Who knew all Miley Cyrus wanted was to be a star in her own right? "Hannah Montana", her TV show that depicts her leading two lives willingly and joyously certainly didn't give that impression. But no, Cyrus' teenage rebellion is real, going as far as dressing in revealing clothing while singing the lines "I can't be tamed/I can't be blamed/I can't be changed". The lead single and title track may indicate Miley's intention for her second full-length, but in actuality, that song is easily the worst moment on what's otherwise a synth-driven, empowering set of songs. The album opens with "Liberty Walk", one in many songs to address freedom from naysayers and more importantly, the haters. Also included in this statement is the excellent "Robot", buried at the end of the record and is what the title track should have been. It goes head first into the trials of product placement and perfection that dominate Cryus' life ("Stand here, sell this, and hit your mark"). These words are placed over a stark, and intentionally, robotic assortment of vocals and abrasive synths. This is not a far cry from the recent club-trends headlined by Lady Gaga in 2010, but this too was also part of the plan, as Cyrus is still signed under Hollywood Records (Disney's 'adult' label). What she threatens to achieve has been turned into pure ambition by the caliber of songwriters and produces all determined to keep her on the fine line of kid-friendly and adult territories. Surprisingly, this actually helps "Can't Be Tamed" to become a sturdier, hookier album than Cyrus could have made, when left to her own devices. This ultimately undermines the intent and purpose of this record, but that's also partly due to Cyrus herself. No matter how much she tries to be sexy, daring, or suggestive, her still forming vocals and slight naïveté only prove that she can combat "Hannah Montana" all she wants, but deep down, she's just not that kind of girl. She's innocent enough to pull of the twangy ballad "Forgiveness and Love", passionate enough to give "Take Me Along" a genuine emotional pull, and the album's closer "My Heart Beats for Love", thrives on her warm and sweet intentions behind it's arena-rock set up. Also included in the mix are the club bangers "Who Owns My Heart" and "Permanent December", which owe serious debt to both Lady Gaga and Ke$ha, respectively. Besides that ridiculous title track and the drippy ballad "Stay", "Can't Be Tamed" is much fresher than Cyrus lead us to believe, and a lot catchier too. She may not be ready to fully tackle the sexual exploits that she wants to, but even so, there's something to be said of the fact that she continues to turn out albums with more than their fare share of unabashed, country-tinged pop. She even pulls off "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" with efficiency and grace, what other 17-year old Disney starlets can do that?
Recommended Tracks in Bold:
1. Liberty Walk 2. Who Owns My Heart 3. Can’t Be Tamed
4. Every Rose Has Its Thorn 5. Two More Lonely People 6. Forgiveness and Love
7. Permanent December 8. Stay 9. Scars
10. Take Me Along 11. Robot 12. My Heart Beats for Love
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