Miley Cyrus, She is Coming (EP) | Album Review

Grammy-nominated pop musician Miley Cyrus delivers some worthwhile moments on her 2019 EP She is Coming even if the effort is imperfect.

In October 2013, Miley Cyrus showed off an even more ‘untamed,’ unapologetic side on her fourth studio album, Bangerz. Naturally, the album was a gargantuan hit, earning Cyrus a Grammy nomination.  Interestingly, Cyrus moved on from twerking on her 2017 album, Younger Now, which never caught on like Bangerz.  After nearly a two-year hiatus, Cyrus returns with a six-song EP, She is Coming.  She is Coming has some worthwhile moments, but don’t call it a classic.

“Mother’s Daughter”  

“Don’t fuck with my freedom / I came up to get me some / I’m nasty, I’m evil / Must be something in the water or that I’m my mother’s daughter.” Miley Cyrus kicks off She is Coming with a bang with the unapologetic, feminist tour de force ✓ “Mother’s Daughter.” Cyrus references various things that women are or have been characterized as, some considered good while others not so much, especially by men.  Regardless, Cyrus infuses ample personality on this ALMA/ Andrew Wyatt co-write (Wyatt produces as well), and makes a powerful new anthem celebrating the power of women.

The brief “Unholy” continues the rebellious tilt of She is Coming. It definitely seems that two tracks in, Miley Cyrus is reminiscing back on her Bangerz days.  Still, Cyrus sounds more mature than she did six years ago while still showcasing those distinct pipes.  While she avoids that ‘unholy’ f-bomb that is a key cog on “Mother’s Daughter,” she admits she’s ‘no angel’ you might say.  We know where she stands when she commences the sole verse with the lyrics, “Wake up in the middle of a breakdown / Have sex on the table with the takeout.” Yep, definitely ‘unholy.’

“D.R.E.A.M.” finds Miley Cyrus playing off of the Wu-Tang Clan classic, “C.R.E.A.M.”. Expectedly, the iconic rap song is interpolated within “D.R.E.A.M.” What does Cyrus assert “…rules everything around me?” Drugs.  Fitting, if slightly oddly incorporated into the production, Ghostface Killah provides the outro, initiated with the titular lyric.  Lyrically, drugs do seem to rule everything around the veteran rapper (“Purple Perc, sticky green mollies, sippy lean”).

“Cattitude”

✓ “Cattitude” is certainly much bolder than anything Miley Cyrus included on Bangerz, let alone her tamer, less-well-received 2017 album, Younger Now.  Women continue to be spotlighted by Cyrus, with a fierce guest appearance by the one-and-only RuPaul.  RuPaul sets the tone on this sexed-up banger that’s all about pussy – literally. On the first verse, RuPaul asserts, “This cat is in heat / Let me ride that beat / My pussy on fire / Pussy five-alarm fire.” As for Cyrus, she comes out roaring on the chorus, stating, “I love my pussy, that means I got cattitude / If you don’t feel what I’m saying, I don’t fuck with you.” Touché.  Both RuPaul and Cyrus drops additional verses, chocked-full of attitude – I mean ‘cattitude.’

On “Party Up the Street,” Miley Cyrus collaborates with Swae Lee and producer extraordinaire Mike WiLL Made-It.  One the uniquely produced number, Swae Lee establishes the chill, enigmatic vibe early on, singing the first verse.  He’s joined by Cyrus on the chorus, while both collaborate for the remainder of the song (second verse, bridge, outro, etc.). While “Party Up the Street” has some flaws, it’s undeniably readymade for summer.

“The Most” arrives as the concluding cut from She is Coming. Like the opening songs, Miley Cyrus handles all vocal duties sans featured guests.  “The Most” doesn’t quite pack the same punch as “Mother’s Daughter,” but Cyrus continues to show off the worth of her pipes; there are some very nice, powerful moments.

Final Thoughts

Miley Cyrus definitely has some bright spots on She is Coming.  The two brightest are undoubtedly the spirited “Mother’s Daughter” and the totally liberated “Cattitude.”  The rest of the EP is worthwhile as well, though ultimately imperfect.  “Party Up the Street” for example has the makings of a summer jam, but there’s also a lack of finesse.  All in all, She is Coming is worth checking out.

✓ Gems: “Mother’s Daughter” & “Cattitude”

Miley Cyrus • She is Coming (EP) • RCA • Release: 5.31.19

Photo Credit: RCA