Breakout by Miley Cyrus

The true test of a tween pop album is how much it grows on you. And while this album isn't exactly tween, it definitely passes that test with flying colors. In the first listen, I didn't quite catch its magic, but even by the second listen it had begun its move up to one of my favorite cds. It certainly does show that Miley is growing up, and it showcases her talent in a way the Hannah Montana albums could not. Typical tween is about catchy melodies and snazzy production, and Miley's done that well in the past, but in this album we find that hidden behind all of that is a voice that can carry the kind of depth and emotion that makes an artist. It also reveals a kind of maturity that didn't show up on Hilary Duff's albums until she was 20.

The first track, Breakout, is less than exceptional. It's basically in the same vein of "We've Got the Party" and could have come straight off of a Hannah Montana album. Which is good enough in itself, but it doesn't quite fit into this album that's strength is the way in which it moves beyond the typical tween.

7 Things is, of course, one of the most highly addictive songs out there, and Fly On The Wall is right up there with it. I really like the edge both of these have, and I would love to get more like these from Miley in the future.

As far as the cover of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun goes, Miley is of course no Cyndi Lauper. But Miley's version is sung with some kind of feel of pathos or desperation that was totally missing from the original, which may not be what she intended, but it makes for a very interesting track.

The cover of These Four Walls is definitely far better than the original. In comparing Miley's cut to Cheyenne Kimball's, the real depth and emotion that Miley's got becomes totally apparent. Despite the fact that Miley's is much younger, she sings with a great deal more maturity and artistry. And the country feel of this track really suits Miley.

Full Circle and Simple Song are two of the gems of this album. Simple Song in particular is very beautiful and a little heartbreaking. It both makes you admire Miley's talent and mourn a little for what she's lost because of it.

All in all, what Breakout shows is that Miley is not just another tween pop sensation, but a true artist with a real capacity for growth. I do wish we could give her the grace to grow a little more out of the spotlight. But this album does show that Miley's fame is not just the result of Disney marketing and a Wal-Mart product line. She's got real talent. And this is one adult fan who can't wait for more.