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Can't Be Tamed

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Can't Be Tamed is the third studio album by American recording artist Miley Cyrus. It was first released on June 18, 2010 by Hollywood Records to Germany, and June 21, 2010 to most of Europe and the United States. Writing and recording for Can't Be Tamed commenced while Cyrus was touring on her 2009 Wonder World Tour, and the second disc of the album's deluxe edition features backstage interviews and nineteen live performances from a concert. The albums's producers include longtime collaborators Antonina Armato, Tim James, and John Shanks. Musically, Can't Be Tamed ranges from acoustic ballads to dance-pop numbers. The tracks share a theme of breaking free of constraints and expectations.

The album's lead single and title track, "Can't Be Tamed", was released on May 18, 2010. It debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the New Zealand Singles Chart. The album was promoted primarily through concerts and television appearances.

Background

Cyrus intends to take a musical hiatus after completing Can't Be Tamed in order to explore a variety of musical genres and develop a sound befitting her tastes.[1] Cyrus stated that her music isn't inspiring her the way it should be, and hopes Can't Be Tamed will be her last pop album.[1] "The more I make music that doesn't truly inspire me, the more I feel like I'm blending in with everyone else", she said.[2] Cyrus originally desired for a new, more rock inclined sound for her music.[3] She later revealed Can't Be Tamed contained music influenced by pop singer Lady Gaga and possessed tecnho qualities.[4] "It was a natural progression for her," said Abbey Konowitch, general manager of Hollywood Records.[5] He commented that the album was more dance-pop than originally intended. "But it feels very comfortable for her, and it feels very comfortable in terms of the state of contemporary music".[6]

Cyrus believed the summer 2010 release was appropriate because it was "definitely a good summer CD. It's good to blast in your car".[4] The album was first released on June 18, 2010 in Germany and then on June 21, 2010 in the United States.[7][8] Unlike Cyrus' and Hollywood Records' previous albums, Can't Be Tamed will be released using a day-and-date format, following a new licensing deal with Universal Music Group in Europe.[5] Konowitch presented the album at its earliest stage to representatives of Universal Music Group in Europe in order to speak of the new licensing deal that enabled day-and-day for its release; the approval allowed for them to commence global marking plan earlier than usual.[6] "Normally our records are staggered throughout the world because of the availability of the artist. It's unusual for us to have the time and the music far enough in advance to do that," he said.[6] A standard edition, containing only an audio CD, and a deluxe edition, containing an audio CD and a DVD, will be released. The DVD will contain previously unreleased footage from Cyrus' concert at The O2 Arena in London, England, which was part of her first world tour, the 2009 Wonder World Tour. It contains nineteen live performances and backstage interviews with Cyrus.[6] The album artwork was revealed on May 7, 2010 through Cyrus' official website.[9]

Development

"This record was good for me. I think every album has been almost like a little bit of therapy to just get out what you think and what you feel. I think this is the most honest a record of mine has been. I think this record shows a different maturity in me, a different light but it's also still being the people my fans can relate to. I'm a spiritual person but my main religion that people ask me is the core of what I do and what my songs are about is love. And that's, I think, what this world is lacking and what it's all about."[10]

— Cyrus explaining the concept behind and themes on Can't Be Tamed.

Cyrus told Billboard magazine that she does not have a formal songwriting process and instead takes notes on her cellphone and the journal she stores in her computer.[11] She said that she does not listen to pop music, and that her "13-year-old self would have beaten up [her] 17-year-old self" for being "a sellout". Nonetheless, she stated that the music on the album is meaningful to her.[11]

"Liberty Walk", co-written by Cyrus, Antonina Armato, Tim James, John Fasse, Michael Mcginnis, and Nick Scapa, is about someone who finds the courage to leave an abusive relationship.[11] Cyrus, Armato, James, Paul Neumann, and Marek Pompetzki composed "Can't Be Tamed", the album's title track, which was written about being trapped and people observing her. The song, according to her, bears a theme of "breaking out and feeling free."[12] Cyrus recorded a cover version of Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn", from their 1988 album Open Up and Say... Ahh!,[13] after hearing a crowd of people singing along to it. She deemed it "a classic" and one of her favorite songs. "I feel like the way the music industry is today really shelters kids and they aren't exposed to songs as honest and real as this one." Cyrus consulted the lead singer of Poison, Bret Michaels, who helped Cyrus analyze "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and then add her "own flare and edge".[13] Michaels said the band receives numerous requests to cover the song and is always nervous about granting permission. "And I gotta tell you something. She nailed the song," he told MTV.[14] He added that Cyrus was "one of the few musicians" that could "give ["Every Rose Has Its Thorn"] her own flare and and make it sound good". Michaels sings backup on the cover.[14] Cyrus conceived "Robot" in December 2009 in London, while traveling on the Wonder World Tour; it describes a desire to escape "the form and the machine everyone thinks you should be".[15] Cyrus wrote the song "My Heart Beats for Love" for her gay hairdresser, one of her best friends. It is an attempt to persuade audiences to not discriminate against homosexuals and "be open to the world".[10]

Recording

Can't Be Tamed was recorded as Cyrus traveled the world, largely due to the Wonder World Tour. In December 2009, she begun the recording process in London, England.[11] Album producer John Shanks, who previously produced Cyrus' hit single "The Climb", affiliated with Cyrus for the album and, in order to do so, navigated via airplane to different locations. Shanks would repeatedly travel to London in order to fulfill recording and writing sessions with Cyrus. Then, he would return to Los Angeles, California to continue further work on the tracks.[11] The head of A&R at Hollywood Records, Jon Lind, said, "John spent quite a bit of time, God bless him [...] He was really a soldier and a world traveler for going to do this creative thing in between Miley's schedule."[11]

Other producers Cyrus had previously worked with also appear on the album — Antonina Armato and Tim James, both of who produced Cyrus' hits "See You Again" and "7 Things".[11] Cyrus described the environment during the recording process with Armato to be warm: "I call Antonina 'Mommy' because she's my second mom. No one could ever understand the relationship we have. I've been working with her for four years and every day I go into the studio and we just sit around and eat cupcakes and talk and I tell her everything about my life. I think that's why we make good music together."[11] The finished product results in a variety of dance beats and synths, but Cyrus believed the sound was secondary to the personal lyrics therein.[11]

Music and lyrics

Musically, Can't Be Tamed varies and includes several dance numbers, many of which heavily rely on bass.[5] "Who Owns My Heart" contains many keyboard riffs, which Ann Donahue of Billboard believed to be reminiscent of 1980s music. "Can't Be Tamed" uses a drum machine in its instrumentation as Cyrus sings the chorus.[5] Donahue added that "Two More Lonely People"'s sound was in the same nature.[5] "Permanent December" also explores through dance genres.[5]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic [16]
The Arizona Republic[17]
Entertainment Weekly(B-) [18]
Globe and Mail[19]
Rolling Stone[20]

Reviews for the album have generally been mixed or negative. Glenn Gamboa of Newsday was mixed about the album, saying that it lacked focus. He said Cyrus was "hard to resist" on tracks like the "Permanent December" or "Robot". However, he believed she was unfocused while "wandering through" "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and rapping on "Liberty Walk", and that such songs made her "hard to take seriously".[21] Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly gave the album a B- stating that "Despite her best rebellious efforts, Miley's just not (yet) that thorny a girl." She also mentioned that "Stay" and the title track were the album's highlights.[18] Heather Phares of Allmusic gave the album 3 out of 5 stars. She thought that "Though pop was Cyrus' bread and butter during her Hannah years, the album’s synth-dominated tunes don’t jell with her voice; she sounds more natural and more grown-up on the songs that straddle rock and country" and "too often, Cyrus equates grown-up with joyless".[16] Brad Wheeler of the Globe and Mail claimed, "There’s not a sliver of individuality on this uninspired album". He said her auto-tuned voice was "nothing special" and the album's lyrics were cliche-ridden.[19] Rolling Stone was easier on the album, giving it 3 out of 5 stars and stating that, "It's a Top 40 record of a high order, packed with electro-pop hooks and big Kelly Clarkson-style shout-along choruses."[22] The Washington Post gave the album a negative review saying, "Tamed doesn't take advantage of her vinegary personality, dividing itself between disposable, tinny dance pop tracks and generically sweeping, echo-y ballads.", though they recommended the title track and "Take Me Along".[23] USA Today also gave a negative review, calling the album "lame" and "generic".[24]

Singles

"Can't Be Tamed" was released as the album's lead single on May 18, 2010, through digital distribution.[25] Contemporary critics reviewed "Can't Be Tamed" favorably due to it drawing away from the image she had developed through Hannah Montana, which first aired in 2006.[26] It debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100,[27], number six on the Canadian Hot 100,[28] and number five on the New Zealand Singles Chart.[29] The song's accompanying music video, which premiered on E! on May 4, was directed by Robert Hales and follows Cyrus and numerous backup dancers, costumed by a birdlike clothing, throughout a museum.[30]

Promotion

To promote Can't Be Tamed, Hollywood Records focused on television appearances rather than radio, as a result of the time constraints that surrounded Cyrus at the time.[6] The strategy was to "benefit from loud individual events versus the traditional touring and press runs."[6] Cyrus first performed "Can't Be Tamed" live on May 18, 2010 on Dancing With the Stars.[31] Cyrus performed the title track, "Robot", and "My Heart Beats for Love" at the Rock in Rio concerts in Lisbon, Portugal on May 29, 2010 and Madrid, Spain on June 6, 2010.[32][33] Cyrus has performed songs from Can't Be Tamed on Britain's Got Talent[34] and Rock in Rio in Madrid, Spain.[35] On June 18, Cyrus appeared on Good Morning America and performed the title track, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" with Bret Michaels, and "Party In the U.S.A.".[36] Cyrus hosted the MuchMusicAwards 2010 in Toronto, Canada on June 20th. She also performed her latest single, Can't Be Tamed, along with one of her previous singles, Party in the U.S.A..[37] She performed a mini-concert at the House of Blues in Los Angeles on June 21. The set list consisted of the title track, "Who Owns My Heart", "Liberty Walk", "Every Rose Has Its Thorn", "Robot", and "My Heart Beats For Love".[38]

Track listings

Standard edition

CD[39]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Liberty Walk"Miley Cyrus, Antonina Armato, Tim James, John Fase, Michael Mgginnis, Nick Scapa4:06
2."Who Owns My Heart"Cyrus, Armato, Tim James3:34
3."Can't Be Tamed"Cyrus, Armato, James, Paul Neumann, Marek Pompetzki2:48
4."Every Rose Has Its Thorn"Bret Michaels, C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall, Rikki Rockett3:48
5."Two More Lonely People"Cyrus, Armato, Angie Aparo, Brandon Jane, Kevin Kadish3:09
6."Forgiveness and Love"Cyrus, Armato, James, Adam Schmalholz3:28
7."Permanent December"Cyrus, John Shanks, Claude Kelly3:37
8."Stay"Cyrus, Shanks4:21
9."Scars"Cyrus, Shanks3:42
10."Take Me Along"Cyrus, Shanks4:09
11."Robot"Cyrus, Shanks3:43
12."My Heart Beats For Love"Cyrus, Shanks, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson3:43
13."Can't Be Tamed" (Rockangeles Remix feat. Lil Jon) (iTunes Bonus Track) 4:01
Total length:44:08

Deluxe edition

CD (same as Can't Be Tamed)
DVD - Miley Cyrus: Live at the O2[40]
No.TitleLength
1."Breakout"3:26
2."Start All Over"3:27
3."7 Things"3:33
4."Kicking and Screaming"2:58
5."Bottom of the Ocean"3:15
6."Fly on the Wall"2:31
7."Let's Get Crazy"2:35
8."Hoedown Throwdown"3:02
9."These Four Walls"3:28
10."When I Look at You"4:08
11."Obsessed"4:03
12."Spotlight" 
13."G.N.O. (Girl's Night Out)"3:38
14."I Love Rock 'n' Roll"2:48
15."Party in the U.S.A."3:22
16."Hovering" (feat. Trace Cyrus)2:32
17."Simple Song"3:32
18."See You Again"3:10
19."The Climb"3:56

References

  1. ^ a b Dinh, James (December 9, 2009). "Miley Cyrus Covers Poison's 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn'". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved May 1, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  2. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (March 8, 2010). "Miley Cyrus Talks Liam Helmsworth, Taking Time Off From Music". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved May 1, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  3. ^ "Miley talks tour, growing up, and Twitter feedback". Associated Press. September 24, 2009. Retrieved April 30, 2010.
  4. ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (April 2, 2010). "Miley Cyrus Says Next Album Has A 'Techno Vibe'". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved May 4, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  5. ^ a b c d e f Donahue, Anne (May 26, 2010). "Miley Cyrus: Summer Album Preview". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Donnahue, Ann (May 28, 2010). "Miley Cyrus: The Billboard Cover Story". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 3. Retrieved May 29, 2010. {{cite web}}: More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help)
  7. ^ "Can't Be Tamed: Miley Cyrus: Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon.de (in Dutch). Amazon.com. Retrieved May 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  8. ^ "CAN'T BE TAMED Release Monday, June 21". Mileycyrus.com. Hollywood Records. Retrieved June 12, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  9. ^ "First Look: Can't Be Tamed Album Cover". Mileycyrus.com. Hollywood Records. May 7, 2010. Retrieved May 10, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  10. ^ a b "Miley Cyrus 'Can't Be Tamed' in Spain". Comcast.com. Comcast. Retrieved June 7, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i Donnahue, Ann (May 28, 2010). "Miley Cyrus: The Billboard Cover Story". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 2. Retrieved May 29, 2010. {{cite web}}: More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help)
  12. ^ "Miley Explains 'Can't Be Tamed' Video". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved June 1, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  13. ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (December 18, 2009). "Miley Cyrus Calls 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn' Cover A 'Rad Collaboration'". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved May 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  14. ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (December 21, 2009). "Bret Michaels Says Miley Cyrus 'Nailed' Cover Of 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn'". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved May 21, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  15. ^ "Miley Cyrus tells Alan about her recent 17th birthday party". Channel 4. Channel Four Television Corporation. Retrieved May 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  16. ^ a b Phares, Heather. "allmusic {{{Can't Be Tamed > Review}}}". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved June 20, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  17. ^ http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2010/06/22/20100622miley-cyrus-cant-tamed-review.html
  18. ^ a b Greenblatt, Leah (June 16, 2010). "Can't Be Tamed (2010)". Entertainment Weekly. Time Warner. Retrieved June 20, 2010.
  19. ^ a b Wheeler, Brad (June 22, 2010). Globe and Mail http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/06/miley-cyrus-muchmusic-awards-pictures.html. Retrieved June 22, 2010. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  20. ^ http://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/17385/118966
  21. ^ Gamboa, Glenn (June 18, 2010). "Miley Cyrus' Can't Be Tamed' loses focus". Newsday. Cablevision. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
  22. ^ http://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/17385/118966
  23. ^ http://blog.washingtonpost.com/clicktrack/2010/06/album_review_miley_cyrus_cant.html
  24. ^ http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2010-06-22-listen22_ST_N.htm
  25. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (April 26, 2010). "Miley Cyrus' Can't Be Tamed Due June 22". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved April 30, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  26. ^ Malone, Ailbhe (May 14, 2009). "Pop corner". The Irish Times. Irish Times Trust. Retrieved May 15, 2010.
  27. ^ Pietroluongo, Silvio (May 27, 2010). "Usher's 'OMG' Stands Pat Atop Hot 100, Miley Tames Top 10". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
  28. ^ "Can't Be Tamed - Miley Cyrus". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
  29. ^ "Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed (Song)". Charts.org.nz. Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Retrieved May 28, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  30. ^ "Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved May 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  31. ^ "Miley Cyrus to appear on 'Dancing With The Stars'". USA Today. Gannett Company. May 14, 2010. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  32. ^ "My oh Miley! Disney star struts around on stage in a VERY racy costume". Daily Mail. Daily Mail and General Trust. May 30, 2010. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  33. ^ Llewellyn, Howell (February 5, 2010). "Miley Cyrus To Play Rock In Rio Madrid". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
  34. ^ "Miley Cyrus On Her Racy 'Britain's Got Talent' Performance: 'Get Over It!'". Access Hollywood. NBC Universal Television Distribution. June 5, 2010. Retrieved June 5, 2010.
  35. ^ Llewellyn, Howell (February 5, 2010). "Miley Cyrus To Play Rock In Rio Madrid". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
  36. ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1641870/20100618/cyrus__miley.jhtml
  37. ^ [1]
  38. ^ http://www.mileycyrus.com/2010/06/22/miley-cyrus-mtv-live-stream-show-the-good-girl-grows-up/
  39. ^ "Miley Cyrus Discography". Avex.jp (in Japanese). Avex Group. Retrieved May 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  40. ^ "Amazon.com: Can't Be Tamed [CD / DVD Combo] [Deluxe Edition]: Miley Cyrus: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
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