Miley Cyruscemented her legacy as a household name before she was old enough to vote. With a career spanning over 20 years, thechild-actor-turned-musician (or ex-act)is on the verge of releasing herninth studio album,Something Beautiful(May 30 can’t come fast enough), which will be accompanied by a musical film of the same name coming in June. No doubt, fans of the provocateur are anxiously awaiting the album drop.
In anticipation of the new project, I’ve been revisitingMiley’s extensive discographyfor the first time in a while. It’s easy to get engrossed inthe Disney Channelalum’s catalog because it’s so diverse. She’s got an album for every mood: When I need a good dose of nostalgia, when I’m in the mood for upbeat pop, or when I’m craving something reflective and sentimental. And when I’m looking to keep things fresh, theHannah Montanastar has accumulated numerous impressive collaborations to explore from various genres with legends from Beyoncé to Mike WiLL Made-It to Stevie Nicks. I’m curious to see who she’ll feature onSomething Beautiful.
Below are theessential listening Miley Cyrus collabsyou need to add to your playlist right now.
10’Prisoner'
With Dua Lipa
Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipadelivered a dance disco bop with “Prisoner,” the second single from Cyrus’ seventh studio album,Plastic Hearts(2020). The chart-topping track alludes to an inescapable, toxic love. Miley and Dua Lipa bothdeliver passionate, soulful performances. They maintain their individuality — Miley’s voice gives rock ‘n roll growls and Dua’s serves sugary soul — while offering the cohesion I expect from a duet ballad.
“Prisoner” was also featured on Dua Lipa reissue ofFuture Nostalgia: The Moonlight Edition,which was released the subsequent year.
“Prisoner”belongs in the Miley Cyrus discography Hall of Fame because it showcasesMiley’s abilityto complement her song partner. The song mixes dance, disco, and punk influences to great effect. It was a commercial hit, too, peaking at number 12 on theBillboardGlobal 200.
9’Nothing Breaks Like A Heart'
With Mark Ronson
Miley’s proven to be a master of many genres. Her versatility is on display in “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart,” from multi-hyphenate producer Mark Ronson’s 2019 collaboration albumLate Night Feelings.The song leans into disco, pop, country, and jazz influences, its sonic versatility cementing it asan essential Miley track.
Vocally, “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart” relies on Miley’s country roots — it’s almost a nostalgic listen for me.Miley and Ronsonare veterans of their craft, and that’s apparent on this track. They offer listeners a cautionary, sultry heartbreak ballad that spans genres with mass appeal and staying power.
8'23'
With Mike WiLL Made-It, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J
Miley Cyrus made herrap debut alongside hip-hop legends. Mike WiLL Made It has worked on iconic hits, including Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble.” And you’ve probably bopped to Wiz Khalifa’s “Work Hard, Play Hard,” and Juicy J’s “Bandz a Make Her Dance.” This unlikely roster was destined to make a hit.
“23” is a charismatic club hit, peaking at 11 on theBillboardHot 100. And despite what some critics had to say, Miley held her own among rap greats; I wouldn’t mind hearing another rap project from her. While Miley’s first and foremost asuperior vocalist, “23” further defined her status as a risk-taker who’s not afraid to experiment.
7’Edge of Midnight'
With Stevie Nicks
This disco, synth-pop-rock anthem is a mash-up of Miley’s “Midnight Sky” and Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen.”“Edge of Midnight"is every pop lover’s dream: two trailblazing icons from different generations came together to sing aboutindependence and personal evolution— themes Miley is familiar with as a former child star.
“Edge of Midnight” is one of Miley’sbest collaborationsbecause it shows that she has staying power and that her talent transcends generations. Her voice effortlessly complementsStevie’s one-of-a-kind tone, proving once again she was born to perform with the greats. It’s impressive how well Cyrus' performance holds up against formerFleetwood Mac member (and legend) Stevie Nicks.
6’II Most Wanted'
With Beyoncé
When news broke that Miley was teaming up withBeyoncéonCowboy Carter, I started listing the possibilities of what the song would sound like.Bey and Mileyare both versatile and expert shape-shifters, switching genres with professional swagger, so I knew anything was possible with this track. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed.
The Grammy-winning“II Most Wanted” has some nostalgia factor, too. Although Miley’s primarily known for her pop hits, her Tennessee roots run deep. This besties' anthem is aclassic country ballad, complete with plucky guitar riffs and sweet harmonies. In another universe, Miley Stewart would sing this to her BFF Lily Truscott onHannah Montana.
5’Before The Storm'
With The Jonas Brothers
A Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus collaboration was inevitable considering their connection to Disney. “Before the Storm” is a teen pop dream. It’s a breakup duet written and performed by teenage Nick and Miley, one of Disney’s most iconic couples. I wonder if they had guessed that nearly 20 years later, they’d still be among the top artists in the world.
Pop culture lore aside, “Before the Storm” is an emotional, moving ballad. The song is influenced by both acts' early sounds, with elements of pop, rock, and country. WhileNick and Mileydidn’t confirm their relationship until years after they broke up, their chemistry was apparent from the track.
4’SMS (Bangerz)'
With Britney Spears
Miley Cyrus and BritneySpearsboth started their career in the Disney machine and experienced a ton of (unnecessary and harmful) scrutiny while coming of age in the spotlight. Both Miley and Britney had to deal with criticism regarding their sexuality and ability to be role models. Neither artist escaped the fame machine unscathed.
Miley and Britney had to deal with criticism regarding their sexuality and ability to be role models.
“SMS (Bangerz)”feels like the stars reclaiming the narrative.It’s not sugary sweet pop — it’s got a more Kesha or Charli XCX vibe. Miley andBritneydeliver a performance that reminds listeners that while they’re masters of their craft, they still like to have a bit of fun. Miley has a ton of fun dance tracks, but a Britney feature is essential to any playlist.
3’Tangerine'
With Big Sean
From 2015’sMiley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz,“Tangerine”is one of Miley’s most experimental songs. It blendspsychedelic popwith hip-hop and R&B influences. This song (and the entire album) shows Miley is an ambitious songwriter and producer; her sound is never complacent.
“Tangerine” takes listeners on a complex, vulnerable journey withMiley and Big Seanas they explore themes of loss and rebirth. This is a standout collaboration because you’d expect Miley and Big Sean to collab on a hip-hop club hit, not a five-minute psychedelic pop track. The song is also notable for sampling “Butterfly, How Long It Takes to Die” by The Flaming Lips, heroes of hers who actually joined her onstage for the Bangerz Tour.
2’Overboard' - Live
With Justin Bieber
Although early in their careers,Justin Bieber and Miley knew how to command a crowd with a duetwhen the two were both just teens. Recorded live from Madison Square Garden in 2011, Miley and Justin’s “Overboard” collaboration is a remix of the studio version with Jessica Jarrell featured on the Biebs’Never Say Neverremixes album.
“Overboard” is about a tumultuous love, leaning into pop and R&B influences. The live performance was an iconic moment for diehard pop-heads, and it’s cemented as one of Miley’s best collaborations because she’s always known how to shine while still complementing her song partner. The two bring out the best in each other here, building off of each other’s great onstage chemistry to deliver an amazing performance.
1’My Darlin''
With Future
Miley, Mike WiLL Made It, and Futuretransform Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me”into a heartbreaking plea for love. It’s a big responsibility sampling such an iconic and beloved song, but the trio didn’t disappoint.“My Darlin’” is an obvious call back to “Stand By Me” but still manages to feel original and unique to Miley. The song is equal parts heart-wrenching and passionate, with Miley giving her all in an in-your-face, explosive vocal performance.
Not to mention, I’m desperate forMiley and Futureto work together again. She sounds right at home with the rapper, and she doesn’t have to compromise her country twang to fit in. The two have a knack for bringing out the best in each other, without compromising their distinct styles.
There are other collaborations that didn’t make this list, but that doesn’t reflect on their quality; really no Miley collab is skipable. No matter who she’s collaborating with or the genre, Miley maintains her one-of-a-kind identity.
