Miley Cyrus Releases ‘Malibu’; Fans React To Her New Sound On Twitter

Miley Cyrus is back with new music and a new sound. Fans have been anxiously awaiting the release of “Malibu,” the controversial pop star’s latest single, since it was announced.

Cyrus, 24, previewed the song for fans on Thursday announcing that the it’ll be performed for the first time at the Billboard Music Awards. Reactions to the track, which features country-esque vocals and a romantic message, varied. Most were elated to see Cyrus depart from her party song past.

Loyal fans, many of whom seem to think the award winning musician can do no wrong, flooded Twitter with positive reviews. “Malibu” was described as “a hit,” “AWESOME,” “simply and beautifully written” and more. Even Cyrus’ father, Billy Ray Cyrus, tweeted about the song.

Miley’s sound isn’t the only thing that’s different about “Malibu.” The video accompanying it is a major departure from others she’s released. The Tennessee native is seen frolicing on a beach, sporting a much less edgy look than the one she’s become famous for.

Miley’s venture into a more stripped down look and sound should come as no surprise. In fact, she revealed during an interview with Billboard that she veered away from hip-hop influences — not by choice, however. She told the publication misogynistic and materialistic lyrics forced her to reconsider her relationship with the genre.

“I can’t listen to that anymore. That’s what pushed me out of the hip-hop a little,” she said in regards to song lyrics laden with sexually explicit content and celebration of materialistic things. “I am so not that.”

Her comments drew serious backlash from fans who felt she rose to fame in the music industry by appropriating hip hop culture. Miley later clarified in a lengthy Instagram post, explaining that what she said was taken out of context. She claims she and the writer spoke “for hours,” adding that much of their conversation didn’t make it into the piece.

“When articles are read it isn’t always considered that for hours I’ve spoken with a journalist about my life, where my heart is, my perspective at that time, and the next step in my career,” she wrote. “Unfortunately only a portion of that interview makes it to print & a lot of the time publications like to focus on the most sensationalized part of the conversation.”

Miley’s apology tour didn’t stop there. She went on to express her love for “ALL artists who speak their truth,” adding that she was grateful to have gotten the opportunity to collaborate with some especially talented hip-hop artists. Miley claimed that she’s simply moved on and is now listening to more “uplifting, conscious rap.”

“As I get older I understand the effect music has on the world & seeing where we are today I feel the younger generation need to hear positive powerful lyrics!” she said.

She hasn’t said anything more about the topic. Miley’s been spending much of her downtime focusing on the positives in her life — like beau Liam Hemsworth and her adoring pets. The couple was spotted out for a stroll together in April and it appeared as though they were going stronger than ever.

Viewers can catch Miley at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards on May 21, 2017 at 8 p.m. EDT. What do you think about her new sound?