Miley Cyrus, Different Religion → Wacky Wednesday

In the 45^th edition of Wacky Wednesday (2026), we break down the unique “Different Religion,” performed by Miley Cyrus featuring Model/Actriz.

It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In this spirited column, we analyze and explore unique, unusual, or wacky songs from different genres.  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ear’ because of their distinctiveness.  In the 45^th edition of Wacky Wednesday (2026), we break down the unique “Different Religion”, performed by Miley Cyrus featuring Model/Actriz.

“The kids don’t wanna dance, the kids don’t wanna dance.” “Bass Persuades” was the ‘big fish’ on Bass Persuades, the 10^th studio album by Grammy-winning pop singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus. But it’s not the only ear-catching joint.  Arguably, “Different Religion,” the second single and second track, featuring Boston-formed, Brooklyn-based rock band Model/Actriz (Cole Haden, Ruben Radlauer, Jack Wetmore, Aaron Shapiro), is even more intriguing. Cyrus, Model/Actriz, Kid Harpoon, and Michael Pollack wrote “Different Religion.”  Cyrus, Model/Actriz, and Kid Harpoon produced it.  The goth vibes are captivating.

“I got my own god / He drives a fast car,” Miley Cyrus talk-sings in the first verse of “Different Religion.” Of this god with a small ‘G,’ she adds, “He makes some loud noise,” and “My god’s a hot boy.” Ooh-la-la.  All the while, Cyrus is accompanied, fittingly, by dark, enigmatic, goth-sounding, and unsettling production. The riffs and sound effects are quite clever and creative. She sings playfully about this badass fella. The chorus, the centerpiece, follows, with pitched vocals:

“I want to be saved by a different religion

I crave to believe him

We don’t need forgiveness

I want to be saved by a different religion

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

I’ve got my own god.”

So, this salvation isn’t eternal, I suspect… Probably not a song to play for your pastor, priest, or other clergy – just saying! Cole Haden leads the charge in the second verse.  Spiritual references continue with Haden talk-singing, in a low-pitched undertone, “Top down, I don’t care if Heaven is behind us.” Joined by Cyrus, he concludes, “My faith is his hard body, cracked leather.” Holy shit! The duo both the chorus, in all its glorious sacrilege! Miley and Cole split the bridge, duetting briefly on “(I Like him) / And he’s giving me Jesus.” Cyrus speaks of “Such an immaculate figure” and “Bite my neck, but don’t forget the stolen fangs.” 👀 Haden states, “I’m not forgiven yet /… I still ride beside him.” This must be some boy! Cyrus wants salvation via a different religion on the final chorus. Once more, she and Haden split parts on the outro:

“Love

Losing our innocence

Truth

Giving in to sin again

Bitch

Take it to genesis

Amen

We’re gonna begin again, ah.”

A dark, naughty, and unique listening experience, “Different Religion” is can’t-miss. It won’t provide eternal salvation, but it is salvation for the listening rotation!