Mark Ronson, assisted by Miley Cyrus (vocals) and Jamie xx (production), delivers a stellar, retro country-pop record with “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart.”

“This world can hurt you / It cuts you deep and leaves a scar / Things fall apart, but nothing breaks like a heart / And nothing breaks like a heart.” Sigh, so true, so true. Anyways, Mark Ronson has had a magnificent run as a producer – understatement.  As of the publication date, The British producer has won five Grammys, out of eight nominations.  Among those Grammys, are wins for “Uptown Funk”, two Amy Winehouse contributions (“Rehab” and “Back to Black”), and Producer of the Year. Ronson returns behind the boards, enlisting the vocals of Miley Cyrus on his new single, “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart.”

“Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” features some of the beloved, expected Mark Ronson cues, specifically those retro, more soulful elements.  That said, Ronson, assisted by Jamie xx behind the boards, seems to know his collaborator extremely well in Miley Cyrus.  How so?  Well, Cyrus is no soul diva, so it wouldn’t make sense for him to opt for an Amy Winehouse-styled backdrop. Instead, “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” embraces a folksy, countrified pop sound that perfectly matches Cyrus’ artistic sensibilities, particularly considering her 2017, unexpected country-pop/retro-pop tinged studio LP, Younger Now. Cyrus has a distinct set of pipes, which were made for the neo-outlaw country vibe Ronson/Jamie xx assemble that deals with heartbreak.

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, there’s lots to like about this Mark Ronson / Miley Cyrus collaboration.  No, “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” doesn’t top the memorability or classicism of his Grammy-winning cuts, but it’s definitely worth listening to.  Cyrus sounds great, the backdrop takes it back to the old days, but in a slightly different way than expected from Ronson.  “Rehab” it’s not, but worth spinning it is, multiple times.

Mark Ronson » Nothing Breaks Like a Heart (Ft. Miley Cyrus) [Single] » Sony » Release: 11.30.18

Photo Credit: Sony