By Randall Elvin · Entertainment Editor
Album dropped. Last name dropped. Her standard? Not dropped. Miley Cyrus returns with her 10th studio album, titled “Bass Persuades,” while rebranding her artist name to just Miley. According to Variety, her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, publicly defended the move. He drew comparisons to himself when he was a one-name artist known as Cyrus. Dolly, Cher, Elvis and Prince are also examples of stars who went by one name only.
This wasn’t the first time she’s altered her name. She went by Hannah Montana on Disney Channel for many years and then later became Miley Cyrus. That name change signified a new chapter in her career, but we’ll have to wait and see if we are witnessing a new chapter unfold of the same degree.
Her previous release last year, “Something Beautiful,” took a direction of electronic influences coupled with romantic songwriting. Across “Bass Persuades,” Miley moves between dance-floor energy and softer, more intimate moments. The album does not always settle into one consistent sound, proving she is known for shifting her sound and image.
The new album brings 13 new songs that offer pleasant sounds of dancing and contentment. “Snow” offers a more reflective side of the record. Miley has described repeating the phrase “It doesn’t get better” at the song’s conclusion as a mantra. Instead of treating happiness as something always waiting around the corner, the track suggests it can come from recognizing when life is already good.
“Neon Signs,” featuring Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow, takes a more unconventional route. It’s filled with an unusual atmosphere and psychedelic rock influence. Wyatt’s contribution gives the track a different texture from Miley’s solo performances, making it one of the album’s more distinctive experiments. Its offbeat style may not appeal to listeners looking for a straightforward pop chorus, but that’s the sound it’s going for.
“Let’s Get Married” shifts the focus toward romance. Its dreamy, upbeat sound pairs with a title that boldly declares commitment. The song offers a lighter moment amid the record’s experimentation. Still, its appeal depends on how much listeners connect with its familiar romantic theme. The sentiment is easy to understand, but the songwriting does not necessarily make it the album’s most surprising moment; it relies more on familiarity and consistency.
Then there is “Orbit,” another romantic track that fits into the album’s more personal side. It explores the feeling of being drawn toward someone. Could the album’s romantic themes be giving clues to the current stage of Miley’s life?
The contrast between songs such as “Neon Signs” and “Snow” demonstrates the unpredictability of the album, which is its biggest strength. However, the album’s mood shifts can make it feel less cohesive than it might have been. Some critics have argued that her vocal ability doesn’t match the songwriting. Yet that makes “Bass Persuades” so interesting. Appreciating Miley’s willingness to take risks is possible while recognizing that certain songs work better than others.
The album also arrives during a busy period in Miley’s life. She has announced her engagement to musician Maxx Morando, who appears on the new record. Her life is changing in big ways, so why not her name?
