Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball

Before we get started, we’re not even touching on the whole video scandal. Let’s just focus on the song (this is a songwriting blog after all). Interestingly on an album titled BANGERZ, the song that stands out is a bonafide ballad. Writing and production for ‘Wrecking Ball’ was headed up by Dr Luke, Cirkut and a team of super-songwriters Sacha Skarbek, Stephan Moccio, and Maureen Anne McDonald.

Hooky from the get-go, the verse melodies bounce up and down playfully. The bridge introduces a beautiful descending melody that dramatically winds down to a complete halt, setting up the chorus to sound even bigger (as if it wasn’t humungous enough already).

Production, as is always best with a ballad, is kept tastefully minimal. Ebbing keyboards gently surround the anguished vocals, subtly doubling the melody in the bridge. No drums until the chorus, all very restrained, and that is what allows the song to shine.

But what really sets ‘Wrecking Ball’ apart is the lyrical content. I mean WHAT a metaphor. So simple, but so perfect at putting the idea across that love can smash you into a million pieces.  Totally one of those wish-I-thought-of-it moments.