Miley Cyrus, the chameleon of pop, has a career discography that ricochets wildly between pop, country, hip hop, and rock. With an uncanny ability to adapt and mold herself into various genres, she’s shaken off the Disney shackles and embraced a full-throttle, trail-blazing musical journey. In the mix, she’s teamed up with some heavyweights from diverse corners of the musical universe, and these alliances have given her sound a rich, eclectic quality.
Take her track with Dolly Parton, the queen of country herself, on “Rainbowland,” or her foray into the world of rap with Ludacris on “Hands in The Air”. She’s dabbled with drag icon RuPaul on the audacious “Cattitude” and even brought synth pop siren Dua Lipa into her universe on both the original and remixed versions of “Prisoner”. There’s a raw rock ‘n roll edge courtesy of a Billy Idol collaboration, and a poetic intimacy ingrained in her team-up with Brandi Carlile. Miley’s artistry morphs and weaves through different soundscapes, but her authenticity remains steadfast.
Miley has collaborated with the following artists:
- Dolly Parton
- Ludacris
- RuPaul
- Big Sean
- Future
- Anitta
- Nelly
- Ghostface Killah
- Britney Spears
- Dua Lipa
- Joan Jett
- French Montana
- Billy Idol
- Sia
- Brandi Carlile
- Stevie Nicks
These artists mold and accentuate Miley’s sound, making her one of the most daring and varied artists in contemporary pop music.
So let’s get into it. From rebellious rock anthems to bombastic pop bangers, here are the best of Miley Cyrus collabs.
17. Rainbowland (feat. Dolly Parton)
This Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton collab, a union of two generations of trailblazing forces in music, lacks the spark we’d anticipate. It’s a utopian lullaby that, while sweet in its intent, feels like it’s riding on Parton’s rhinestone-studded coattails. Despite its sunshiny aspirations, “Rainbowland” lands at the bottom of this list, primarily for its lackluster execution. Nonetheless, the song does serve as a tribute to Cyrus’ country roots, expertly looped in by Parton. It’s the perfect reminder that before Miley was an eclectic, genre-bending artist, she was just a Nashville girl with a heart full of dreams.
16. Hands in the Air (feat. Ludacris)
Ludacris)”, a Bangerz staple that truly solidified Miley Cyrus’ jump into the hip-hop realm. The track, while an energetic bop, doesn’t truly showcase Miley’s full vocal and emotional range. Ludacris’ guest spot adds that extra punch, but the overall song lacks the raw grit and emotional depth found in some of her top tracks. The track is a major departure from her early Hannah Montana days and shows an edgier, more grown-up side of Miley, but it falls short when compared to her more dynamic collaborations. “Hands in the Air” is a fun party anthem, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of her more definitive works.
15. Cattitude (feat. RuPaul)
This track, off Miley’s 2019 EP ‘She Is Coming’, is arguably one of her boldest experiments with genre-blending yet. To some, this tongue-in-cheek rap-pop hybrid teetered on the brink of being just a touch too campy. Yet, you can’t deny Miley’s knack for sheer audacity and her ability to get us talking. What “Cattitude” lacks in lyrical depth, it makes up for in its celebration of individuality and sexual liberation. A polarizing piece in Miley’s discography: it’s an anthem for the fearless, a no-holds-barred declaration of self-expression.
14. Love Money Party (feat. Big Sean)
This song, hailing from Cyrus’ polarizing 2013 album “Bangerz”, is a hip-hop influenced record that boldly tries to break free from Cyrus’ Disney persona, albeit with mixed results. Cyrus’ vocal performance is ambitious, but she struggles to maintain command alongside Big Sean’s assertive delivery. Lyrically, the song is an exploration of hedonistic pleasures, metaphorically hinging on the conceit of the title itself. While not a disaster by any means, the track’s inability to fully articulate its ambitious concept keeps it from ranking higher on the list.
13. My Darlin’ (feat. Future)
A collaborative effort with Future, this track from her boundary-pushing “Bangerz” album is undoubtedly eclipsed by its more infamous peers. Let’s not mince words here. The problem with “My Darlin'” is not Future’s impassioned bars, but Miley’s ill-advised attempt to channel her inner diva. This woman can sing, but this display of vocal gymnastics felt more like a circus act. The simple truth? Not every song requires a Mariah-level moment. It’s a prime example of ambition exceeding aptitude. Despite these missteps, “My Darlin'” does serve a purpose, reminding us that even the most talented artists can sometimes miss the mark.
12. Mother’s Daughter X Boys Don’t Cry (feat. Anitta) – Live
A testament to Cyrus’s genre-bending abilities, the track merges pop with a splash of punk-rock desperation, which is classic Miley. Still, while her attempt to legitimize pop music within a traditionally edgy framework is admirable, the track fails to land a solid punch – perhaps due to the difficult task of synthesizing two wildly different soundscapes. It’s a bold endeavour, yet the final product is more mash than meld, leaving listeners craving the assertive, harmonious blend that we know Cyrus herself is capable of. It’s a gutsy move, but one that arguably falls a bit short.
11. 4×4 (feat. Nelly)
Nelly),” a country-pop romp that’s as audacious as a shotgun wedding. This song pairs Cyrus’ trademark twang with a thunderous beat, which gives that old-school honkytonk vibe a kick up the behind. Now, Nelly’s guest verse might seem like an odd fit, but the contrast actually adds a pinch of hip hop seasonings to this country stew. Still, as much as its genre-blending takes guts, “4×4” never quite hits fifth gear, and feels like it’s running in circles sometimes. You can see where it wants to go, but it’s not quite sure how to get there, showing Miley’s bold experimentation doesn’t always land flawlessly.
10. D.R.E.A.M. (feat. Ghostface Killah)
(feat. Ghostface Killah)” is comfortably nestled in the back half of the list, proving that even when Cyrus veers into hip hop territory, she doesn’t lose that unique star quality. Ghostface Killah’s verses add a raw edge to the otherwise bubblegum pop track. Daring, yes, but it doesn’t quite hit the sweet spot of Miley’s powerhouse ballads or contagious pop anthems. Decidedly more experimental than some of her former works, “D.R.E.A.M.” showcases Miley’s versatility – but it’s not quite top-tier Cyrus. More a quirky detour than a career-defining moment, this track hits the middle ground – not her best, but hey, it’s Miley, there’s still a lot to love.
9. SMS (Bangerz) (feat. Britney Spears)
It’s the epitome of an iconic pop-culture moment where Miley teams up with none other than pop princess, Britney Spears. These divas owned late 2000s pop culture, and their collaboration is a fitting tribute to their reign. The track’s unapologetic electro-pop beat is a wink to Britney’s legacy even as it also carves out a new path for Miley. Although it’s not necessarily their best work (although few can forget Britney’s cheerleader-chant intro), “SMS (Bangerz)” stands as a testament for its time – a catchy, punchy, and bold manifesto for millennial pop queens. However, it unfortunately doesn’t push the envelope as much as some of Miley’s later tracks. It’s a fierce collaboration, but one that politely sits in the shadow of its solo stars’ respective hits.
8. Prisoner (feat. Dua Lipa) – Jax Jones Remix
While the original track was a glorious melange of classic rock and modern pop, this remix falls flat, losing much of its gritty allure in translation. The razzmatazz of Jax Jones’s EDM beats can’t quite grasp the raw, guitar-thrashing spirit of the original, making it appear like a poor attempt at monetizing on the dance music trend. It’s not that we don’t appreciate a good remix, but in this case, Miley’s rock-infused sensibilities get diluted and Dua’s molten vocals feel underused. Ouch, not quite the power collab we wished for.
7. Bad Karma (feat. Joan Jett)
With the iconic Joan Jett lending her rock ‘n’ roll vocals, this track is a high-octane ride, deliberately unpolished, sticking its middle finger up at the pop music status quo. It’s the perfect antidote to the squeaky-clean Hannah Montana image Miley’s been dismantling brick by brick. But I’ve got to say, the song ultimately lacks a bit of refinement. It’s the musical equivalent of a wild night out — thrilling in the moment, but a tad fuzzy around the edges the morning after. Overall, a bold choice that underscores Miley’s continued evolution but doesn’t quite land the punch it intends.
6. FU (feat. French Montana)
Now, “FU” is an absolute firecracker of a song that emulates the brassiness of big band with the edgy modernity of pop music, and dare I say it, Miley Cyrus sings with the fervency of a scorned diva that’s both relatable and cathartic. The feature from French Montana, though brief, adds just enough rap flair without overcrowding Miley’s vocal space. The result? A song that’s both a battle cry and a shoulder to cry on. However, for all its theatrical verve, “FU” loses points for leaning too heavily on its brassy bombast, often at the expense of lyrical depth and innovation. While the song is a daring departure from Cyrus’ bubblegum pop origins, it does fall into the trap of predictability.
5. Night Crawling (feat. Billy Idol)
This collab with punk rock legend Billy Idol has a dark, tantalizing vibe that’s hard to resist. Cyrus’ throaty growls weaving with Idol’s iconic snarl? It’s a match made in musical heaven, but it’s relatively low on our list. It leans more into Idol’s punkish appeal than Cyrus’ pop prowess. And while it’s a toe-tapping tune, it lacks the gut-wrenching emotional depth or hard-hitting beats that have propelled Cyrus to pop royalty. “Night Crawling” struts in, tosses back a shot, and struts back out, leaving listeners thirsting for a bit more connection.
4. Muddy Feet (feat. Sia)
Here we experience Miley and Sia, both powerhouse vocalists, joining forces to create this raw, blues-inspired anthem. A fascinating display of Cyrus’ ability to straddle genres, the track builds on pop’s high gloss, but also revels in rock’s grittier side. If anyone had doubts about Cyrus’ versatility, this team-up quashes them with aplomb. While Sia’s songwriting prowess and distinctive voice elevate the track, it’s Miley’s soulful delivery that leaves an indelible mark. However, the song’s appeal could have been enhanced with stronger lyrical depth and focused direction. A solid bop, but not the crown jewel of Cyrus’ discography.
3. Thousand Miles (feat. Brandi Carlile)
Joining forces with the Grammy-winner, Miley gave us a melancholic, acoustic journey that strayed away from her usual pop anthems. This song is a bittersweet symphony, where Cyrus’s rasp and Carlile’s harmonies mesh to create an authentic, raw musical experience. Their combined lyrical prowess gave birth to a track soaked in sorrow and longing, emblematic of the loneliness that often accompanies fame. Trading in synth-pop beats for an acoustic guitar, Cyrus demonstrated the growth, maturity and versatility that’s become the cornerstone of her evolving sound. Remember, when Miley and Brandi team up, ain’t nobody hit the breaks.
2. Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix) (feat. Stevie Nicks)
Stevie Nicks)”. This banger is a cosmic blend of two generations of pop artists, bringing together Miley’s “Midnight Sky” with Stevie Nicks’ timeless “Edge of Seventeen”. It’s synergy in sonic form, people. Miley’s raspy vocals blend seamlessly with Nicks’ ethereal harmonies, resulting in a rock-pop crossover that tickles every corner of the pop music spectrum. Listen closely, and you’ll hear the influence of 70’s rock melding with contemporary pop, a fusion only an audacious artist like Miley could pull off. It’s a masterful remix that simultaneously pays homage to a musical legend, and reaffirms Miley’s place in the pantheon of pop divas. Talk about an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride from dusk till dawn!
1. Prisoner (feat. Dua Lipa)
A glorious mash-up that feels like the lovechild of Blondie and Fleetwood Mac, this track pulses with unstoppable energy and undeniable chemistry. Their voices blend with palpable heat over a playfully irreverent beat; Cyrus amping up her Southern rock leanings and Dua Lipa riding the pop perfection wave. The collaboration feels written in the stars, an analogue blaze in a digital era; two zeitgeist women reinterpreting the raw power of the 80s rock-pop scene for today’s world. And let’s give it up for that music video – an intoxicating road trip through liberation, rebellion, and cherry-filled debauchery. Honey, this isn’t just a song; it’s a manifesto!
