“End of the World” combines nostalgic pop melodies with striking visuals, showcasing Miley Cyrus’ evolving musical identity while hinting at ‘Something Beautiful’ – an album expected to be a cinematic and genre-blurring exploration of life's indulgent pleasures and chaotic beauty.
Follow our Today’s Song(s) playlist
Listen: “End of the World” – Miley Cyrus
As the countdown begins to the launch of her highly awaited ninth studio album Something Beautiful, Miley Cyrus has unveiled another enticing preview with the single “End of the World.” This track, the third to be released from the forthcoming album, is a collaboration with indie pop band Alvvays and gives a glimpse into Cyrus’ musical evolution, merging classic pop elements with vibrant visuals and a hint of retro inspiration.
This single joins two earlier releases, “Prelude” and the title track, both offering fans an exciting sneak peek at what to expect when Something Beautiful is released on May 30. In many ways, “End of the World” serves as a contemporary anthem, featuring an exhilarating mix of hedonism, nostalgia, and defiance in the face of uncertainty.
Album cover for Miley Cyrus’ ‘Something Beautiful,’ available May 30 via Columbia Records
Cyrus’ latest track begins with an electrifying disco beat that instantly immerses listeners in a world where the apocalypse is just a distant thought – at least for now. Written and produced by Cyrus along with Shawn Everett, Michael Pollack, Jonathan Rado, and Alvvays’ Molly Rankin and Alec O’Hanley, the song possesses a timeless quality, with rich layers of live strings, ’70s glam-inspired piano chords, and a groovy bass line that resonates deeply. However, the standout aspect of the track lies in its lyrics, expressing both a desire for escapism and a celebration of a life lived to the fullest.
Through lines like, “Let’s pretend it’s not the end of the world,” and “Show me how you’d hold me if tomorrow wasn’t coming for sure,” Cyrus conveys the bittersweet urgency of living in the present, even amidst an uncertain future. The upbeat and carefree nature of the song contrasts with its underlying melancholic narrative, adding a sense of defiance – anthemic for anyone feeling inclined to celebrate while the world faces turmoil.
“End of the World” exudes an infectious energy that is impossible to overlook, featuring a sing-along chorus and playful references to Malibu, McCartney, and a life well lived. If this track is any indication, Cyrus is preparing for an album that honors the hedonistic joy of the now, the hope found in living without regrets, and an encouragement to embrace life, despite the chaos that surrounds it.
The music video for “End of the World,” co-directed by Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman, and Brendan Walter, vividly brings this sentiment to life.
Set on a smoke-filled stage reminiscent of her iconic 2024 Grammys performance, the video opens with Cyrus in an emerald green Mugler dress, her sultry and intentional movements captured in dramatic poses. The video alternates between dreamy shots of her writhing in front of a drum set, set against a glowing backdrop, and more intimate moments that highlight her ethereal presence.
The visuals, drenched in a golden hue, evoke an ’80s starlet vibe, paying homage to glam-pop icons of the past. It nods to a time when music videos were as much about spectacle and fashion as about the music itself. Cyrus embraces this concept, incorporating high fashion with archival pieces from Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, and Alaïa. The striking visuals also reflect the themes of the concept album Something Beautiful, with extravagant couture aligning with the fantastical and escapist tone of the music.
The video’s retro glamour serves not only as a homage to the past but as a conscious choice that underscores the song’s message of seizing the moment, even when the end seems near. It exemplifies the creation of visual art that feels as enduring as the music itself.
Cyrus’ collaboration with Alvvays is merely the beginning of what Something Beautiful promises to be, an album that is bold and eclectic.
Inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall, Cyrus has described the album as a “concept album” aimed to “medicate… a sick culture through music.” She intends to craft a sonic landscape that is both cinematic and highly personal, attempting to navigate the turbulence of contemporary life through a lens of optimism.
Accompanying the album will be a visual film set for release in June, which will illustrate the narrative of Something Beautiful in a fresh way. This film is not just a collection of music videos, but a unique visual journey – what Cyrus refers to as a “pop opera,” enriched by fantasy and driven by her heartfelt approach to the project. The film is slated to make as significant a statement as the
A delicate, hauntingly beautiful indie folk dream, "bear walk" by mary in the junkyard resonates with pain both internally and externally as the London-based band conveys a poignant tale of love and loss, departure and desire.
Actor Ben Barnes is at last embracing his true self and fulfilling childhood aspirations with the launch of his deeply emotional debut album, ‘Where the Light Gets In.’
This is our most recent preview of what to anticipate from her forthcoming second album, 'If You Asked For A Picture'.
The new performances feature the band's largest headline show thus far in London.
Singer/songwriter Hannah Cohen shares how the serene beauty and natural splendor of the Catskills allowed her to reconnect with herself, establish new foundations, and produce her latest album, ‘Earthstar Mountain’ – an exceptionally beautiful work born from tranquility, clarity, healing, and a sense of home.
"End of the World" combines nostalgic pop melodies with striking visuals, showcasing Miley Cyrus' developing musical style and paving the way for 'Something Beautiful' – an album that aims to be a cinematic, genre-blurring journey through the hedonistic pleasures and chaotic splendor of life.