The MagazineCanada

Those who scoff at Miley Cyrus may be surprised to find Breakout sharper and more workable than expected. The record shifts toward a rock-leaning edge, trading some of the sparkly pop sheen of the debut for punchy guitar riffs, brisk percussion, and a tempo that rarely eases up. It isn’t a monument to introspection or a revolution in sound; its appeal lies in how confidently it rides a wave of pop punk energy while flirting with subtle electro textures. Cyrus’s voice lands with a fearless, cheeky clarity, tracing sass and vulnerability in equal measure as the songs surge forward with catchy hooks and a chorus-ready backbone. The performances feel lived-in and practical, the kinds of vocal decisions that make the melodies easy to latch onto on first listen, and even easier to whistle along to on a long drive. Production choices emphasize a glossy sheen without drowning the grit, so the guitars bite just enough to remind you that this is a rock-ish pop record, not a pure studio confection. The pacing benefits from a string of high-energy cuts that propel the listener through the first half with a sense of momentum that mirrors a teenager stepping into her own independence. Standout tracks include Full Circle, which announces a confident leap into personal autonomy; Fly On The Wall, a gleefully candid take on life in the spotlight; Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, a spirited cover that reinterprets the classic with modern punch; and 7 Things, a sharp, relatable crush anthem that remains a crowd favorite. The album’s mood shifts toward the end, where a handful of ballads slow the tempo and a dedicated environmental message, Wake Up America, arrives with earnestness that some listeners may find a touch preachy, yet it also introduces a contrasting layer of social awareness that keeps the record from feeling one-note. Still, the energy earlier in Breakout is infectious enough to keep the listener engaged, and the overall spirit feels like a bridge between early teen-pop bravado and a more assured, pop-rock confidence that fans in the United States and Canada would likely embrace. For listeners who enjoyed A Little Bit Longer by the Jonas Brothers, Breakout offers a familiar blueprint—a brisk tempo, singable melodies, and a sense of youthful exuberance that translates well beyond the initial hype.