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Review: Breakout—Miley Cyrus

Giving tween girls something to scream for.

"Breakout" is the second studio album for tween sensation and "Hannah Montana" star Miley Cyrus and the first without the "Hannah" namesake in the shadows. "Breakout's" mix of rock, pop, techno-pop, and a little bit country will easily please Miley fans, and shows she can stand on her own without the blond wig.

Considering Miley Cyrus has already had more success in her short career than most artists will ever attain, it's easy to forget that the singer/actress/Billy Ray offspring is only 15. On "Breakout," Miley sheds a little bit of her pop sound and rocks out like a typical teen, while proving she's more than just Hannah's alter ego.

It's quite an eclectic mix: "7 Things," "Full Circle," "Breakout," and "Wake Up America" have rock riffs and spunky lyrics, and "The Driveway" offers a hint of country that's a natural fit for Miley's voice. "Fly on the Wall" is a bit edgier sounding with funky synth-beats and a cheerleader-like chant on the chorus. The cover of Cyndi Lauper's hit "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is a slightly flat attempt on a beloved classic, but Miley fans might like it; the vocals are a bit pushed at other times and reveal an as-yet developing voice. But regardless, tweens won't care as Miley struts her stuff -- sans Disney -- with spunk and variety that'll have them singing along in their bubble gum-colored rooms.

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Miley's sound and lyrics are a teensy, tiny bit more mature than the pure pop of Hannah Montana alter ego. She does talk about kissing and declares "school is lame" and "we're gonna have some fun/gonna lose control," but everything about this album stays fine for her tween fans.

Families can talk about the lyrics in "Simple Song." Do you think Miley is talking about herself, and the frenzy that constantly surrounds her life as a teen celeb? Do you think the media is always fair in the way it portrays her? Do you think celebrities should just put up with the paparazzi because that's the life they chose, or should there be boundaries?

Artist: Miley Cyrus Genre: Pop Label: Hollywood Records Parental Advisory: No Edited Version Available: No Release Date: 07/21/2008

Reviewed by Jessica Dawson.

See more about "Breakout" at Common Sense Media.

Related: music

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Other Parents Say…

Showing 1-8 Comments of 8

Posted by Suzanne Sat Aug 23, 2008 7:54am PDT

my child kate loves and i mean loves miley cyrus

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Posted by piglet1175 Sun Sep 7, 2008 1:17am PDT

my child is 11 and my other child is 9 and my 11 year old (female) enjoys the T.V shows and likes the songs but isn't too keen on Miley!

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Posted by leony_lt Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:23pm PDT

my kids 10 and 8 both female really adores Miley Cyrus or hannah montana. they have cds, picture cards, stickers, dolls and accessory kit. even their friendster includes miley and you might think that the site is miley's. I was never that fanatic during my time!

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Posted by night owl Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:54pm PDT

MILEY CYRUS IS A NATURAL. SHE HAS HER OWN PERSONALITY,SHE IS GREAT. MAYBE SHE IS GROWING UP A LITTLE TOO FAST, BUT THAT'S SHOW BIZ. I THINK SHE IS PRETTY LEVEL HEADED.

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Posted by henrymary10 Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:03pm PDT

My daughter Michaela (10) is a big fan of Miley C.;/ Hannah Montana if I get to take her some day to one of Hannah Montana's concert's she would see how great opportunities are for young people if they get that chance.

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Posted by Marie Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:48am PDT

I an dmy child don't like that multi-personality hannah montanna;miley cyrus. She aways asks me why does she hve two names. think she setting a bad image do't claim to be this virginal wanna be who's on the disey channel and then have your publisist leak have naked photos of yourself that your seding to some guy. I hate when celebs act fake.

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Posted by TasselLady Sat Sep 27, 2008 3:38pm PDT

I can understand why come performers like to have a gimmick of sorts to sell their products. But in this case it can confuse alot of young girls. Most of them wouldn't understand that she wears a wig with the Hannah Montana and goes without when she's Miley. I say either be one or be the other.

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Posted by DixieDarlin Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:47am PDT

MY KIDS REALLY LIKE THE SHOW HANNA MONTANA BUT DONT REALLY CARE FOR THE MUSIC. THEY PREFER HSM CDS OVER THE MILEY AND HANNAH ONES I BOUGHT THEM. BUT I STIL THINK SHE IS CUTE AND DOES NOT DESERVE ALL TEH NEGATIVITY I SEE SENT HER WAY SO MUCH.

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