Miley Cyrus’ journey is defined by bold artistic pivots and chart-topping success, proving that she is always one step ahead of public expectation. She has never been afraid to challenge convention, resulting in a string of smash hits that have dominated global charts and shaped the sound of pop music for nearly two decades.
Here are 10 essential songs that not only led the charts but cemented Miley Cyrus as a true music powerhouse.
Wrecking Ball (2013)
This monumental power ballad secured Cyrus her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining moment of her Bangerz era reinvention. The raw, emotional intensity of her vocal performance, combined with its controversial music video, captivated global audiences. The song spent three weeks at the top, fully establishing her as a serious and potent adult recording artist.
Flowers (2023)
Cyrus achieved the biggest hit of her career with this disco-tinged breakup anthem, which quickly became a global phenomenon for its message of self-love and empowerment. The track dominated charts worldwide, spending 10 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Official UK Singles Chart and securing her a massive total of eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned her her first two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.
Party in the U.S.A. (2009)
This incredibly infectious track remains one of Cyrus’s most enduring hits, transcending its initial release to become an unofficial American holiday anthem. Despite its commercial ubiquity and massive digital sales (it is certified 15x platinum in the U.S.), the song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It serves as the perfect bridge between her Hannah Montana past and her future as a mainstream pop icon.
The Climb (2009)
Showcasing her powerful vocal ability, this inspirational power ballad from Hannah Montana: The Movie was a crossover success that introduced Cyrus to a wider adult contemporary audience. The song peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating her genuine musical talent beyond her Disney persona. Its success provided a crucial stepping stone toward her independence as a recording artist.
We Can’t Stop (2013)
Serving as the explosive lead single for the Bangerz album, this song marked a definitive stylistic break from her previous image, embracing a mature, electronic-laced pop sound. Though it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, it was a massive streaming success and cultural talking point, signaling the start of her notorious and successful rebellion against her teen idol image.
See You Again (2007)
This early, surprisingly edgy pop-rock track was released during the Hannah Montana era, proving that Cyrus was always destined for a sound beyond children’s television. The song became her first single to enter the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, peaking at No. 10, and officially established Miley Cyrus as an artist separate from her Disney alter-ego.
7 Things (2008)
With its punk-pop energy and relatable, pointed lyrics, this song was a major hit from her second studio album, Breakout. The single reached the No. 9 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, furthering her presence on the charts outside of her highly profitable Disney soundtracks and solidifying her ability to deliver youthful, successful pop-rock anthems.
Midnight Sky (2020)
A standout track from her Plastic Hearts album, this shimmering, disco-infused song represented a successful pivot into 80s-inspired rock and pop. The track peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a long-running, stable hit across international charts, cementing her successful embrace of a rock aesthetic and further showcasing her vocal grit.
Can’t Be Tamed (2010)
Released as the lead single from her third studio album, this song marked a definitive shift into a more mature, dance-pop and synth-pop sound, fully separating her from the Disney Channel brand. The track was a commercial success, debuting and peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 191,000 digital downloads in its first week. The accompanying music video, which featured Cyrus in a provocative, edgy persona, cemented her growing reputation for pushing boundaries and embracing artistic independence.
Slide Away (2019)
A poignant, melancholic pop song released shortly after her separation from Liam Hemsworth, “Slide Away” resonated deeply with fans for its raw honesty about the disintegration of a long-term relationship. The song peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating her ability to transform personal struggle into universal, chart-hitting art.