Miley Cyrus continues to captivate the music world with her upcoming project, *Something Beautiful*, an ambitious visual album inspired by Pink Floyd's seminal work, *The Wall*. Slated for a 2025 release, Cyrus describes the concept album as being aimed at meditating the ailments of contemporary culture through music. This latest endeavor marks her ninth studio album, following the success of her 2023 release, *Endless Summer Vacation*, and is touted to be her most experimental work yet. Drawing from a variety of influences that include film, fashion, and other art forms, *Something Beautiful* bridges the gap between auditory and visual experiences.
The visual element plays a crucial role in *Something Beautiful*, with Cyrus stating that it drives the musical experience. In an interview with *Harper's Bazaar*, she highlighted the importance of each song possessing “healing sound properties,” with compositions that convey a narrative of beauty in life’s darker moments. According to Cyrus, the album leans heavily on the glamor and spectacle, inspired partly by iconic runway shows such as Thierry Mugler's 1995 collection, helping to shape the music's aesthetic texture. Collaboration with renowned producer Shawn Everett, known for his work with The War on Drugs and Alabama Shakes, adds a nuanced touch to the album’s sound, influenced by a mélange of references from visual arts to multimedia.
Cyrus' longstanding relationship with music industry figures continues with this project, as her boyfriend Maxx Morando, drummer for the band Liily, has co-produced several tracks. Their collaboration reflects Cyrus's past, where personal and professional life often intertwined, driving her creative process and enriching the thematic depth of her projects. Morando’s influence on *Something Beautiful* extends beyond production to co-writing the title track, melding personal inspiration with musical innovation.
*Something Beautiful* also finds inspiration in cinematic references. Cyrus cites the 1982 film adaptation of Pink Floyd's *The Wall* as a formative influence, recalling watching it during her teenage years. This experience sparked a desire to reinterpret the film's themes with more contemporary aesthetics and a significant dose of popular culture. Cyrus also drew from Panos Cosmatos' 2018 film *Mandy*, which left an indelible mark on her creative psyche despite her initial proposal for a musical adaptation being unrealized. Cosmatos, however, remains heavily involved in the visual aspect of the album, enhancing its experimental edge with his distinctive style.
As Miley Cyrus prepares to launch what might be her most ambitious project to date, the anticipation grows within her fan base and the music industry. With each creative endeavor, Cyrus reaffirms her position as a transformative artist, challenging conventions and embracing innovation. *Something Beautiful* promises to be a compelling exploration of sound and vision, highlighted by Cyrus’s unique ability to translate personal evolution into universal messages.