by Abigail Isaacson in Music

Miley Cyrus's ninth album, Something Beautiful, is presented as a concept album with "healing sound properties" and an accompanying film described as a "pop opera." However, the film is more of a collection of music videos than a cohesive narrative, lacking a plot and resembling extended perfume commercials. The album itself starts with a left-field approach but mostly settles into a mix of 80s-inspired pop, soft rock, and dance tracks. While well-written and performed, it lacks a standout hit single and doesn't deliver on its promise of psychedelic experimentation. Despite its shortcomings, the album is considered well-made and features Cyrus's signature powerful vocals, showcasing a variety of styles ranging from soul and rock to disco-infused pop and hi-NRG. The album's ambition clashes with its overall execution, leaving its commercial success uncertain.