Miley Cyrus

Four years into her career, Miley Cyrus is, like other bubblegum idols before her, getting cranky about her image. In ‘Robot,’ the booming dance-pop opus near the end of her third album, Cyrus cries, “I’m not your robot/Stop telling me I’m part of the big machine.” But Cyrus is indeed part of a big machine – and is better for it. Tamed was mostly cooked up by the pros who helped make Cyrus a Disney princess. It’s a Top 40 record of a high order, packed with electro-pop hooks and big Kelly Clarkson-style shout-along choruses. Cyrus’ 17-year-old ire – however genuine it is – just adds spice.

Key Tracks: ‘Liberty Walk,’ ‘Can’t Be Tamed’