends.

The grit of Week Without You is where the album turns from being a good release to an excellent one, for from here on out this album is the work of musical genius. Understated, intelligent and insightful, the lyrics are to the point and the melodies compelling. The stunning Miss You So Much comes close to the album highlight, but that honour goes to the gritty Thinkin' - which would have not been out of place on Kesha's Rainbow earlier this year. Perhaps a duet is in order?

As she channels Sonia Leigh on Bad Mood before reigning it all in for the spine tingling She's Not Him and magical Inspired, this is an album that works as stand alone songs but is enjoyed best as the journey in the order dictated by the track list.

Miley Cyrus is an artist who broke the mould at birth and refused to ever piece it back together again. Younger Now is the latest in a striking run of albums that are both playfully enjoyable and impressively eloquent.