Miley Cyrus’ eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation, debuted to thunderous applause and several broken records. The first single from the album, “Flowers”, was released in January, and rapidly became the most streamed song in its first week in Spotify history. The album expectedly followed suit, rising to number one on the iTunes charts in only 14 minutes.
‘Endless Summer Vacation’ by Miley Cyrus is the fastest album this year to reach #1 on US iTunes (14 mins). pic.twitter.com/u7KFZtmyyo
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) March 10, 2023
“Flowers” became a global phenomenon for its message of self love. The track was allegedly inspired by Cyrus’ divorce from actor Liam Hemsworth, as the lyrics contain several references to their relationship. The pair met on the set of the 2010 film The Last Song, and dated on and off for a few years before tying the knot. Cyrus’ outgoing personality and ability to remain unapologetically herself was previously blamed for the divorce in the tabloid media, but the song has largely shifted the public perspective on the situation.
Cyrus has had several eras as a musician–from her pop-country Disney Channel roots to hip-hop infused Bangerz and her classic rock fueled Plastic Hearts. This album is a culmination of the several genres that Cyrus has experimented with throughout her career. Cyrus held an album release party last night in Los Angeles, and today, her famous “Backyard Sessions” for Endless Summer Vacation were released on Disney+. Several other acclaimed musicians and former Disney stars were in attendance, including Adele, Shawn Mendes, Sabrina Carpenter, Cyrus’ producer Mike Will, and more.
https://twitter.com/MileyNation13/status/1634262577927561246?s=20
Miley Cyrus at her Endless Summer Vacation release party! pic.twitter.com/L6PpswcqHQ
— Miley Nation (@MileyNation13) March 10, 2023
Shawn Mendes and Sabrina Carpenter leaving Miley Cyrus' album release party together. pic.twitter.com/rCTKFCWoEc
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 10, 2023
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While Cyrus’ usual fans are singing praises for the album, new fans have taken to social media to voice support for the project as well. The album’s versatile sound and honest songwriting has proven relatable for a wide audience. In her “Backyard Sessions,” she offers more explanations for her songwriting choices. Her duet with Grammy winner Brandi Carlisle, “Thousand Miles,” is a tribute to her younger sister and fellow musician Noah Cyrus, who has stuck by her side through thick and thin. Cyrus explained that the song is a celebration of sisterhood.
“I wrote it in 2016 or 2017 after one of my really close friends lost her sister to suicide I just couldn’t imagine not having my little sister in my life so I wrote this song for her.”
– Miley Cyrus wrote “Thousand Miles” for her sister Noah.
— Miley Edition (@MileyEdition) March 10, 2023
The music community is also applauding Cyrus’ ambitious album, which incorporates elements of soft rock, disco, pop, and hip-hop. Erykah Badu sent Cyrus flowers, of course in honor of her hit song “Flowers.” Actress Kat Graham, known for her role as Bonnie Bennett on the CW’s The Vampire Diaries, previously played a character named Allison on Cyrus’ hit Disney Channel show Hannah Montana. The actress shared a heartfelt tribute to her former costar on Twitter today.
The Queen of Neo-Soul Erykah Badu sent Miley Cyrus flowers congratulating her to her album release ???? pic.twitter.com/zJYLsnmLmo
— pure thique USED TO BE YOUNG (@purethiquekj) March 10, 2023
She can buy herself floweeeers!!! Celebrating the fearless and amazing @MileyCyrus today! Congrats baby girl on your album release day! Sending you all the fierce love, and highest vibes today! ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/jIcn0FflWi
— Kat Graham (@KatGraham) March 10, 2023
In Cyrus’ Disney+ Backyard Sessions, she performed a Disney-era fan favorite song–2009’s “The Climb,” which was notably featured in Hannah Montana The Movie. The song, which details her journey to self discovery, takes on a whole new meaning now that Cyrus is in her 30s and has countless more life experiences. Fans thought it was the perfect addition to her Endless Summer Vacation setlist, as the album’s central themes are healing, self love, and the importance of sisterhood and friendships.
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The Climb on Disney 2009 // The Climb on Disney 2023 pic.twitter.com/MSkqus9JmR
— Miley Cyrus News (@MileyArmy) March 10, 2023
Cyrus discussed how personal this album was to her, and the valuable advice that her producer Mike Will gave her during the creative process. While “Flowers” and several songs on the album take back Cyrus’ side of the narrative of her highly publicized relationship with Liam Hemsworth, Will’s advice also allowed for her to continue to find herself creatively.
Miley Cyrus shares advice Mike Will gave her while working on endless summer vacation. pic.twitter.com/q5XrWU3o3m
— Miley Cyrus Updates (@MileyCyrusBz) March 10, 2023
Endless Summer Vacation is now available on streaming services. Don’t forget to buy yourself flowers before listening–it’s what Miley would want for all of her listeners.