Miley Cyrus continues to move beyond her ‘Bangerz’ day with new single “Younger Now,” the title track for her new album, arriving September 29.

A new Miley Cyrus album, Younger Now, arrives September 29.  This should be big news.  The problem is, it’s not as big as it could’ve been.  With Bangerz, her last proper studio album in 2013, the sense was that Cyrus had a huge hit on her hands. Indeed, Bangerz ended up being just that. Part of her success with that album was her unpredictable, bad girl behavior.  Twerking, swearing, the outfits, etc.  Now, as she prepares to release Younger Now, she’s become boring.  After releasing “Malibu” in May, she returns with another single, “Younger Now.”

Starting with the pros, “Younger Now” fuses elements of pop and country/folk.  Perhaps it’s not innovatively eclectic, but doesn’t sound like other pop on the radio. Vocally, Miley Cyrus sounds great, with her distinct pipes remaining intact despite the stylistic about face.  Additionally, the production work is interesting.  There are no glitzy synths, but rather a throwback sound that precedes Cyrus herself.  The drums and the bass in particular standout, particularly during the chorus section.

Now for the cons.  The biggest con is the about face that Cyrus does on Younger Now.  It’s a bit  too dramatic.  Leading into Bangerz, Cyrus fans had a hint she may amp up the urban-pop sound with Can’t Be Tamed.  Here, nothing has prepared the listener for this sharp return to a more clean-cut, unobjectionable sound.  It’s so unobjectionable that it sounds and feels objectionable.  When Cyrus decided to look back to her innocent past, she took some of her oomph and excitement away.  While “Younger Now” is pretty with a certain ambiance, it’s also a bore. There’s nothing thrilling or rousing.  The singer who once couldn’t be tamed is now too tame.

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, only time will tell how Younger Now will play out for Miley Cyrus.  Early indications suggest that this reversal is stark – arguably too forced and too dramatic.  Had Cyrus been doing music that sounded like “Younger Now” more recently, it would be an easier pill to swallow.  Unfortunately, this song is not nearly as memorable as “We Can’t Stop” or “Wrecking Ball.” Yet, there’s still something here.  It’s interesting.

Miley Cyrus • Younger Now • RCA • Release: 9.29.17

Photo Credit: RCA