Miley Cyrus’ career has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, experiencing a resurgence of sorts with the hit track “Flowers” released this January and its companion album, Endless Summer Vacation. The song became her biggest success to date, reaching number one in over 40 countries and breaking several streaming records. The singer, at the age of 30, is already prepared to kick off a new era as she began teasing a new song to be released at a yet unknown time, and theories abound that it’ll be titled “Used to Be Young.”
Earlier this week, posters began springing up in France bearing lyrics from several of Miley’s biggest early hits, including “Party in the U.S.A.,” “The Climb,” “Wrecking Ball,” and also “Flowers.” However, alongside them was a poster with the unheard lyric “I say I used to be young,” presumably from the new track. Miley shared video footage of the posters and added more lyrics for her caption, which reads: “I know I used to be crazy. I know I used to be fun. You say I used to be wild. I say I used to be young.”
In her May interview with British Vogue, Miley discussed the upcoming track, stating that it serves as a response to her party girl days and a reflection on the changes in her life since embracing sobriety. She explained that while her previous tracks like “We Can’t Stop” were synonymous with the club scene, her current lifestyle revolved around moments spent in rose gardens and museums. Miley emphasized that the new song is not about being self-serious, but rather a reflection of her evolution as an artist and individual.
The release of the new song coincides with a significant anniversary for Miley. September 30, 2023, marks the milestone tenth anniversary of her seminal record, Bangerz. The album produced hits like “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball,” with the latter becoming her first number one hit worldwide. It also featured the emotionally charged “Adore You.” However, it was not just the music that garnered attention during the album’s promotional cycle.
The promotional cycle for Bangerz introduced a more sexually provocative image for Miley, who had previously been associated with her Disney persona, Hannah Montana. Her willingness to address intimate details of her relationship with ex-partner Liam Hemsworth also drew attention and contributed to the record’s popularity. The party tracks, especially lead single “We Can’t Stop,” which introduced twerking to mainstream audiences, and her infamous 2013 MTV VMAs performance with Robin Thicke, sparked both criticism and newfound admiration for the artist.
Despite the controversies surrounding her image, Miley has shown growth and authenticity throughout her career. Now, as she prepares to release new music, she continues to honor her past by announcing a special vinyl anniversary edition of Bangerz. This celebration of the album demonstrates her acknowledgment of its significance and the impact it had on shaping her career.
Miley Cyrus is embarking on a new era, leaving her party girl days behind as she evolves into an artist who embraces sobriety and reflects on her personal growth. Her upcoming song, “Used to Be Young,” signifies this transition and promises to offer a fresh perspective on her journey. While she gained notoriety with the provocative image associated with Bangerz, Miley remains true to her roots by recognizing the album’s tenth anniversary. As fans eagerly await her latest release, it’s clear that Miley’s evolution as an artist is both impressive and inspiring.
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