Cyrus refuses to deviously fade into the sea of artists who have followed a similar adoption of previous pop roots. In many ways ‘Midnight Sky’ finds its greatest asset through its masterful mediation of two distinct and defined identities. Boasting the ability to juggle an honest rendition of a formerly glamourise pop-era, whilst simultaneously harbouring Miley’s synonymous gritty and attitude-filled presence makes the track both unconventionally versatile and career-defining. Whilst no stranger to redefining herself, both in regards to persona and musical identity, the track fills me with intrigue. Being aware of her past approaches I am constantly left wondering as to whether this is yet just another experiment waiting to sour or become grossly miscalculated, or rather the start of a functional and authoritatively definitive transitional phase.
Where the track openly embraces its intensive and infectious electro-pop traits is within the production. Decked out with constantly pulsating bass embellishments and streaky synth refrains that soar above the mix, the instrumental receives all the necessary pampering to fulfill the infectious bliss the genre so often demands. Everything just feels so cohesive, so slick, and overall just a polished mix of constantly enveloping and evolving traits that demand physical participation from its audience. Outside the realm of purely existing to serve as a basis for Miley to explore an extension of exhilarating dance-pop, ‘Midnight Sky’ is among the tightest and best-produced tracks within an extended, and often convoluted Miley discography. It is within just how tastefully and meticulously composed all the elements of the track are that enables ‘Midnight Sky’, more than any other Miley track, to boast an immediate appeal to myself. No dense or overbearing mixes, just pure, extravagant flair.
Equally as electrifying and constantly yearning for free-flowing movement is the character Miley portrays lyrically. She sings of a state of mind that is above the harsh reality and earnest tribulations of the world. In a display of liberating freedom, Miley incorporates a somewhat existential strain of thought. Posing a potential theory regarding true freedom being granted when one’s head is in the clouds, guided only by the naturalistic instincts and organic path set by the midnight sky. With lyrics such as “I was born to run, I don’t belong to anyone, oh no, I don’t need to be loved by you” and “See my lips in her mouth, everybody’s talkin’ now”, it feels as if Miley is pulling inspiration from feeling suppressed and subsequently freed from the restrictions of previous relationships. Creatively or otherwise, this granted freedom and motive is what propels the self-powered anthem of liberating potency to new heights whilst remaining grounded and linked to a point of fixated passion.
The track truly enters its own unique stride through the eccentric and emotionally bitter approach Miley takes with her vocal performance. It is through such an outlandish and unconventional pairing in which Miley disrupts the pre-conceived formula and makes it her own. Perhaps the attitude-filled angst of her presence, in theory, would be a point of contention on paper, but in practice, it is instead the fiery and commanding sound needed to cut straight through the pristine production. Cyrus exudes a wealth of confidence through her sharp and blunt delivery that only bolsters the aforementioned escapism from her restrictions. It is within the gritty teeth and character of the vocal performance that sees Miley refuse to sacrifice her integrity and core sound to venture into the realm of electro-pop. Miley’s ability to stay true to her arc and usual confronting sound is what drenches the track with such flair and distinction.
Admittedly, the track is an unexpected success. Whilst I have always had trouble warming to Miley’s particular brand and sound, whatever genre that may have been represented with, ‘Midnight Sky’ feels like something completely new. The track refuses to be clumped into the revitalising sea of vintage dance-pop renditions as Miley stamps her approval on the cut with her trademark style, only this time, she isn’t weighed down by cliche tropes or malformed, and at times grotesque sounds. The production here is everything you want in an honest and faithful rendition, and things are only bettered by how invigorated and raw Miley allows herself to be. ‘Midnight Sky’ sparks an excitement inside of me, as I am left eagerly awaiting, and hoping, that the sound is part of some greater overarching body of work or stylistic direction to come.
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