Miley Cyrus - Used To Be Young

Miley Cyrus may have just given us one of her most personal reflections to date, a track that encapsulates the tension between youth and growing up in the public eye.

Everyone, sooner or later, grows up and starts to reflect on their youth with sentimentality and nostalgia. Given that Miley Cyrus began her career at the age of 12, it’s no surprise that by 30, she has accumulated a lifetime of experiences to look back on and reflect.

"Used To Be Young" is an ode to Miley’s teenage and young adult years—years that, for over a decade, have been entertainment for the public, the subject of jokes, insults, admiration, and condemnation. But for Cyrus, it was her real life—sometimes chaotic and messy, but always bright and full of fun.

Musically, "Used To Be Young" is a tender, heartfelt pop ballad reflecting on the past. While Cyrus has delivered stronger ballads, what sets this one apart is her outstanding vocal performance, delivered in a raw, "live" style that adds a deeply personal touch. The song features an unspoken but noticeable interpolation of Beach House’s "Space Song," which feels like a masterclass in using references wisely—especially compared to the recycled euro-hits of the early 2000s that often fill pop music.

With "Used To Be Young," Miley seems to transcend all the noise, signaling that she’s finally comfortable with who she is. She’s reached a state of peace, prepared to exist in this moment until she’s ready to take on something new. In a way, she’s become the person Liam Hemsworth wanted her to be during their marriage—but she did it on her own terms, in her own time, and in a way only Miley Cyrus could.

7.9/10