Following her recent notorious performance at the MTV VMAs, Miley Cyrus has released ‘Wrecking Ball’, the follow-up to the number one smash, ‘We Can’t Stop’.
Breaking Vevo’s record for the most video views in 24 hours, ‘Wrecking Ball’ is a surprisingly mature attempt at a pop-ballad, and is as catchy as it is formulaic.
Starting off with a simple keyboard and vocal combination, Cyrus has a subtle build-up throughout verses which is let down by a fairly lacklustre chorus. This is surprising as it has been produced by Dr Luke – the man behind many of the biggest pop hits of the past decade, including Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ and ‘I Kissed a Girl’, Avril Lavigne’s ‘Girlfriend’ and Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Since U Been Gone’.
It’s in its lyrics that ‘Wrecking Ball’ displays its full force; and although they’re very basic, they’re effective (“I never meant to start a war, I just wanted you to let me in…”), showcasing Cyrus’ more vulnerable vocals.
Whilst she may not have the sophistication of songstresses like Adele, Cyrus has tried to move away from her Hannah Montana image and prove her maturity; although it’s a shame that more interest in ‘Wrecking Ball’ will be due to her nudity in the video, rather than the song itself.
6/10
Released 25/8/2013 on RCA Records
