Miley Cyrus has released the first two songs from her upcoming album “Something Beautiful,” sharing a pair of music videos for “Prelude” and the title track.
“Prelude” is mostly spoken-word, with support from an electronic instrumental that builds as Cyrus contemplates the duality of beauty: “Like when following an image from a train, your eyes can’t keep the passing landscapes from being swallowed into endless distance,” she says. “Like when holding a fistful of ashes, your hands can’t save the things that have already been dissolved into air.”
The finishing lines of “Prelude” seemingly tie together theme, as Cyrus states, “But the beauty one finds alone / Is a prayer that longs to be shared.”
The single “Something Beautiful” and its music video debuted four hours after “Prelude” and features a psych-pop chorus that builds alongside its elegant visual treatment, directed by Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman, and Brendan Walter, with cinematography by Benoît Debie.
Cyrus and Shawn Everett are credited with producing “Prelude” alongside Michael Pollack, Jonathan Rado and Maxx Morando. Cyrus co-produced “Something Beautiful” with Panos Cosmatos, Nick Spicer, Nate Bolotin, and Aram Tertzakian.
Due out May 30, the Cyrus’ ninth album will arrive as a visual project with 13 original tracks. It is executive produced by Cyrus and Everett, who previously worked with Kacey Musgraves and Alabama Shakes. The album is available for preorder in various formats including signed vinyl and CDs, limited-edition vinyl and two box sets featuring collectibles.
Watch the video for “Something Beautiful” below.