Miley Cyrus's Latest Album Sounds Stuck in the Past
Miley Cyrus's new album 'Bass Persuades' fails to leave a mark, offering diluted glam-rock and disco-pop that feels dated. Critics note that despite her distinctive voice and charisma, the record lacks inspiration and energy. The collaboration with producers Kid Harpoon and Michael Pollack results in a flat, uninspired sound.
The album arrives as Cyrus's second release following 2025's "Something Beautiful," a project she had described as Pink Floyd-inspired. Production duties fall primarily to Kid Harpoon and Michael Pollack, the duo previously responsible for her hit "Flowers." Her fiancé, Maxx Morando, serves as fourth-chair producer on nearly every track, including the ballad "Orbit," which concerns life in his sphere.
Cyrus's collaborators include Cole Haden of the band Model/Actriz on "Different Religion," and Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow, who appears on the unconventional track "Neon Signs." The record marks a continued shift toward domestic themes, reflecting her current sober, engaged lifestyle.
This release could signal a turning point in Cyrus's commercial trajectory, as critics and listeners may grow weary of recycled retro aesthetics. The album's dated sound may impact her streaming numbers and radio presence, potentially affecting how record labels approach veteran pop artists. Younger audiences, accustomed to more innovative production, may find little to engage with, while longtime fans could feel increasingly disconnected from her artistic direction.