Bass Persuades Finds Miley Back on the Dance Floor, if Not Quite in Step: Review

Miley Cyrus, now 33, wants to know why kids aren't dancing anymore. On her tenth album, Bass Persuades, released in 2023, she makes a solid case for getting back on the dance floor. Although the lyrics don't always match the beat, her mature sound continues to build upon what she's been creating since leaving the Hannah Montana world behind. Her fearless and loyal collaboration has led her to explore various musical styles, from hip-hop/pop to psychedelic influences.

The album opens with "Bass Persuades," featuring a dark synth intro and a spoken verse reminiscent of Lady Gaga's early work. The dystopian nightclub atmosphere creates an interesting picture, but occasional odd lyric choices, such as "paving over pastures 'cause horses are gone" and "candy's cut with fentanyl that nobody wants," pull the listener out of the song. These lines seem to reference Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" and drug-related imagery, respectively, but their meanings remain unclear.

The second track, "Different Religion" featuring Model/Actriz, starts with a grinding drop and industrial sounds. However, the religious analogy, where Miley's new religion is centered around a lover, feels forced and doesn't contribute to the song's depth. Comparisons to songs like Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus" and Madonna's "Like a Prayer" show that Miley's lyrics about a "hot boy" lack the complexity and meaning that made those classics resonate.

The album shows improvement with "Let's Get Married," which offers a softer, dreamy turn from the previous club-oriented songs. This softer moment allows Miley to reflect on her love for fiancé Maxx Morando, a relationship that she has previously collaborated on in Endless Summer Vacation and Something Beautiful.