Miley Cyrus – “The Climb”
Songwriters: Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe.
The thing about teenage pop sensations is that they are thrust into the spotlight before they have a chance to figure out what kind of artist they want to be. Pigeonholed into a role that most will spend a career struggling to break free from (few successfully), these kids are like talented minor leaguers who are rushed to the majors before they have the time to learn the skills needed to build a sustainable future in the big show.
Sure, there are some phenoms with undeniable talent so incredible that it cannot be restrained, but more often than not potential needs time and cultivation before it can blossom. Due-paying isn’t a requisite of artistic integrity, but in the process of working oneself up the ladder singers get better, writing gets sharper, stage comfort is built and the difference between acceptable songs and great songs becomes clearer.
So an interesting hypothetical question to ask is: What if Miley Cyrus wasn’t Hannah Montana? What if, instead of witnessing her meteoric rise to global domination at age 16, we were introduced to her at 26, not as a queen of all things tween but as a seasoned veteran who had fought her way to the top?
There’s no doubt that Cyrus is one exceptionally talented young lady. But her voice is now only a shadow of what it may become and her delivery is generally apt but little more than perfunctory, still only beginning to understand its own character.
Cyrus’s first single to country radio is a syrupy and entirely unnecessarily power ballad that offers no substance and has been written many times prior under different titles but with literally the same itinerary. Cyrus spends most of the song oversinging, forcefully pushing hard through what amounts to an incredibly clichéd and expected romp in Disney-tinted inspirationalism.
There are some surprising bright spots throughout, including occasional shades of a young Tanya Tucker that underscore parts of Cyrus’ performance. Like Tucker, Cyrus has a voice that is raspy and vulnerable–although she has more pure vocal power than Tucker, a fact which gets her into a considerable amount of trouble since she doesn’t yet know how to use that power effectively. Still, it’s tantalizing to imagine what Cyrus might sound like a few years down the road and with all the cheesy drama stripped away.
There is a great deal of effort expended in dressing Cyrus as a megastar, but underneath that lives an artist in possession of what may amount to a surprisingly engaging country voice, should she choose to use it for those purposes.
“The Climb,” however, is an exercise in futility. Despite Cyrus’ talent and potential, here she offers up a mediocre take on a detestable song that isn’t unlistenable as a package but which accomplishes little other than further entrenching her as a real-world manifestation of her commercially constructed alter-ego.
Listen: Miley Cyrus – “The Climb”
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- Jim Malec: @Jon: I don't know what happened, but we're totally on the same page lately.
- Jon: 4 different versions of a song - must be some kind of record.
- Kelly: @Brady - of course, you are right about how many types of songs were recorded over and over way back ...
- Ashley: jason i love your music the song keep the girl and the truth are my favorite yet keep it ...
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- Scott: WOW,the comments I've read sure are "deep." Really everyone, it's just a song. Enjoy it, take whatever you ...
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- Steve: I'm surprised this wasn't mentioned. CMT has a new Studio 330 Sessions showcasing Kellie Pickler's outstanding vocals and songs. http://www.cmt.com/videos/studio-330-sessions/kellie-pickler/475944/makin-me-fall-in-love-again.jhtml?id=1630380
85 Comments
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March 11, 2009 at 9:28 am Permalink
I was hoping that the song itself would be okay due to my love of Jessi Alexander’s writing but I feared it wouldn’t be all that great.
March 11, 2009 at 12:12 pm Permalink
Well – the singing is considerably better than I anticipated. I made it all the way through the song. I have no real desire to replay it though. Like the reviewer indicated I agree there may be some potential (in the voice) …. someday. The song pretty much has no hope.
March 11, 2009 at 1:19 pm Permalink
I’m actually shocked in a good way. I wouldn’t give it a thumbs up either probably… but considering this is Hannah Montana, definitely heaps and heaps better than I expected.
March 11, 2009 at 3:13 pm Permalink
Its not perfect, and I expect her future country work will be better, but I think she delivered this nicely and its big step forward for me, because I hate her as a pop singer (and as “Hannah Montana”)
March 11, 2009 at 3:38 pm Permalink
Like i’ve said before, The Climb is no different to the average Martina McBride song.
March 11, 2009 at 3:45 pm Permalink
Rest of that message : If Martina had done it, there’d be no whinging about it but instead OTT praise of “a great song from one of Country’s best”.
March 11, 2009 at 4:31 pm Permalink
Her singing isn’t as bad as I expected, which only leads me to believe that Pro-Tools went into overtime correcting her vocals. Remember this is the singer whose living singing was so bad she actually made Taylor Swift seem like a competent vocalist in comparison.
The song is tedious, at best. I agree that it’s in the same vein as the pabulum Martina’s been pedaling lately, but I disagree that it would be getting “OTT praise” if Martina had recorded it. This song is simply beyond redemption and could not be salvaged no matter who was singing it.
Meanwhile, hopes for a resurgence of artistry in mainstream country continue to fade …
March 11, 2009 at 5:07 pm Permalink
I indeed respect Miley Cyrus. I think she is a bit wiser beyond her years compared to most other Disney Channel-esque celebrities and personalities who have risen to national prominence (even when I think sometimes she doesn’t exactly act age-appropriate either) and I do see potential for future greatness in her.
This is not the single that will open up new doors for her, however. But I think, with some more seasoned collaborative songwriters by her side and some continued polishing and development of her young, strong vocals, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if she can pull off a rewarding breakthrough on this format.
March 11, 2009 at 5:22 pm Permalink
Since “The Hannah Montana Movie” hits theaters April 10th, this single is a reminder to Top 40 country radio listening soccer moms to take their screamin’ tweeners to the nearest cineplex when the time comes. Miley hitting the country charts can also ease tension in the minivan or sport utility on the way to the soccer field as mom can leave the country station tuned in instead of battling with their daughter(s) to change to Radio Disney.
If Miley were to quit “Hannah Montana” prematurely, as she had considered doing, its likely her music career would sink rapidly. With her few extra years of wisdom Julianne Hough realized that “Dancing With The Stars” is the source of her singing career and came back this season when at first she said she would skip it.
As for the quality of this song and Miley’s potential, since I’m over the age of 13 I really couldn’t care less…..
March 11, 2009 at 6:12 pm Permalink
“Her singing isn’t as bad as I expected”
Do you mean she’s reached the dizzy heights of mediocre? I’m not sure I’d even go that far ;).
Personally I’m failing to hear any potential, either.
March 11, 2009 at 6:48 pm Permalink
Juli: There are too doubts that Miley is a very talented young lady. I have 5.
David: Actually, most of us have been decrying th lack of edge Martina has been displaying lately.
March 11, 2009 at 8:49 pm Permalink
Do you mean she’s reached the dizzy heights of mediocre?
Now, I didn’t say THAT. ;) Let’s just say my expectations were about two levels below subterranean.
March 11, 2009 at 8:55 pm Permalink
Juli: There are too doubts that Miley is a very talented young lady. I have 5.
Bite your tongue, Stormy; I’d never use the words “Miley” and “talent” in the same sentence unless they’re separated by the phrase “has a lack of.” I try to avoid her at all costs…except for when Joel McHale talks about her on “The Soup.” That never gets old.
March 11, 2009 at 9:10 pm Permalink
Sorry, that should have been directed at Jim. I Rs English Major. I reads real good.
March 11, 2009 at 9:40 pm Permalink
How many 16 year olds do you know who can sing that well? There are some, but those people are talented. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with admitting a 16 year old girl has some singing talent.
March 11, 2009 at 9:57 pm Permalink
True but let me ask..when has there been such a influx of teenage stars hitting it big? (speaking of a few years ago when the Jonas were just getting big, Miley was already big and Taylor was getting hot in Country…then you add at the time Chris Brown (back then nice Chris Brown) and Rhianna (sp). Now the overwhelming money makers of music today are these young stars. Perhaps we’ve heard so many that we are like enough is enough. But seriously, you country historians..has there been a time in the past when teenage big stars were the norm? and accepted?
March 11, 2009 at 10:01 pm Permalink
How many 16 year olds sing better than http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCan1MFZK2c
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgr0feSuXoI
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhtxTSdv-x4
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJwGHqtev3E
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxRYMiitmho
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0Vhoz4TvBk
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I62uwbyD2pU
And, sadly,
7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fgSm35gigY
March 11, 2009 at 10:31 pm Permalink
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with admitting a 16 year old girl has some singing talent.
There is when it isn’t true.
March 11, 2009 at 11:28 pm Permalink
I think she sounds fine..
Room for improvement, sure, but not bad.
I bet she’d be treated a little more favorably if her name wasn’t Miley Cyrus.
March 12, 2009 at 5:22 am Permalink
OMG! I just got this! “Off-topic”
America’s top-rated television show is about to join forces for a week with the “Show That Made Country Music Famous”! American Idol will feature a Grand Ole Opry theme on March 17 & 18, as contestants will select and perform songs popularized by Opry members!
In addition, Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis will sing together on Randy’s classic hit and Carrie’s current single, “I Told You So,” plus Brad Paisley will make the television debut of his new single, “Then,” from his forthcoming summer album.
March 12, 2009 at 7:32 am Permalink
Jim said, “There’s no doubt that Cyrus is one exceptionally talented young lady. But her voice is now only a shadow of what it may become and her delivery is generally apt but little more than perfunctory, still only beginning to understand its own character.”
Can’t help but agree.
March 12, 2009 at 8:39 am Permalink
Vicki – Obvious P.R. much??
March 12, 2009 at 8:58 am Permalink
Stormy, you’re taking my statement and twisting it.
Razor X, you’re incapable of giving artists that you don’t like the credit that they deserve. Cyrus has a good amount of singing talent–it is simply wrong to deny that. I never said she was the second coming, or the best 16 year-old singer in the world.
But she’s pretty good, and has some unique vocal qualities that could blossom in the future.
I’m not going to eviscerate someone that doesn’t deserve it.
March 12, 2009 at 9:45 am Permalink
Razor X, you’re incapable of giving artists that you don’t like the credit that they deserve
Not true. I’ve given Miley exactly the credit she deserves.
March 12, 2009 at 9:49 am Permalink
I am also impressed that Jim is “giving it back” a little to Stormy and Razor X!! Good going Jim! Thank you for not caving and sticking with giving a bit of credit to Miley Cyrus. I happen to like this song too and think Miley has potential for stronger vocals in the future.
March 12, 2009 at 9:53 am Permalink
Miley has potential for stronger vocals in the future.
And where have we heard that before? Is it really too much to expect something great NOW from these artists?
March 12, 2009 at 10:00 am Permalink
Did you even read the review? The central point I made is that she’s not ready to be competing at this stage.
March 12, 2009 at 10:08 am Permalink
Razor X, read teh review every now and then, and be a little bit more open to other singers, I’m not a big Miley Cyrus fan myself, but I still say she has some vocals and has more potential in the future, she just needs time. Now, potential means that the talent is there, but has not been achieved yet. She has talent, she just needs to find her place in the music world. Kudos to Jim for sticking by his review, this is one of the songs I expected him to give a thumbs down, but he admitted that the girl has talent, just because you do not like her, doesn’t mean she is talentless, just means you don’t like her.
March 12, 2009 at 10:08 am Permalink
Yes, I read it. I reject your premise that she’s exceptionally talented.
March 12, 2009 at 10:11 am Permalink
I never said she was exceptionally talented, I said she has potential and has some talent, just not the full potential of her talent, leaves a lot to be desired.
March 12, 2009 at 10:12 am Permalink
@Dude – Thanks. I do know the definition of the word “potential.” But I’m really not interested in listening to singers who might, one day, do something great. I want to hear great music NOW.
March 12, 2009 at 10:13 am Permalink
I guess it depends on our definition of “exceptional.” Line up 100 wannabe 16 year old singers who are out there making demos, and I would say Cyrus would be in the top 10. To me, that’s exceptional, though it doesn’t mean that she’s a Godsend to music. It just means she’s better than most. Which, again, makes her exceptional.
But I guess there’s no point in arguing semantics.
March 12, 2009 at 10:19 am Permalink
Don’t think of her as a singer, think of her as an entertainer. Bob Hope sang, but you wouldn’t exert a lot of energy beating on him for not having a perfect voice.
March 12, 2009 at 10:21 am Permalink
People didn’t tune into Bob Hope’s shows for his singing. If we take Miley’s singing out of the mix, what are we left with?
March 12, 2009 at 10:40 am Permalink
no matter our opinions, she is here to stay, lets leave it at that, and move on with our lives, she is not a godsend as Jim said, nor she is terrible, she has talent, and some don’t like her, lets move on and leave at that.
March 12, 2009 at 11:05 am Permalink
I think of her primarily as the star of a TV show.
March 12, 2009 at 11:12 am Permalink
“But I guess there’s no point in arguing semantics.”
There’s not? I am sooooo bummed.
March 12, 2009 at 11:24 am Permalink
Don’t get me wrong–I love arguing semantics…but not when doing so with a party who has already made up his or her mind that whatever you say means something different than what it actually means.
March 12, 2009 at 12:18 pm Permalink
I think of her primarily as the star of a TV show.
But we have to think of her as a singer, don’t we, when she’s releasing albums and expecting us to buy them? If her singing were limited to her TV show, then you’d have a point.
March 12, 2009 at 12:26 pm Permalink
Don’t get me wrong–I love arguing semantics…but not when doing so with a party who has already made up his or her mind that whatever you say means something different than what it actually means.
Translation: you love arguing but only when you are winning the argument.
The semantic being discussed was the phrase “exceptionally talented”, which was a direct quote from your review. Nobody attempted to redefine or “spin” that phrase, so how have any minds been made up to make it mean something other than what you intended?
March 12, 2009 at 12:35 pm Permalink
She has a decent voice with a bit of promise.
I just don’t know why country radio is playing her music, she made an Avril type pop/rock album, them I suddenly hear The Climb on the radio. A real bit WHY??????
March 12, 2009 at 12:51 pm Permalink
You can’t just say “no she’s not!” and then expect to be able to claim you “won” the “argument.”
You and I both know that you made up your mind about Cyrus’ talent before you even clicked on this thread–although based on what, I have no idea, since I’m assuming you probably haven’t listened to much of her music.
I think, and I could be wrong about this, that you are basing “no she’s not!” on the fact that you dislike the idea of Miley Cyrus, not the actuality of what she is.
Which is exceptionally talented. Mind you, never did I say that she was an exceptionally talented singer. I said she was a good singer who was showing some signs of potential.
it doesn’t matter to you, because you would refuse to give her even the slightest bit of credit no matter what I said or what she did.
But I don’t write from the very narrow perspective of what Razor X thinks country music should or should not be. You get to reply with comments like, “no she’s not!” but I have an obligation to be as fair as possible. You don’t and I get that, but it doesn’t make you right.
March 12, 2009 at 1:13 pm Permalink
You can’t just say “no she’s not!” and then expect to be able to claim you “won” the “argument.”
And you can’t win by claiming that someone else is twisting the meaning of your words when no such thing has happened.
You and I both know that you made up your mind about Cyrus’ talent before you even clicked on this thread–although based on what, I have no idea, since I’m assuming you probably haven’t listened to much of her music.
I’ve heard her perform live on TV a number of times, and every performance was horrendous. Have you forgotten the CMT Flameworthy Awards last year or this year’s Grammy peformance with Taylor Swift? How many times do I have to listen to her before I can draw a conclusion as to whether I like her or not.
Which is exceptionally talented. Mind you, never did I say that she was an exceptionally talented singer. I said she was a good singer who was showing some signs of potential.
Now you’re splitting hairs. She didn’t write the song or produce the record so what is she being judged on if not her singing?
it doesn’t matter to you, because you would refuse to give her even the slightest bit of credit no matter what I said or what she did.
I did start out by saying that the single wasn’t as bad as I’d expected.
I have an obligation to be as fair as possible.
I’ll bear that in mind the next time you review John Rich.
March 12, 2009 at 1:29 pm Permalink
I think, Jim, and I could be wrong about this, that you spent more time reviewing Cyrus’s status as a young pop star and her potential than you did in reviewing the actual record. So it’s not really surprising that the discussion has gone in the direction it has, a subject on which an obligation to be fair has no beaering. It might have been more effective to review the single as it is, complete with the thumbs-down you actually gave, and then put your musings on youthful stardom, etc. in a separate essay called “On Premature Fame, Artistic Potential And The Music Of Miley Cyrus.” Or something like that.
March 12, 2009 at 1:30 pm Permalink
And you can’t win by claiming that someone else is twisting the meaning of your words when no such thing has happened.
I’m not trying “win” by doing that. My argument is in the review, and and my response to you is just extra goodies.
I’ve heard her perform live on TV a number of times, and every performance was horrendous. Have you forgotten the CMT Flameworthy Awards last year or this year’s Grammy peformance with Taylor Swift? How many times do I have to listen to her before I can draw a conclusion as to whether I like her or not.
And we all know that every performer sounds great on awards shows, which are notorious for having poorly transcribed audio quality (for various reasons). I mean, by your justification LeAnn Rimes would have been declared “talentless” after her abysmal performance of “The Light In Your Eyes” on the ACM Awards when she was (15?). I don’t think you’d find many people who would say that Rimes has no talent.
Now you’re splitting hairs. She didn’t write the song or produce the record so what is she being judged on if not her singing?
So its ok for you to split hairs in the sense that you’re questioning of my use of the term “exceptional,” but it’s not ok for me to split hairs in my response to you?
Regardless of that, I think it’s fairly obvious that it takes a special person to be capable of reaching the heights she has reached at the age she has reached them. Charisma may be innate, but the ability to go out on stage and be magnetic, to maintain a following on TV, to produce music that holds together with some semblance of seriousness, these things take talent.
I don’t know if you’ve ever worked in the entertainment industry, but if you have then you understand the incredible difficulty of sustaining this type of career–especially when considering the pressures that exist for someone so young. Success is no indicator of talent, but we can’t judge a 16 year old on the same merits that we judge a 30 year old. It doesn’t make any sense–all things are not equal.
This is a young woman barely old enough to drive a car. You have to compare her to her peers. I mean, have you heard the Carrie Underwood demos from when she was 16? I have, and let me tell you, Miley blows her out of the water.
I’ll bear that in mind the next time you review John Rich.
I’m very fair to John Rich. I’m sorry if I offended your very delicate republican sensibilities in my review of “Shuttin Detroit Down.”
March 12, 2009 at 1:47 pm Permalink
I mean, by your justification LeAnn Rimes would have been declared “talentless” after her abysmal performance of “The Light In Your Eyes” on the ACM Awards when she was (15?). I don’t think you’d find many people who would say that Rimes has no talent.
I don’t recall that particular performance but I heard plenty of live performances from LeAnn when she was that age that were quite good. I have yet to hear a good performance from Miley.
So its ok for you to split hairs in the sense that you’re questioning of my use of the term “exceptional,” but it’s not ok for me to split hairs in my response to you?
I didn’t split any hairs about the use of the term “exceptional”; I merely quoted you. I guess I made the error of thinking that when you said exceptional that it meant — well, exceptional. Foolish me.
This is a young woman barely old enough to drive a car. You have to compare her to her peers. I mean, have you hear the Carrie Underwood demos from when she was 16? I have, and let me tell you, Miley blows her out of the water.
Compare Miley to any of the performers in the YouTube links that Stormy posted.
I’m sorry if I offended your very delicate republican sensibilities in my review of “Shuttin Detroit Down.”
I wasn’t offended in the least. I didn’t like the song, either.
March 12, 2009 at 1:49 pm Permalink
@Jon–
Funny, John…I was wondering if you’d post your support of me on this one. But I guess you must be really confused by my very middle of the road review here, considering your oft-implied view that I’m some kind of traditionalist who views country music in a prescriptive sense versus a descriptive one.
What I find interesting is that you are more concerned with attacking me on whatever merits you can find than on actually contributing to the conversation.
I think that since nearly every comment you leave on this website is a direct rebuttal to something I’ve written.
Bring it on, Jon. I love having you here, it keeps the place lively. Although I am beginning to wonder if it just drives you crazy that I’m so good at what I do.
I think, Jim, and I could be wrong about this, that you spent more time reviewing Cyrus’s status as a young pop star and her potential than you did in reviewing the actual record.
So?
So it’s not really surprising that the discussion has gone in the direction it has, a subject on which an obligation to be fair has no beaering.
Not to split hairs here, but Razor X’s comments are implying that Miley has no singing talent, and I clearly stated that she does. Regarding my obligation to fairness, the issue as I see it is whether or not I’m willing to write her off because she’s Miley–which I’m not willing to do.
It might have been more effective to review the single as it is, complete with the thumbs-down you actually gave,
And it might be more effective for you to start your own blog and write reviews any damn way you choose, rather than to spend your time trying to give me unwanted “advice.”
OK, but I digress.
Listen, we have thousands of daily readers, and I doubt any of them would be particularly interested in reading my review of this song without the added commentary.
Commentary and context are something you get from Jim Malec single reviews–that’s a big part of what our readers expect, and it’s a big part of why The 9513 has reached the position that it has (and why we’re continuing our growth trends).
I could go through this song point by point, check off all the things it does wrong, but who cares? I did that in 100 words, and most people could predict my response anyway.
Singles don’t exist in a vacuum, and perhaps other publications presume that they do, but we don’t. In this case, context is what makes the story interesting.
March 12, 2009 at 1:52 pm Permalink
FYI–Stormy’s list is a handful of artists, all of whom have gone on to significant success. How does that prove anything? I think that would have been a more well-made point had she given a list of unknown 16 year olds. But maybe Jon has some advice for her on that.
March 12, 2009 at 2:01 pm Permalink
Stormy’s is a handful of artists, all of whom have gone on to significant success. How does that prove anything? I think that would have been a more well-made point had she given a list of unknown 16 year olds.
I don’t know that it “proves” anything, but you said that Miley has to be compared to others in her age group and not judged by the same criteria that would be applied to a more mature artist. So Stormy offered some examples for comparative purposes. The fact that the artists she selected have been successful in no way negates her point.
March 12, 2009 at 2:12 pm Permalink
It doesn’t negate her point, but trying to prove that someone who is successful isn’t talented by proving that a few other (but successful) people are more talented doesn’t make any sense.
There’s always somebody better than you, but that doesn’t mean you’re not “exceptionally talented.” Dontrelle Willis is an exceptional pitcher, he just doesn’t happen to be quite as exceptional as Justin Verlander.
March 12, 2009 at 2:16 pm Permalink
It doesn’t negate her point, but trying to prove that someone who is successful isn’t talented by proving that a few other (but successful) people are more talented doesn’t make any sense.
So why bother asking in the first place how many 16-year-olds can sing that well, if the comparisons are meaningless?
March 12, 2009 at 2:19 pm Permalink
I asked how many she knew. The point being that out of a given sample of 16 year old singers, Cyrus would be among the better or possibly among the best. That is how you determine exceptionality. Not by using a sample made up of values already deemed exceptional. That doesn’t make any sense. The concept of exceptionality is based on an individual’s place within a normal sample of a given population.
March 12, 2009 at 2:41 pm Permalink
The point being that out of a given sample of 16 year old singers, Cyrus would be among the better or possibly among the best. That is how you determine exceptionality.
At best it would determine that she was above average, not that she was exceptional. If she can’t measure up to other examples given, then she’s not exceptional.
March 12, 2009 at 2:43 pm Permalink
That depends on how broad or narrow you want to apply the term.
March 12, 2009 at 2:52 pm Permalink
If you apply the term too broadly it becomes rather meaningless, don’t you think?
March 12, 2009 at 2:55 pm Permalink
And if you apply it too narrowly, it applies to only one value within the sample.
March 12, 2009 at 2:55 pm Permalink
I think Jim’s right in that y’all are viewing the term from different scopes: Jim from a narrow one and Raxor X from a broader point of view. Furthermore, and correct me if I’m wrong, I didn’t really think Jim was applying the term “exceptional” to Miley’s singing abilities, but rather her overall talent as an entertainer, as Chris N somewhat pointed out. Even so, it’s pretty subjective.
I thought Jim’s review of the song itself (without the context) was pretty fair. To me, Miley sounded like she was a new driver trying to stay between the lines and whatever talent she possesses wasn’t enough to elevate such a mediocre song. I’m not sure about Jim’s comments on her “power,” though. When she reaches for the power note at the end of the chorus, it sounds like her voice fades and has to be supported by background vocals, and even then, it gets drowned out by the production.
March 12, 2009 at 8:04 pm Permalink
I don’t buy that with vocals. You can certainly increase your range with age, but if the basic voice isn’t there it is not going to grow in with time.
As for unknown 16 year olds–I don’t have youtube video of my sister’s babysitter caroling last Christmas, but I don’t think it is really difficult for any of us to think of at least one 16-year-old in real life who sings as well as Miley. Allison on AI, also 16.
March 13, 2009 at 1:17 am Permalink
Sorry, Jim, but I’m so tickled at the idea of a critic bridling at getting “unwanted advice” that I can’t work up the fortitude to address the rest of your rant. Come on; “unwanted advice” is pretty much your line of work, and you were peddling it as invaluable stuff for musicians to be reading just days ago. Why shouldn’t it be so for music writers, too?
As far as I’m concerned, the particular record that’s ostensibly reviewed here is both unexceptional and unexceptionable. I agree that Miley Cyrus’s success argues for a degree of talent, and I don’t see anything wrong with her singing; it’s more the song that’s the limiting factor in this case. It’s not bad, but it’s hardly a home run.
I can’t get worked up over whether Cyrus’s singing or her talent is exceptional or considerable or “only” adequate, and I’d further argue that when it comes to country music, at least, it’s a meaningless point, at least as far as the singing part is concerned. A lot of observers held that Ernest Tubb’s popularity was due in part to a belief on the part of listeners that they (or someone they knew) could sing as well or better than he could. Del McCoury told me just a couple of days ago that when he saw Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963, he thought “that guy needs to learn how to sing” – and then added, “but I guess he didn’t have to.”
Enduring artists find ways to connect with audiences, and a big range or unerring pitch or precise vocal command – or a lack of those characteristics – aren’t necessarily germane to that. Cyrus might turn out to be one of those, or might not, but either way, that doesn’t really have much to do with this record.
And just to end on a trivial note, let me point out that with respect to Stormy’s list of videos, 1) Sierra Hull was older than 16 when that videotape was recorded, and while I *wish* she could be characterized as having “significant success,” she unfortunately can’t – yet; and 2) Catherine Britt’s performance – and I love me some Catherine Britt; hers was one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve ever done, and her unreleased record was full of great stuff – had some definite pitch issues. Most any live performance – and especially a multi-artist televised show, like an awards shows – is fraught with danger when it comes to singing in tune, not to mention a host of other things.
March 13, 2009 at 1:29 am Permalink
Going a little off topic here, is your Britt interview online, Jon? I’d be interested in giving it a read. And is the unreleased record the one she put out in Australia last year? There were some exceptional songs/performances on that album.
March 13, 2009 at 1:50 am Permalink
Sorry, Brady, the interview was for a bio for RCA, not for a publication per se. I guess I should qualify that “unreleased,” since a little poking around shows that some of the tracks made it onto Too Far Gone; it doesn’t look to me as though that was released in the US, although I could be wrong about that. Anyway, there was some dandy stuff on it.
March 13, 2009 at 12:46 pm Permalink
I don’t think there’s a singer alive who hasn’t had pitch issues while singing at least more than once, even those gifted with ‘perfect pitch.’ Also, I’ve seen where somebody like Razor X will go on and on about autotuning being the death of the industry. When used sparingly to ‘correct’ one bum note in an otherwise great vocal or session. The theme: nobody’s perfect.
March 13, 2009 at 1:49 pm Permalink
Matt, nobody expects perfection.
March 17, 2009 at 10:40 pm Permalink
Miley rocks and this is her best song EVER! :)
March 21, 2009 at 6:14 pm Permalink
Miley Cyrus sucks.
Don’t give me this bull how she is “exceptional”.
I’m 13 an can outsing her 20x- I’m not being “bigheaded”, I’m telling yoi the truth. Its not just me either. Practically everyone I know who is serious about music is better than her.
If you hear her life, she looks (key word LOOKS) great, but if you are actually listening, she is puke-worthy. I listened to “Fly on the Wall” and “The Climb” live and the off-key notes scared the shit out of my friend and I.
I’m not the best singer for my age (or even close) but I’ve heard many, many others who can sing about a million times better.
That is not “talent”. I mean there might be a sliver of talent hidden under all those horrid off key notes, but its not enough for her to have the fan-base or the celebrity status. Sorry, but she’s bad.
March 21, 2009 at 6:15 pm Permalink
oh, sorry for the misspellings. :(
March 25, 2009 at 2:23 pm Permalink
luv da song. made me cry da first time cuz it is sooooooooooooo sad.
March 27, 2009 at 4:13 pm Permalink
Is it just me?…this song sounds so familiar. Were there pieces of this song in another song???
March 28, 2009 at 4:51 pm Permalink
Just what country needs a Hannah Montana invasion of singers.
March 29, 2009 at 5:40 pm Permalink
will you please give me the words to it and sing it to me?
March 29, 2009 at 7:51 pm Permalink
Yeah Jim–sing it to us!
April 30, 2009 at 2:09 pm Permalink
this song is awesome! and i connect to it!
May 7, 2009 at 1:08 pm Permalink
i love your songs you are my insperation. luv ya
your #1 fan,
angelica marie morales
May 9, 2009 at 3:40 am Permalink
Oops…I’m sorry I must have bumped into the Miley Cyrus bashers club. Miley is great for what she is(right now)…a TEEN STAR! We have to have teen stars and songs like Hannah Montana’s for the kids. I’d rather my child listen to Miley/Hannah than most hip hop/rock/pop songs. Most of you are acting like this is the most important thing ypu can be talking about right now. If you “hate” her and her music then don’t listen to it. That’s your right as an American.
Me, personally, I liked the movie, I loved the song and I think she performed well all around.
May 9, 2009 at 10:08 am Permalink
Here is a real talent trio of teens.They are all 14 years old now. I see a bright further for them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yggFcVR7x_w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWm_WYxGMy4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1qomJGt3mk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nmeEwMblZc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaNUDYBkWS4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvY2MqzJJtQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Rb2SwY7BM
May 22, 2009 at 7:33 am Permalink
one thing i’d like to ask, is it SENSIBLE for a sixteen year old to be spouting off about ‘life is an uphill battle, sometimes you have to lose, somebody’s gonna lose, blah de blah de blah…..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……(yawn)….(PREACHY SONG, what makes it even more weird is the fact that a TEEN is saying all this)……..’ in an OVERSUNG song, even if it is written by some one else??????? makes NO SENSE AT ALL to me. just want to know what you think, even if you disagree with me. which you probably will. i mean, (i might be stressing my point too much here) she sounds like my 5th std ethics teacher!!!!!!! except that my teacher wasn’t a teen, so i would understand her telling me all this. it (the song) would suit a 30 yr old (or older person). according to me. i don’t what you might say.
May 22, 2009 at 7:39 am Permalink
leave aside her voice, which sounded pretty good on hannah montana 1, but unlike other artists, she sounds worse instead of improving. just listen to best of both worlds if you don’t know what i mean. you’d probably be 8-10 yrs. old to stand a teen saying all this. and i know i’m bringing the age into my comment many times, but what you’re singing should make sense. singing it well isn’t enough if the song is meaningless. which it isn’t, only the fact that a teen is saying all this. you might disagree. but please let me know what you think and whether my points are valid enough for me to classify it as a bad song (keeping her age in mind).
May 22, 2009 at 7:41 am Permalink
and i know i’m bringing the age into my comment many times.
correction: i’m bringing her age into my comment many times.
May 22, 2009 at 7:44 am Permalink
oh yeah, and i totally agree with caitlyn. and mykey, she’s great for a TEEN STAR, but, as i said, a teen saying ‘life is an uphill battle, sometimes you have to lose, somebody’s gonna lose’ ???????????????????? think about it.
July 17, 2009 at 5:11 am Permalink
I shall try to be as constructive as possible; I don’t like this song and never have. In fact, if it were left out of the Hannah Montana movie, no’one should be happier than me. The song was misplaced in the movie and slowed a otherwise awesome movie down.
Still, Miley’s crew shall have praise for releasing a more mature song, who will help her reaching a more wider audience.
Why I don’t like this song are because of those reasons; The melody itself dreadful. It’s sad. The piano intro insinuates that this song is going to be sad and the violins makes no difference.
After the first chorus, the drums comes up and gives a more upbeat, but still there’s no difference. The message of the song it’s inspiring, but I still can’t see how a song about pushing after your goals should be sad.
Another point is Miley’s voice. She doesn’t have the right voice for singing this song – and I’m no Miley Cyrus hater, in fact I love some of her other songs. I’ve heard her sing this song live and she doesn’t hit the right notes. She has a good singing voice to hit other songs, but with this song she screws up.
I think it’s a little unfair that this song has gotten so much praise that it has. There are much better ballads out there who has been forgotten. I understand why people likes this song, but it doesn’t deserve to be a memorable one.
July 26, 2009 at 11:57 pm Permalink
i love the song and the movie hannah montana because is like a kind of a good movie and i love miley cyrus…
November 7, 2009 at 12:13 pm Permalink
I’m amazed at this response. I love the song and I think Miley does a good job with it.
November 7, 2009 at 12:39 pm Permalink
This is by far Miley’s best song!
After Hannah Montana is over with, I think she still has a great shot of maintaining her singing and acting career. (Little by little she’s starting to branch away from Disney – “party in the usa” and The Last Song)
December 13, 2009 at 3:53 pm Permalink
For info: This song has just been covered by the winner of The X Factor (Simon Cowell’s British TV show which is basically Idol with a few twists in the formula). The winner’s single is always a really big seller here, so I guess that’s good news for Jessi Alexander and John Mabe.
December 13, 2009 at 5:49 pm Permalink
That’s mean. They gave the runner up of Britian’s Got Talent a Patty Griffin song.
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