Album Review: Bangerz, by Miley Cyrus

If you can get past the über sexed up image of a former Disney starlet, aren’t bothered by songs peppered with profanity, drug use, mediocre vocal ability and some ridiculous lyrics, then there are a handful of tracks that are actually GOOD and worth listening to on this disc. The best cuts are the ones that don’t revolve around drugs and partying, but find Miley in a vulnerable state, wearing her heart on her sleeve. Songs like “Adore” and “My Darlin'” contain romantic musings and wistful nods to walking down the aisle (

I love lying next to you/I could do this for eternity/You and me/We’re meant to be in holy matrimony).  One has to wonder if most of the songs are an autobiographical representation of her failed relationship with Liam Hemsworth and how Miley’s dealing with the aftermath of an engagement gone wrong. Her second single “Wrecking Ball” is easily the best song on the album, but there are other standout tracks including the catchy Pharell produced “#GetitRight”, and “Drive.”

Bangerz musical influences mix together a throwback sound that’s reminiscent of early 90s hip hop, pop/rock and even country (“4×4” featuring Nelly). An unusual conglomeration of sounds, but strangely, they work here. And even though Miley’s not a gifted vocalist by any means, there are a few moments when you can hear something really good in her voice and wish she’d tap into that instead of the auto-tuned average pop performance found on most of the album.