Underrated Miley Cyrus covers you need to hear
Miley Cyrus is my personal queen of pop.
In middle school, I collected Hannah Montana merchandise. Some of it I actually used, but my prized possessions -- like a pen that played Hannah’s voice with every click -- were saved for special occasions only. Looking back, it was basically a modern-day shrine.
Anyways, let’s move on to Miley, not Hannah. Here are eleven of Miley Cyrus' covers that should’ve already been on your radar:
Jolene from The Backyard Sessions
If you're only going to listen to one song on this list, it better be this timeless classic! I can't believe it was shared thirteen years ago, in 2012! Did you know that Dolly Parton is Miley Cyrus' godmother?
Don't Dream It's Over from Happy Hippie Presents Backyard Sessions
Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande have two popular versions of this song: the Backyard Sessions acoustic version, and the One Love Manchester performance. I prefer the Backyard Sessions cover purely for its fun, intimate energy -- the two are seated on an inflatable couch in onesies, bumbling over lyrics, the whole thing feeling casual, flirty, and semi-private.
The One Love Manchester performance carries much more weight, and for good reason. The benefit concert and British television special took place on 4 June 2017, two weeks after the bombing at Grande’s concert at Manchester Arena. Organized by Ariana Grande to support victims and their families, the performance is powerful in a different way. Don't get me wrong, it's still a wonderful performance -- less for vocals, and more because you can see how much Miley’s presence comforts Ariana throughout the song.
Where Is My Mind/We Can't Stop
Is it still a cover if half of the song is their own? I'll put this one down as an unofficial half-cover. If you want to hear just the Where Is My Mind portion, skip to 2:52. I highly recommend watching the whole thing, however, because that transition is just too slick. I like that you can hear the enunciation in her voice, every word is understandable while keeping the grungy Pixies feel.
No Tears Left To Cry
Speaking of Ariana Grande, Miley absolutely smashed her cover of No Tears Left to Cry. Her vocals are so, so stunning, and her giggles and smiles peek through the entire performance. It's wild how she is able to make one song both sad and joyful at the same time.
I’ve almost forgotten what the original sounds like after hearing her version -- which I think is a very good thing.
Fade Into You
Performed just five years ago in 2021, this somber Mazzy Star cover is exactly as it needs to be: peaceful, strong, and solid. There's not much else to say about it, give it a listen.
My Way
This Frank Sinatra cover is funny to me, not because of Miley, but because there's such a formal-looking crowd. She's bringing so much energy, but every time they pan to the crowd, they're unamused. Yes, she recieved a standing ovation, but it was just funny seeing the crowd as the screen panned out.
Dream On
Remember when Miley Cyrus was on The Voice? I'd forgotten about that. Here's a cover of Aerosmith with fellow judges Alicia Keys, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton. While everyone's voices are incredible, there's some extra zazzle that comes with Miley's voice. Who knows, maybe her mic is louder, maybe it's just her.
Happy Together
This is the last Backyard Sessions songs on this list, I promise.
While it’s less exciting than some of the poppier tracks, I love how clearly you can hear Miley’s lower tones in this Turtles cover. She keeps her eyes closed for almost the entire video, which leads me to believe she’s either a little zooted (Happy Hippie), vibing hard, or both!
Landslide
This is an awesome Fleetwood Mac cover from the Bangerz Tour in Oakland, especially because it seemed truly off the cusp! Miley nailed this cover, and it's like she believes the words coming out of her mouth.
I also just LOVE her outfit while she's singing this gorgeous song -- a blinged out snapback with a hilarious bedazzled tee of her face, tongue out and Bangerz ready.
Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
In order to really enjoy this performance, you need to understand the cultural significance of the piece: this was during Miley's "wild" era in 2014. It was peak Tumblr, so the song choice was 10/10, and the angst the carried, the tongue flicks and dances were so provocative when this came out. While I admit, not my favorite vocally, it does induce a nostalgia that makes me love it how it is.
The cover is so great, that even the drummer of the original band, Matt Helders from the Arctic Monkey's, revealed that it's his favorite cover version of the song, "she did some bits in there I wish we’d have done. She gets higher than we can… in the voice."
Overboard
I wasn't not going to add in a Justin Bieber cover! Especially when Justin Bieber is literally performing it with her. The fact that this cover is live just shares how talented the two are. You can't fault the performance, it's them at peak global domination. I remember seeing this video in theatres, during Justin Bieber's concert special Never Say Never.
Bonus:
See You Again
This song is Miley Cyrus' original song, hence the bonus attribution. I love this glittery, rainbow-y cover, and especially love that this song still plays in the Australian clubs.
