Singing sensation and pop culture icon, Miley Cyrus released her highly anticipated eighth studio album last Friday titled, Endless Summer Vacation. Throughout the years, Miley has created a combination of country, pop, and rock hits establishing her range and versatility as an artist. She always seems to be exploring new genres and trying to surprise audiences with a different side of her. From “23”, the popular hip-hop song that gave her a hard, party girl image, to “Slide Away”, the soft ballad that showed the vulnerability, grace, and very human side of her, she has no shortage of places she can go with her music, which always leaves listeners wondering what the next record will sound like: and after over a decade in the industry and 8 albums later, I can honestly say this album is the truest and most beautiful form of Miley Cyrus. 

The album is inspired from the feeling of a summer in LA, Miley split it into two sides; an AM and a PM side. The AM side features her hit leading single from the album titled “Flowers”, the songs on the first half were meant to embody the thrill of a new summer's day and the possibilities that lie ahead, and she did just that. With the combination of up-tempo pop tracks like “Flowers” and “Rose Colored Lenses” to the powerful and honest “Jaded” and “You”, the AM side leaves me feeling hopeful and light. Miley displays her effortless vocal range in the first half  by covering the strictly pop tone as well as the raw, stripped down vocals; creating the most beautiful middle ground that leaves you in awe that this much versatility can come in one single person's voice.

Entering the PM side, you get a seamless transition with the track “Violet Chemistry” that makes you feel like you’re entering the evening, the sun is setting and the night will either bring relaxation or endless adventure; freedom to make the night what you want it to be, a feeling so clearly exhibited in the second half of the album. Miley gives a relaxing and sultry vibe that perfectly exhibits the two sides of a summer's night. “Island” and “Wonder Woman” give you a look inside the quiet side, where “Muddy” and “Wildcard” give you an electronic tone that indulges you into the mischievous LA nightlife.  Whether you prefer the AM or the PM side better, that is all up to you: but to appreciate the effortless fuse of tone and melodies featured throughout the album is a must. Miley created a masterpiece of an album that combines day and night, fast and slow, to its utmost perfection.

Can’t wait for number 9! Happy listening :)