Miley Cyrus’s ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, released on May 30, is earning widespread praise for its bold artistic direction and emotional depth. Critics across major outlets including Rolling Stone, NME, and The Washington Post are calling the project her most introspective and innovative work to date. With a blend of pop, rock, and psychedelic influences, the album marks a distinct departure from Cyrus’s earlier mainstream material, positioning her as a fearless creative voice in contemporary pop.
Upon release, Something Beautiful debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, moving approximately 44,000 equivalent album units in its first week. This total included 27,000 in pure album sales and 17,000 in streaming equivalents, with over 22 million on-demand audio streams. Despite its strong debut, the album’s chart presence was brief, dropping out of the top 200 after only two weeks—a rare outcome for an artist of Cyrus’s stature. While some view this as a sign of the project’s niche appeal, others argue it reflects a music industry increasingly skewed toward single-driven content over immersive albums.
Critics, however, have largely celebrated the risk Cyrus took. NME described Something Beautiful as “a fully realized artistic statement,” noting its experimental structure and emotionally charged lyrics. Rolling Stone Deutschland highlighted its darker undertones and concept-album approach, dubbing it “a private pop nightmare” that rewards attentive listening. Cyrus herself described the album as a “pop opera” inspired in part by Pink Floyd’s The Wall, intended to soothe what she called “a sick culture,” and offering what she sees as a kind of musical medicine.
The album rollout included a cinematic visual album that premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June, before debuting on Disney+ and Hulu in early July. The film version of Something Beautiful includes fashion-forward visuals and a dreamlike narrative, drawing comparisons to classic concept albums and longform music videos. Critics have praised the visual element for enhancing the emotional resonance of the songs and showcasing Cyrus’s evolving artistic vision. According to FreshFiction, the film is “a glorious chorus” that blends music and visuals into an immersive experience.
Several tracks from the album have emerged as standouts. “Easy Lover” and “End of the World” have received particular acclaim, with Billboard naming the former one of the most compelling vocal performances of Cyrus’s career. Other highlights include “Walk of Fame,” which features a collaboration with Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard, and “More to Lose,” a minimalist ballad praised for its vulnerability. The Washington Post noted that Cyrus’s voice has matured considerably, drawing comparisons to icons like Stevie Nicks and Tina Turner for its power and range.
Still, the album hasn’t been without its detractors. Some reviews, such as one from Pitchfork, criticized what they saw as inconsistent lyricism and uneven production choices. Others have suggested that while the album is ambitious, it may alienate listeners expecting more traditional pop structures. Yet even critics who expressed reservations acknowledged Cyrus’s bravery in pushing her sound into uncharted territory.
Despite the album’s short-lived commercial performance, its cultural impact may be longer-lasting. With its hybrid of music, film, and theatrical narrative, Something Beautiful fits into a broader trend of artists exploring multi-sensory and conceptual formats to connect with audiences. For Cyrus, whose career has evolved from child star to pop provocateur and now to experimental auteur, the album signals a new phase defined not by radio play but by personal expression.
In interviews promoting the album, Cyrus emphasized the personal nature of the project and its themes of healing and self-reflection. She described the creative process as cathartic, stating that she wanted the work to serve as a balm for listeners navigating pain and disillusionment in the modern world. That mission, coupled with her fearless stylistic choices, has positioned Something Beautiful as one of the most artistically ambitious pop albums of 2025.
Whether audiences embrace the album’s unconventional style or debate its commercial viability, there is little question that Something Beautiful represents a significant chapter in Miley Cyrus’s ongoing reinvention. It’s a reminder that in an industry dominated by trends, taking risks still matters—and that sometimes, the most impactful art is the kind that resists easy categorization.