“End of the World” blends nostalgic pop sounds with bold visuals, offering a taste of Miley Cyrus’ evolving musical style while setting the stage for ‘Something Beautiful’ – an album that promises to be a cinematic, genre-defying exploration of life’s hedonistic joys and chaotic beauty.
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Stream: “End of the World” – Miley Cyrus
As the clock ticks down to the release of her highly anticipated ninth studio album Something Beautiful, Miley Cyrus has dropped another tantalizing teaser with the single “End of the World.”
Serving as the third release from the upcoming album, this track, a collaboration with indie pop band Alvvays, offers a glimpse into Cyrus’ evolution, blending classic pop sounds with bold visuals and a touch of retro flair.
The single lands alongside two previous releases, “Prelude” and the album’s title track, both giving fans a tantalizing preview of what’s to come when Something Beautiful drops on May 30. In a sense, “End of the World” feels like an anthem for the present moment with an exhilarating blend of hedonism, nostalgia, and defiance in the face of looming uncertainty.
Cyrus’ latest offering opens with an electrifying disco-infused beat that immediately pulls you into a world where the apocalypse is merely an afterthought – at least for now. The track, written and produced by Cyrus herself alongside Shawn Everett, Michael Pollack, Jonathan Rado, and Alvvays’ Molly Rankin and Alec O’Hanley, has a timeless feel, with its rich layers of live strings, piano chords echoing ’70s glam, and a groovy bass line that gets under your skin. Yet, the real highlight here is the lyrics, which are at once a declaration of escapism and a love letter to a life lived fully.
With lines like, “Let’s pretend it’s not the end of the world,” and “Show me how you’d hold me if tomorrow wasn’t coming for sure,” Cyrus captures the bittersweet urgency of living in the now, even when the future is uncertain. The upbeat, carefree nature of the track contrasts with the underlying melancholic narrative, giving it an edge of defiance – an anthem for anyone who feels like they might as well party while the world burns.
“End of the World” has an infectious energy that makes it impossible to ignore, from its sing-along chorus to its playful references to Malibu, McCartney, and a life well lived. If this song is any indication, Cyrus is setting the stage for a record that celebrates the hedonistic joy of the present, the hope that lies in living without regrets, and a call to embrace life, even in the face of chaos.
The music video for “End of the World,” directed by Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman, and Brendan Walter, brings this feeling to life in stunning fashion.
Set on a smoke-filled stage reminiscent of her iconic 2024 Grammys performance, the video opens with Cyrus performing the song in an emerald green Mugler dress, her movements sultry and deliberate as the camera captures her in various dramatic poses. The video alternates between hazy shots of her writhing on the floor in front of a drum set, silhouetted against a glowing backdrop, and closer, more intimate moments that showcase her ethereal presence.
The dreamy visuals, bathed in a golden glow, evoke an ’80s starlet aesthetic, reminiscent of the glam-pop icons of the past. It’s a nod to an era when music videos were as much about fashion and spectacle as they were about the music. Cyrus fully embraces this approach, drawing on the world of high fashion with archival pieces from Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, and Alaïa. The striking visuals also carry a unique nod to the Something Beautiful concept album’s themes, with the extravagant couture mirroring the fantastical and escapist tone of the music.
The video’s retro glamour isn’t just a tribute to the past; it’s a deliberate choice that emphasizes the song’s underlying message of living for the moment, even when it feels like the end is near. It’s a masterclass in creating visual art that feels as timeless as the track itself.
Cyrus’ collaboration with Alvvays is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Something Beautiful, an album that promises to be as ambitious as it is eclectic.
Drawing inspiration from Pink Floyd’s The Wall, Cyrus has described the album as a “concept album” designed to “medicate… a sick culture through music.” She’s set out to create a sonic landscape that feels both cinematic and deeply personal, an attempt to process the turbulence of modern life through a lens of optimism.
Accompanying the album is a visual film, set for release in June, that will bring Something Beautiful’s narrative to life in an entirely new way. This film is not just a collection of music videos, but a unique visual experience – what Cyrus has dubbed a “pop opera,” fueled by fantasy and bolstered by her heart-first approach to the project. The film promises to be as much of a statement as the music itself, combining avant-garde elements with glamorous, larger-than-life visuals.
The album, which has already stirred anticipation with its earlier singles, will feature 13 original tracks and an expansive, multimedia experience that showcases the depth of Cyrus’ vision. Her collaboration with cinematographer Benoît Debie and the fashion-forward designs of Casey Cadwallader, who created custom Mugler pieces for the project, have only added to the buzz surrounding Something Beautiful’s release.
As with any Miley Cyrus project, “End of the World” benefits from an all-star cast behind the scenes. The track was co-written and produced by Cyrus, Shawn Everett, Michael Pollack, Jonathan Rado, and the members of Alvvays, ensuring a lush, multi-layered sound that perfectly complements the song’s theme. The video’s co-directors, Jacob Bixenman and Brendan Walter, also played crucial roles in translating Cyrus’ bold, experimental vision into stunning visuals.
Something Beautiful will see its full release on May 30 via Columbia Records, and it is already shaping up to be one of Cyrus’ most daring and original works to date.
With its blend of high-fashion, cinematic storytelling, and unforgettable pop anthems, this album is destined to make a major impact in the music world.
With “End of the World,” Miley Cyrus invites her fans to embrace the apocalypse with open arms – because what better way to face the unknown than with one last party? Whether it’s the irresistible hook, the glamorous visuals, or the bold creative direction, this track is a thrilling preview of what’s to come from Something Beautiful.
As Cyrus continues to push boundaries and redefine herself, it’s clear that her ninth studio album will be nothing short of spectacular.
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Stream: “End of the World” – Miley Cyrus
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© Glen Luchford
© Glen Luchford
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