Miley Cyrus' 'Endless Summer Vacation' Is Her Best Album Yet
Miley Cyrus released "Flowers" on January 13, 2023—her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth's birthday. The timing wasn't coincidental. The self-love anthem became an instant cultural phenomenon, signaling both a personal declaration of independence and the arrival of something special: Endless Summer Vacation, her most cohesive album to date.
"Flowers" soared to the top of the charts, becoming Cyrus' biggest hit since 2013's "Wrecking Ball." It was the perfect preview of what fans would discover when the full album dropped on March 10, 2023—Cyrus at her most confident, vulnerable, and artistically fearless.
Endless Summer Vacation marks Cyrus' debut on Columbia Records and her entry into a new decade of life. The album's twelve tracks (thirteen if you count the bonus "Flowers" demo) explore heartbreak, self-discovery, and resilience without making divorce its central narrative. In typical Cyrus fashion, there's plenty of room for fun, liberation, and moving forward.
The album opens strong with "Flowers," then flows into "Jaded"—an unapologetically honest track about erasing an ex's number while keeping his t-shirt. It's the kind of specific, relatable detail that makes Cyrus' songwriting resonate.
Track three, "Rose Colored Lenses," gives the album its name and showcases production from Kid Harpoon, who's worked with Harry Styles and Shawn Mendes. The song emphasizes the appeal of permanence, with Cyrus pleading to "stay like this forever."
"Thousand Miles" pairs Cyrus with folk-country powerhouse Brandi Carlile, with whom she's performed before during Miley's New Year's Eve Party. While the collaboration delivers thoughtful imagery ("All I get is a dial tone / And instead of hangin' up, I hang my head"), Carlile's vocals feel surprisingly restrained. Had she been unleashed to match Cyrus' energy, the track could have been transcendent.
The waltzy "You" follows, with Cyrus yearning for "late-night sweet magic, that forever-lasting love"—a track that wouldn't feel out of place in a rom-com soundtrack.
"Handstand" marks a distinct shift. The album transforms from its laid-back morning vibe into something more electric and nocturnal. A spoken-word intro gives way to pulsating club energy—all strobe lights and uninhibited movement.
"River," the album's second single, delivers high-energy optimism: when one love story ends, another begins. It's a philosophy Cyrus seems to be living, as she's rumored to be dating producer Maxx Morando, who worked on several album tracks including the standout "Violet Chemistry."
"Violet Chemistry" radiates self-assurance through both its lyrics and driving beat. The Monet-inspired bridge that emerges near the song's conclusion is breathtaking—a moment where Cyrus' artistic ambition fully clicks.
Sia appears on "Muddy Feet," adding her distinctive touch while maintaining the album's momentum. It's a subdued collaboration, but fans familiar with Sia's work will appreciate the subtle layers she contributes.
The final trio—"Wildcard," "Island," and "Wonder Woman"—deliver on everything that came before. "Wildcard" exposes Cyrus' vulnerability, acknowledging that loving someone is never enough. "Island" continues this introspection, questioning whether she's stranded or in paradise, anchored by an infectious chorus.
The closing ballad "Wonder Woman" showcases Cyrus' raw vocal power in its purest form. Written after her grandmother's passing, the song carries profound emotional weight. Cyrus has shared that her grandmother was one of her biggest supporters, making this tribute even more poignant.
Digital versions include "Flowers (Demo)"—a stripped-down early version that makes listeners appreciate how dramatically the song evolved.
To celebrate the release, Cyrus recorded the Disney+ special Miley Cyrus—Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), where she performs new tracks and discusses her creative process. Her enthusiasm is infectious and genuine.
Endless Summer Vacation might be Cyrus' strongest album yet. It demonstrates how her willingness to experiment while staying authentic allows her to push boundaries and create art that reaffirms her relevance and creativity. At 30, Cyrus isn't just moving past heartbreak—she's defining what artistic evolution looks like when you refuse to be anyone but yourself.
She can buy herself flowers. And she can make herself damn good albums too.