Miley Cyrus’ “Bangerz” the Best Pop Album of the Year? WHIP Reviews It

By: Kevin Schoenfeld

Bangerz definitely lives up to its name in a variety of ways; in the sense that the album is a surprise in terms of its quality and the fact that the record itself is full of “bangerz” aka hits. It is now my favorite pop album to date from 2013, mainly due to the fact that this album was produced very well. No matter what your opinion of Miley may be from recent publicity stunts, it can’t be denied that she can sing very well and has the ability to dabble within different genres. Bangerz clearly exemplifies Miley’s more mature sound, attitude, and lifestyle. The album is a variety of pop, hip-hop, country, funk, rhythmic, dubstep, and EDM influences. Some songs are definitely better than others but as a whole, the album is an enjoyable listen.

1. Track Reviews: 
   1. Adore You – As the first track off of Bangerz, this song does a great job enticing you in and getting you hooked. This is a sweet sounding, ballad-like track with a nice beat. She sings this song very beautifully with a soft tone that touches your emotions. The subtle violins in the background compliment the song really well.
   2. We Can’t Stop – Right from the get-go you know this song is different. As the first single off Bangerz, it is an accurate portrayal of Miley’s new style, attitude, and transition into adulthood. The slow start and feel to this song is unique and extremely catchy. It is pretty heavy on the bass for a pop song and even though Miley’s voice is obviously auto-tuned the vocals are very soothing. Good party song, its fun and easy to sing along to.
   3. SMS (Bangerz) (feat. Britney Spears) – Not what you’d expect from two of the biggest pop stars in the industry right now. Initially the song sounds like “Push It” by Salt N’ Peppa, as it replicates that beat. Song is fast paced and has a hip-hop/rap/pop type of vibe. Both Miley and Britney partake in the rapping, which is mediocre at best, Mike-Will Made-It in the background helps out the song out. Also, the repetitive use of the word “Bangerz” gets annoying. Not the best song off the album but worth a listen considering the big names attached to it.
   4. 4×4 (feat. Nelly) – This song is a dramatic shift from the previous tracks. It is fast paced and has country & hip-hop elements throughout the song. Lyrics are not very substantive, however. Nelly is the perfect person to have on this song and his rapping verse works well and keeps you enticed.
   5. My Darlin’ (feat. Future) – This love ballad is a much slower song but is extremely catchy and well done. It’s got good beats in combination to the fact that Future’s and Miley’s voices both work together beautifully. Unique track and one of my favorites on the record.
   6. Wrecking Ball – The second single of the album, in addition to being a chart topper, is a good representation Miley’s style in through out much of Bangerz. It’s soothing beginning hooks you in, it flows well, is catchy, and overall very well done. Also, there is deep meaning behind the lyrics.
   7. Love Money Party (feat. Big Sean) – This song was kind of odd to me. It sounds sounds almost futuristic at first with a unique hook. The lyrics are pretty stupid, though. It’s basically an unoriginal, catchy, but fun party song. Definitely more of a pop track but Big Sean’s rapping works well and is pretty much the best part of the song.
   8. #GETITRIGHT – Very sexual song, funky sounding almost as if it’s a sequel to Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke. The combination of a nice flow, whistling in the background, joyful vibe, and catchy lyrics are what makes the song of the best off the album.
   9. Drive – Lots of dubstep influence in this song. It starts of as a slow, sad pop song but the bass works really well with the emotional lyrical style. Great flow and definitely the most moving track off of Bangerz.
   10. FU (feat. French Montana) – I found this song to be kind of awkward. It’s beginning caught me off guard and Miley’s voice almost sounds whiney. French Montana also doesn’t really contribute much to the song. Expected more from this collaboration.
   11. Do My Thang – One of the most memorable tracks off of Bangerz. Will-i-am’s production is clearly exemplified in this song. It shows off Miley’s rap side, surprisingly the raps are actually pretty decent. Not a very creative song but its catchy and danceable.
   12. Maybe Your Right – A slow pop vibe at first but eventually speeds up to become an emotional song with a melodious main verse. The background singing helps out song a lot and almost reminds me of Clarity by Zedd. Similar to the song Wrecking Ball.
   13. Someone Else – Similar in nature to the previous song. However, it’s more upbeat, and has an EDM aspect. End of the song is a dramatic sped-up shift from the first half of the song and helps to regain your interest.
   14. Rooting For My Baby – Different type of sound on this track. A very slow song with a country, pop vibe. The chorus is by far the best aspect of the song. Not very significant in the scheme of the rest of the album.
   15. On My Own – Beginning almost sounds like a Vanilla Ice song. A pretty boring track that I had trouble keeping my interest in. Nothing too special about this it as it too similar to the last 2 songs prior.
   16. Hands In The Air (feat. Ludacris) – Listening to the last two previous tracks might make you lose interest in the bonus aspect of record, but I assure you this song is worth checking out. The heavily auto tuned beginning absolutely hooks you in and Ludacris’ verse just tops it off. This song is a feel good track that will surely be stuck in your head. Bangerz goes out with a bang solely due to the fact that this song is so awesome. Great way to finish off a solid record.