Miley Cyrus Spends an Eighth Week
at No. 1 with “Flowers”
At the age of 30, Miley Cyrus has now been a superstar for over 15 years. Her career has gone through several phases, from her days on the Disney Channel to her controversial collaborations with Mike WiLL Made-It.
Fast forward to 2023, Cyrus is entering a whole new phase of her career with the hit single “Flowers” and the release of her eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation. “Flowers” dropped back in January to massive commercial success and critical acclaim. The track quickly broke multiple streaming records on Spotify, earning just under 1 billion plays in the first week of its release. The single is spending its eighth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is a classic pop ballad with clear disco and funk influence. It’s a triumphant track about self-reliance and overcoming heartbreak focusing more on metamorphosis than regret. Critics specifically praised Cyrus’ vocal delivery, which has gotten noticeably raspier over the years, yet has given her sound a texture and maturity that is complex and emotionally raw.
Fans have speculated that the song may be about life after her divorce from Liam Hemsworth. However, it could also serve as a metaphor for Cyrus’ career as she finds her voice and a new sense of independence after years of being typecast.
“Flowers” is the lead single from Endless Summer Vacation, released on March 10, 2023. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and the project has been described as a concept album and a love letter to Los Angeles. Its 12 tracks were divided in half between AM and PM sections, the former representing growth and new possibilities and the latter signifying rest and recovery. The album has also received great reviews from critics who noted its power and emotional maturity.
The success of “Flowers” and the release of Endless Summer Vacation mark a new phase in Cyrus’ career as she explores a new sound while staying true to her pop roots. Even though she never truly left, her recent project finds the star exploring new themes and finding a new musical identity after years in the spotlight.