Miley Cyrus has reached into her musical archives with a touch of nostalgia while addressing the challenges posed by the modern, digitally driven lifestyle. On September 3, she released “Bass Persuades,” the lead single from her tenth studio album, which shares the same name. Accompanying the track, a vibrant music video directed by long-time collaborator Mert Alas highlights the song’s themes.
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In this new chapter of her career, Cyrus has chosen to simply go by “Miley,” dropping her last name as she embarks on what promises to be an exciting musical journey. “Bass Persuades” is infused with an ‘80s vibe, combining synth melodies with a pulsating dance-pop rhythm. The lyrics focus on the distractions of smartphones and screens, urging listeners to step away from their devices and embrace the joy of dancing.
The track’s central refrain, “The kids don’t want to dance,” serves as a stark reminder of the impact of technology on contemporary social interactions. Cyrus goes on to encourage her listeners to “surrender to the night,” suggesting that the joy of live music and dancing has been overshadowed by the omnipresence of digital devices. This nostalgic undertone is evident as she reflects on missing the excitement of music videos on MTV, further highlighting the disconnect between past and present.
The music video brings the song’s message to life, featuring Cyrus in a series of stylish outfits—from a leather hat and black bra to high-waisted underwear, stockings, and a leather jacket. She is seen dancing energetically alongside a troupe of backup dancers, culminating in a vibrant street party that spills out into the city. This lively visual reinforces the album’s assertion of music’s power to transform lives.
In explaining the concept behind the album, Cyrus expressed her deep connection to music and its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. She shared her thoughts in a heartfelt Instagram post, stating, “Music takes hold of us. We feel it, sing it, sometimes dance to it, let it out and carry on. It is powerful, vulnerable, sweet and strong.” Emphasising the significance of the album, she added, “Thank you for being a part of making my wildest dreams come true.”
This album follows her previous work, “Something Beautiful,” released in 2025, and has been hinted at for some time. Just days before the single’s release, Cyrus shared moody, red-tinted photographs and a black-and-white video of herself playing electric guitar, building anticipation among her fans.
In a July interview with Daryl Hannah for *Wonderland*, Cyrus described the album as a complex love story, asserting that love is rarely simple. “This album is a love story, but love stories are never one-dimensional. They’re always layered,” she noted. The artist, now engaged to musician Maxx Morando, has indicated that a sense of peaceful love features prominently throughout the album.
Cyrus reflected on her personal growth, stating, “Once your relationship with yourself changes, every relationship around you changes too.” She described the new material as a celebration of this evolution, intertwining themes of love and self-acceptance.
As she embarks on this musical era, Cyrus continues to honour the legacy of her godmother, Dolly Parton, who was described as a significant influence in the album’s press materials. Parton’s recent passing was acknowledged, underscoring the profound effect she had on Cyrus both personally and professionally.
The talented singer-songwriter is also gearing up for a return to the stage. Cyrus is set to perform two shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 16 and 18, marking her first major performances since last appearing at the Corona Capital music festival in Mexico City in November 2022.
In her Instagram announcement for the upcoming shows, Cyrus expressed her excitement about returning to the iconic venue: “The Hollywood Bowl is my favourite place to experience music and see my favourite artists… LA is my heart and I’m bringing it home. See you there.”
Tickets for the concerts will be available via a series of presales starting from September 8, with a general sale following on September 10. Fans will also have the opportunity for early access depending on their Spotify membership status.
Cyrus’s latest project is poised to make a significant impact, building on her previous accolades including a Grammy win for Record of the Year in 2024 and a subsequent Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2025 with Beyoncé. As she steps into this new era, audiences can expect an album that represents her growth as an artist and an individual, one that engages with the past while looking toward the future with hope and expectation.