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Review: Miley Cyrus’ New Single “We Can’t Stop”

Posted by Shamir Lee on 06/24 at 10:49 AM

I’m not really a Miley Cyrus fan. I wasn’t obsessed with “Hannah Montana” back in the day, but I did like the bone dance, and I did see a Hannah Montana movie. All I remember is some dance in a barn, at least I think it was in a barn. Anyway, at the 2013 Billboard Awards, Cyrus announced that she would be releasing a new single. With her new style, I thought I might stay tuned for that and see if I like it.  “We Can’t Stop” was released June 3rd to positive reviews. But contrary to the title, I’m able to control myself and I can stop listening to this snooze-fest.

It’s not that I hate it, I just don’t care about it. She sounds like she’s whining throughout the entire four minutes. Miley’s voice isn’t bad, but this song definitely doesn’t do it justice. I feel like she was trying to build up to something explosive, but instead the track remains flat the whole time. On top of that, the lyrics are so generic. There are too many songs dominating the charts nowadays about partying. It would’ve been nice if Miley brought something new to the table, especially since she had a part in writing the lyrics. I felt like this was “Party in the USA” part two, or “This Was Supposed to be a Ke$ha Song” part ten.

What’s worse, however, is the accompanying music video released to VEVO on June 19th. Miley has already caused a stir with her new, “edgy” appearance. This video might cause more of a whirlwind. Dressed in underwear and small shirts revealing her midriff and bare legs isn’t really the problem. It’s her movements and actions that cause her to appear a bit, shall I say, vulgar. She’s trying way too hard to pull off this “I don’t care what people think,” “I’m so unique,” punk attitude. I respect a person who is able to be themselves despite all the conformity in the world. But when it’s forced, which is how Miley’s style appears to be, I just can’t respect it.

In the comment section, viewers were writing things along the lines of “she’s growing up! Leave her alone!” If growing up means wearing less clothes, partying all the time, humping inanimate objects, and drinking, then I think I want to stay an adolescent. Forever. I’m not saying I haven’t done those things (including humping inanimate objects. Um, just kidding), but since when does acting stupid = grown up? It’s a bad message to send out that says growing up and becoming an adult means you have to start being rebellious and stop caring. In the song, Miley sings “red cups and sweaty bodies everywhere.” Who likes sweaty bodies? Anywhere? Especially at a party, that just stinks, literally!

I disagree with the comments calling Miley a “slut.” That’s just as inappropriate as the video. It’s rude and very hurtful. I also don’t like the comments saying “I miss the old Miley.” It is true she’s growing up. She’s turning 21 this year. You can’t expect her to stay the same person forever. However, I do see this video as desperation. Maybe this is really who Miley is now. Maybe it’s not fake. Maybe she’s not trying too hard at all. But from my perspective, the whole thing, the image, the song, the video, makes me wish she would stop.

What’s your opinion?

Here’s the video below: