Music Review: Breakout
Rated by 113 members
Common Sense Media Review
Breakout is the second studio album for tween sensation and Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus and the first without the "Hannah" namesake in the shadows. Breakout's mix of rock, pop, techno-pop, and a little bit country will easily please Miley fans, and shows she can stand on her own without the blond wig.
Considering Miley Cyrus has already had more success in her short career than most artists will ever attain, it's easy to forget that the singer/actress/Billy Ray offspring is only 15. On Breakout, Miley sheds a little bit of her pop sound and rocks out like a typical teen, while proving she's more than just Hannah's alter ego.
It's quite an eclectic mix: "7 Things," "Full Circle," "Breakout," and "Wake Up America" have rock riffs and spunky lyrics, and "The Driveway" offers a hint of country that's a natural fit for Miley's voice. "Fly on the Wall" is a bit edgier sounding with funky synth-beats and a cheerleader-like chant on the chorus. The cover of Cyndi Lauper's hit "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is a slightly flat attempt on a beloved classic, but Miley fans might like it; the vocals are a bit pushed at other times and reveal an as-yet developing voice. But regardless, tweens won't care as Miley struts her stuff -- sans Disney -- with spunk and variety that'll have them singing along in their bubble gum-colored rooms.
Miley fans will also enjoy Vanessa Hudgens, Ashlee Simpson, or Ashley Tisdale.
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that Miley's sound and lyrics are a teensy, tiny bit more mature than the pure pop of Hannah Montana alter ego. She does talk about kissing and declares "school is lame" and "we're gonna have some fun/gonna lose control," but everything about this album stays fine for her tween fans.
Families can talk about the lyrics in "Simple Song." Do you think Miley is talking about herself, and the frenzy that constantly surrounds her life as a teen celeb? Do you think the media is always fair in the way it portrays her? Do you think celebrities should just put up with the paparazzi because that's the life they chose, or should there be boundaries?
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
