Miley Cyrus' Albums Ranked: From the Ones That Didn't Age Well to the Most Timeless Records.

 Miley Cyrus' Albums Ranked: From the Ones That Didn't Age Well to the Most Timeless Records.

Miley Cyrus has undergone one of the most dynamic musical evolutions of any artist in the 21st century. From her Disney roots to gritty rock, country soul, and boundary-pushing pop anthems, she’s never shied away from reinvention. Her discography reflects not just her personal growth, but also the changing landscapes of pop and cultural tastes. Here’s a look at her albums ranked — from the ones that didn’t age well to the most timeless.

9. Younger Now (2017)

Why it didn’t age well:

Released after her Bangerz and Dead Petz era, Younger Now was a return to her country-pop roots. While the intention behind the album was admirable — a more grounded, personal, and reflective Miley — it lacked the fire and experimentation that made her previous work so captivating. The lead single "Malibu" was a chart hit but felt tame in comparison to her usual bold statements. The album was clean and polished, but critics and fans found it somewhat forgettable, failing to leave a lasting impact.

8. Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus (2007)

Why it hasn’t aged well:

This double album served as both a Hannah Montana soundtrack and Miley's debut as herself. At the time, it was a cultural phenomenon, riding high on the success of the Disney show. However, in retrospect, the songs are deeply tied to a specific era and demographic. The Miley side of the album was her first step into solo stardom, but it lacked the maturity and edge she would later develop. Tracks like “See You Again” still hold nostalgic value, but overall, the album feels dated.

7. Breakout (2008)

A mixed bag:

Breakout was Miley’s first album fully independent from the Hannah Montana brand. It showed hints of her future potential, blending upbeat pop with more serious songwriting. Songs like “7 Things” and “Fly on the Wall” became teen anthems. However, while the album enjoyed commercial success, it still leaned heavily into safe pop territory, not quite capturing the boldness Miley would later embrace. It’s a decent early effort, but not as enduring as her later work.

6. Plastic Hearts (2020)

Critically acclaimed but divisive:

With Plastic Hearts, Miley embraced her inner rock star. This album saw her collaborating with legends like Joan Jett, Billy Idol, and Stevie Nicks. The project was praised for its fearless fusion of glam rock and pop-punk influences. Tracks like “Midnight Sky” and “Prisoner” showcased a gritty, confident Miley. While many lauded her vocal performance and direction, others felt it was a bit too derivative of older rock styles. Still, it holds up well and marks a pivotal moment in her artistic credibility.

5. She Is Coming (EP, 2019)

Underrated and edgy:

Although technically an EP, She Is Coming deserves mention for its bold experimentation. It features a mix of rap, trap beats, and edgy pop. Songs like “Mother’s Daughter” made feminist statements, while “D.R.E.A.M.” featuring Ghostface Killah saw her diving into new sonic territories. Despite its short length, it’s packed with personality and attitude. The EP hinted at a more experimental full album that never came to fruition as planned but still stands out for its risk-taking.

4. Bangerz (2013)

A cultural moment:

Bangerz was a turning point in Miley's career. It marked her complete departure from her Disney image and established her as a provocative pop icon. The album combined trap-pop, hip-hop, and synth-heavy anthems. “Wrecking Ball,” “We Can’t Stop,” and “Adore You” became major hits. The project was bold, unpredictable, and controversial — often more known for its public persona than just the music. However, over time, Bangerz has gained a cult following. It captured the zeitgeist of the 2010s and introduced a fearless, unapologetic Miley.

3. Can’t Be Tamed (2010)

Ahead of its time:

At just 17, Miley released Can’t Be Tamed, signaling her desire to shed the good-girl image. The album’s electro-pop sound was bold, with themes of rebellion and freedom. While it received mixed reviews at the time, it has since been appreciated for its gutsiness. Songs like “Who Owns My Heart” and the title track show an artist pushing boundaries and exploring her own identity. It’s since been re-evaluated as a key step in Miley’s evolution.

2. Endless Summer Vacation (2023)

Polished, reflective, and balanced:

This album proved Miley had grown not just as a performer but also as a songwriter and storyteller. “Flowers” became an anthem of self-love and independence, topping charts globally. The record is divided into “AM” and “PM” sections, with each half reflecting different emotional and sonic tones — from breezy optimism to raw introspection. It balances maturity, vulnerability, and empowerment. Miley’s vocals shine throughout, especially in ballads like “Wonder Woman” and upbeat numbers like “River.” It’s a cohesive and timeless album with wide appeal.

1. Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz (2015)

The most misunderstood but groundbreaking album:

This psychedelic, genre-bending project, created in collaboration with The Flaming Lips, was initially dismissed by critics and fans alike. Released for free and with no commercial intent, Dead Petz was raw, chaotic, and deeply experimental. Over time, it has gained recognition for its boldness and honesty. Songs like “Karen Don’t Be Sad” and “The Floyd Song” show a Miley unfiltered and emotionally vulnerable. It defies traditional album structures and expectations — making it perhaps her most authentic and artistic project to date. It may not be timeless in a pop culture sense, but in terms of artistry, it remains unmatched.

Final Thoughts

Miley Cyrus’ career has been a constant balancing act between reinvention and staying true to herself. Some albums have aged like fine wine, others serve as snapshots of her evolving identity. Whether she's singing country, swinging on a wrecking ball, or performing rock covers with unfiltered vocals, she always brings an authenticity that makes her one of the most interesting pop stars of her generation. As her discography continues to grow, one thing is clear — Miley Cyrus refuses to be boxed in, and her music is all the better for it.