Miley Cyrus declares her independence in new single 'Flowers'

Of all the Disney Channel alumni now occupying prominent spaces in the public eye, Miley Cyrus is undoubtedly the most chameleonic. 

Over the last decade, she's pivoted with ease from bubble-gum pop to hip-hop, then from country to rock. 

Yet what grounds this restless experimentation of genres is Cyrus's powerful voice. Alternately hard-hitting and soft with a unique, husky timbre, it's arguably the most recognisable of all her contemporaries.

'Flowers', the first taste of Cyrus's eighth studio album 'Endless Summer Vacation', released on March 10, sees a return to breezy pop for the versatile artist. Its music video is as much an exclamation of freedom as the track's lyrics–Cyrus dances with abandon around her home in a tuxedo in the euphoric ending scene. 

Eagle-eyed fans noticed that the music video debut coincided with the birthday of Cyrus's ex-husband Liam Hemsworth, but 'Flowers' is focused more on emancipation than revenge. In reference to the relationship between herself and Hemsworth, she is more gracious than bitter: "No remorse, no regret / I forgive every word you said".

Paramount is Cyrus's celebration of herself in the wake of an intense breakup. In a liberated mirroring of Bruno Mars's classic song 'When I Was Your Man', Cyrus declares: "I can buy myself flowers / Write my name in the sand / Talk to myself for hours / I can take myself dancing / And I can hold my own hand".

If you were expecting an album of breakup tracks, 'Flowers' is a glimpse of a self-assured, upbeat collection of tracks about returning to yourself. Confirming this, in a press release 'Endless Summer Vacation' was described as "a reflection of the strength (Cyrus) has found in focusing on both her physical and mental wellbeing".

It's an effervescent return to music for the songwriter and an exciting start to what might be her most confident and triumphant year yet.

Miley Cyrus's new album 'Endless Summer Vacation' is due on March 10. You can listen to the first single 'Flowers' now and check out the music video below.

 

 

Eleanor Burleigh

@eleanoranneb

Image: 'Flowers' Official Single Cover