Bangerz

Miley Cyrus made a dramatic break from her past with Bangerz, her fourth studio album released on September 30, 2013. After leaving Hollywood Records and signing with RCA, Cyrus shed her Hannah Montana image for a bold, provocative sound. The album blends pop and R&B, with lyrics centered on romance and rebellion. Featuring guest spots from Britney Spears, Big Sean, French Montana, Future, Ludacris, and Nelly, Bangerz marked a clear shift in genre and tone from her earlier work. Cyrus said she felt disconnected from her previous material, and this record was her chance to redefine herself. The standard edition includes 13 tracks, with additional songs on the deluxe version.

Critics were split on Cyrus's new image but praised the album's production and originality. Bangerz debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming her fifth chart-topper and posting the third-highest opening week for a female artist in 2013. It earned a triple-platinum certification from the RIAA and a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album, Cyrus's first. Lead singles "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball" dominated the charts, with "Wrecking Ball" becoming her first number one on the Hot 100. Both music videos set Vevo records for fastest to 100 million views, and "Wrecking Ball" won Video of the Year at the 2014 MTV VMAs. Cyrus promoted the album with the Bangerz Tour in 2014, cementing her evolution from child star to a provocative pop force. [edit]