Miley Cyrus, “Something Beautiful.”

From the start of Miley Cyrus’ ninth album, Something Beautiful, it’s clear the singer has higher ambitions in mind.

The opening “Prelude” isn’t just a throwaway intro; the orchestral opener feels cinematic, building toward something bigger. The title track is just as weighty, opening as a blues-drenched ballad before building to wall-of-sound psychedelia. Big synths, big drums and spacey vocals, it’s far beyond what’s typically afforded the pop world. Meanwhile, “End of the World” pulls things back to the throwback anthems Cyrus has been keen on.

Something Beautiful is more like a concept album than anything in Cyrus’ discography. Think The Wall but make it a pop record. “More to Lose” rounds out the spectrum, with a rootsier sound showcasing a different texture of Cyrus’ voice. The singer’s past few albums have honed in on a sound nodding to artists from eras gone by. This time around, it sounds like Cyrus finds something new in the process. “Easy Lover” is divine funky pop, a tip of the cap to Fleetwood Mac and an instantly catchy and fun track.

As with the intro, there are also a handful of interlude tracks that keep things flowing without feeling like filler.

“Golden Burning Sun” is one of the standouts, a slow-burn mid-tempo ballad that builds over nearly five minutes. Cyrus’ vocals are raspy and strong, dialing in her signature sound. The song has space to rise and fall without being rushed like so much pop at the moment. “Walk of Fame” is an unexpected and modern-sounding. Featuring powerhouse vocalist Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes, it’s dance pop with rock blended in (not dance rock!).

Some songs are harder to pin down, such as “Pretend You’re God,” which experiments with ‘90s sounds. Cyrus takes some risks, trying sounds that may not be surefire hits.

On “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved,” there’s a surprise appearance by supermodel Naomi Campbell. It’s one of the few here destined for the dance floor, with a defined pulsating rhythm and synthy attack.  Lyrically, Cyrus is vulnerable, despite the more upbeat sound.

“Aren’t I pretty enough for more than fun in the dark?/ Looking for the one/ But one is never enough/ I’m every girl you’ve ever loved,” she sings.

“Reborn” relies on art pop, with Cyrus trying out different layered vocals. With a different personality than the rest of the record, it adds a change of pace. Closer “Give Me Love” is something of an antithesis to the title track; soaked in ambition, channeled through different sounds, leaning more on a folkier vibe with an orchestral backbone.

Cyrus will come full circle on her self-described journey. There’s a visual companion piece for the album. This latest work feels like Cyrus coming into her own, taking on challenges without a fear of failure.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at mikedewald.bsky.social.