Miley has officially dropped her surname and has kicked off her next era with ‘Bass Persuades,’ the title track from her upcoming 10th studio album, delivering a sound that feels distinctly different from what fans may have expected.
Following the more rock-leaning hints Miley teased in the lead-up to the release, ‘Bass Persuades’ takes a sharp turn toward dark, pulsating dance-pop. Driven by a throbbing bassline, ’80s-inspired synths and an undeniable club-ready energy, the track finds the star embracing a sleek, seductive side of pop that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh.
There are flashes of some of pop’s biggest dancefloor moments throughout the track, at times evoking the glossy, effortless pop of Dua Lipa, the theatrical edge of Lady Gaga and even a touch of the unapologetic dance-pop spirit of Britney Spears. But ultimately, ‘Bass Persuades’ sounds like Miley doing what Miley does best: taking a familiar pop formula and making it her own.
The accompanying music video, directed by Mert Alas, leans fully into the song’s late-night energy, with Miley commanding the dancefloor alongside a cast of leather-clad dancers. The visual adds another layer to the track’s darker, more sensual aesthetic.
‘Bass Persuades’ is the first taste of the forthcoming album of the same name, which is set for release on 18 September. The 10-track project also features collaborations with Model/Actriz and Andrew Wyatt, signalling that Miley isn’t interested in staying in one sonic lane this time around.
For Miley, the album’s title speaks to something bigger than a particular genre or sound. In announcing the project, she described music as something that takes hold of us, something we feel, sing, dance to and use to move through every part of life.
“Music takes hold of us,” she says. “We feel it, sing it, sometimes dance to it, let it out and carry on. It is powerful, vulnerable, sweet and strong. Heart full, heartache, every part of life in between. That’s what the title means to me. Thank you for being a part of making my wildest dreams come true. I sincerely hope you love this album.”
If ‘Bass Persuades’ is anything to go by, Miley’s next chapter is shaping up to be one of her most unpredictable yet, and, if the bass has anything to say about it, you’re going to want to get on the dancefloor.
Listen to ‘Bass Persuades’ below and read more music news here.
