"River"
Single by Miley Cyrus
from the album Endless Summer Vacation
ReleasedMarch 13, 2023 (2023-03-13)
StudioRidgemont High (Los Angeles)
Genre
Length2:42
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Miley Cyrus singles chronology
"Flowers"
(2023)		 "River"
(2023)		 "Jaded"
(2023)
Music video
"River" on YouTube

"River" is a song by the American singer Miley Cyrus. It was released on March 13, 2023, through Columbia Records as the second single from Cyrus' eighth studio album Endless Summer Vacation (2023).[1] It was written by Cyrus, Justin Tranter, and the song producers Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson.

"River" reached the top 10 in Croatia, Hungary and Israel as well as number 32 on the Bilboard Hot 100 and number 16 on the Billboard Global 200 chart.

Background and development

On December 31, 2022, while hosting her NBC live special Miley's New Year's Eve Party, Cyrus announced the release of the new single "Flowers".[2] Following its January 12, 2023, release, the song experienced widespread critical acclaim,[3][4] as well as a global commercial success despite minimal promotion.[5][6] "Flowers" became Cyrus' second number one single in the United States, hitting the top spot on Billboard Hot 100 on chart issue January 28 and staying there for six continuous weeks.[7][8] A week prior to the lead single's release, the singer unveiled that her next album will be called Endless Summer Vacation with a release date of March 10.[9]

Cyrus stated that "River" had begun as a much sadder song, since its development started within a turbulent time in her life. However, as the result of parts she organized, the track "evolved from a trouble where it felt like it never stopped raining, to then raining down love".[10] The singer added, that in order to take part in the event, [one] needed to "bring [their] gay best friend".[11] During the interview for Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), she admitted that "River" is about ejaculation.[12] However this word was censored,[5] resulting in theories regarding what she actually said.[13][14] "River" shares the same production team as its previous single "Flowers" – it was produced by Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, with additional writing done by the singer and Justin Tranter.[15][16]

Composition

"River" is a dance-pop and synth-pop song with elements of new wave, synthwave, post-disco and acid pop,[17][18][19][20] described by Cyrus as a "dancefloor banger".[12][21] The song features a Roland 303 acid line, pulsating synths, and guitars.[22][23][24] Clash's Emily Swingle found it to be reminiscent of Cyrus's 2010 album Can't Be Tamed.[17] Andrew Sacher of BrooklynVegan called the track a "retro synthpop banger," adding it would fit on her 2020 album Plastic Hearts.[18] George Griffiths of the Official Charts Company described it as a "new wave-esque" tune, consisting of "wonky" instrumental inspired by 1980s synth-pop and electronic music.[15] Chris Willman of Variety noted the song for the inclusion of "retro synth sounds" and further found inspiration from the style of Giorgio Moroder.[25] Uproxx's Alex Gonzalez wrote that it follows the "dance-ready theme established by 'Flowers'".[22] Nick Levine of NME felt that it "feels like a relative of her Stevie Nicks-inspired hit 'Midnight Sky'."[26] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian called it an EDM anthem with "an undeniable dancefloor rush," despite its "tendency to flicker between squelchy video game sounds and out of kilter hip hop breaks."[27] Mary Siroky of Consequence called it "the album's disco-inspired centerpiece", likening it to the 2020 albums Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa and Chromatica by Lady Gaga.[28]

Helen Brown of The Independent described the song as a "straightforward romancer about a paramour who's restored her faith after the love drought."[29] Rolling Stone's Brittany Spanos felt that it is "buzzing with the hope of new love and the end of sexual and romantic droughts."[30]

Release and promotion

On March 7, 2023, Cyrus started teasing "River" through teasers released on her social media.[31] She shared a portion of the song's instrumental,[22] as well as its lyrics.[32] On March 13, 2023, it was officially released to adult contemporary radio and its hot and modern sub-formats in the United States.[33] The song was also sent to contemporary hit radio in the country the following day.[34] A week later, the song impacted rhythmic contemporary radio.[35] It impacted Italian radio airplay on April 20.[36] Cyrus performed "River" live for the first time, in the documentary concert special, Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), which was released on Disney+ on March 10, 2023.[37]

"River" debuted at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, charting alongside four other songs from the album.[note 1] It was backed-up by 13.7 million radio audience impressions, leading to the single's entry on the Radio Songs chart at number 48. On other airplay surveys, it appeared at numbers 26 and 27 on Adult Top 40 and Pop Airplay,respectively,[39] peaking at number 17 on the former and number 20 on the latter.[40] It also debuted on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs at number two, becoming the highest debut on the chart since "Hold Me Closer" (2022) by Elton John and Britney Spears, as well as Cyrus's highest peaking on the chart yet, surpassing her 2013 collaboration with will.i.am, "Fall Down". It crowned its steaming component chart with 10.9 million streams, while on Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales "River" entered at number four with 1,600 downloads.[39] Elsewhere, it debuted at numbers 16 and 22 in the UK Singles Chart and ARIA Singles Chart, respectively.[41][42]

Critical reception

Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine noted the song's "enticing, high-stakes chorus worthy of Cyrus's fierce vocals and personality."[19] Pitchfork's Shaad D'Souza called it one of the best songs on Endless Summer Vacation, adding: "Cyrus effectively showcases who she is at this point in her career: Mature but still messy, not above a theatrical turn of phrase ('You're pourin' down, baby, drown me out') and, very occasionally, still in tune with the big-hearted optimism that characterized her earlier music."[43] David Cobbals of The Line of Best Fit called it a "confused mash of one too many ideas that leave it being more underwhelming than interesting."[44]

Music video

The black-and-white music video for "River" was directed by Jacob Bixenman.[21] On March 7, 2023 Cyrus announced its release date and shared a teaser video.[45] The music video premiered on March 10, 2023.[1] It features Cyrus in a black minidress, dancing under a spotlight on a raised, lit-up platform, joined by a group of shirtless men. Near the end, rain begins to fall.[24][21] Erica Gonzales of Elle called the video "sleek and sexy",[21] while Billboard's Glenn Rowley called it "moody".[1]

Accolades

Awards and nominations for "River"
Organization Year Category Result Ref.
MTV Video Music Awards 2023 Best Editing Nominated [46]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal, Pitchfork and the liner notes of Endless Summer Vacation.[47][48][49]

Recording

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "River"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[88] Platinum 40,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[89] Gold 40,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

"River" release history
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
United States March 13, 2023 Columbia [33]
March 14, 2023 Contemporary hit radio [34]
March 21, 2023 Rhythmic contemporary radio [35]
Italy April 20, 2023 Radio airplay Sony [36]

Notes

  1. ↑ Other songs by Miley Cyrus present on the chart were: "Flowers" (1), "Jaded" (56), "Thousand Miles" (68), and "Rose Colored Lenses" (91).[38]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Rowley, Glenn (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Drops 'River' Music Video". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2023. Miley Cyrus unfurled her new single "River," as well as its associated music video, on Friday (March 10) via RCA Records.
  2. ↑ Legaspi, Althea (January 1, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Ushers in 2023 With New Song Announcement". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  3. ↑ Pareles, Jon; Caramanica, Jon; Zoladz, Lindsay (January 13, 2023). "Everything But the Girl's Long-Awaited Return, and 12 More New Songs – The New York Times". The New York Times (Press release). Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  4. ↑ Siroky, Mary (January 13, 2023). ""Flowers" By Miley Cyrus Is Our Song of the Week". Consequence. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  5. 1 2 Grow, Kory (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Dances With Sea of Shirtless Men in New 'River' Video". Rolling Stone India. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  6. ↑ Griffiths, George (March 1, 2023). "Big Pop Girls: What a Number 1 album could mean to the campaigns of Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey's new eras". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  7. ↑ Trust, Gary (January 24, 2023). "Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  8. ↑ Trust, Gary (February 27, 2023). "Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' Rules Hot 100 for Sixth Week, PinkPantheress & Ice Spice Rise to No. 3". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Miley Cyrus to Release New Album 'Endless Summer Vacation' in March, Drops Teaser Trailer". Variety. January 5, 2023. Archived from the original on January 5, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  10. ↑ Viswanath, Jake (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus' Hannah Montana-Esque Song 'River' Has A Hidden Meaning". Bustle. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  11. ↑ Duncan, Charlie (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus shares hilarious story of how a gays-only dance party inspired her new song 'River'". PinkNews. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  12. 1 2 Veglia, John (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus shares video for 'nasty' dancefloor banger 'River'". Hot Press. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  13. ↑ Veloso, Lea (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus' 'River' Lyrics Are 'F—king Nasty' According To The Singer—Is The Song About Liam Hemsworth?". StyleCaster. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  14. ↑ Jeffrey, Joyann (March 10, 2023). "The meaning of Miley Cyrus' new song 'River,' according to Miley Cyrus". Today. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  15. 1 2 Griffiths, George (March 10, 2023). "Listen to Miley Cyrus' new single River now: Is this the successor to Flowers' Number 1 crown?". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  16. ↑ Curto, Justin (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Is on the Lookout for a Summer Fling in 'River'". Vulture.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  17. 1 2 "Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation". Clash. March 10, 2023. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  18. 1 2 Sacher, Andrew (March 10, 2023). "Stream Miley Cyrus' new album 'Endless Summer Vacation' & watch the 'River' video". BrooklynVegan. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  19. 1 2 Cinquemani, Sal (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Endless Summer Vacation Review: A Blissful, If Predictable, Comedown". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on March 12, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  20. ↑ Smyth, David (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation album review: restlessly roams between musical genres". Evening Standard. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  21. 1 2 3 4 Gonzales, Erica (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Says the Meaning Behind Her 'River' Lyrics Is 'F***ing Nasty'". Elle. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  22. 1 2 3 Gonzalez, Alex (March 7, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Teased Her New Single, 'River,' Just Days Before 'Endless Summer Vacation' Arrives". Uproxx. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  23. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus: Endless Summer Vacation review – gossip, grit and glorious pop". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  24. 1 2 Skinner, Tom (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus shares stylish video for 'nasty' new single 'River'". NME. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  25. ↑ Willman, Chris (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Spends Her 'Endless Summer Vacation' Deftly Balancing Mellow Gold and Dance-Pop: Album Review". Variety. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  26. ↑ Levine, Nick (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation review: a potent reclamation of power". NME. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  27. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus: Endless Summer Vacation review – gossip, grit and glorious pop". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  28. ↑ Siroky, Mary (March 10, 2023). "With Endless Summer Vacation, Miley Cyrus Glows on a Vocal-Forward Tour of the California Coast". Consequence. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  29. ↑ Brown, Helen (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus, Endless Summer Vacation review: A lovely, long bask in the pop star's maturing talent". The Independent. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  30. ↑ Spanos, Brittany (March 10, 2023). "'Endless Summer Vacation': What We Learned From Miley Cyrus' Sharpest, Most Independent Album Yet". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  31. ↑ Aniftos, Rania (March 8, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Shares the Inspiration Behind 'River' Ahead of 'Endless Summer Vacation' Release". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  32. ↑ Major, Michael (March 9, 2023). "Video: Miley Cyrus Shares 'River' Visual Sneak Peek Ahead of 'Endless Summer Vacation' Album Release". Broadway World. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  33. 1 2 "Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases | Hot Adult Contemporary Rock Songs and Release Dates". All Access. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  34. 1 2 "Top 40/M Future Releases | Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release Dates". All Access. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  35. 1 2 "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases | R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates". All Access. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  36. 1 2 "EarOne | Radio Date, le novità musicali della settimana" (Press release) (in Italian). EarOne. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  37. ↑ Paul, Larisha (March 10, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Needs No Audience or Introduction in 'Endless Summer Vacation' Special". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  38. ↑ Zellner, Xander (March 21, 2023). "Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' Returns to No. 1 on Hot 100, Rema & Selena Gomez's 'Calm Down' Hits Top 10" (PDF). Billboard. p. 19. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  39. 1 2 Murray, Gordon (March 23, 2023). "Miley Cyrus' 'River' Flows Onto Hot Dance/Electronic Songs Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.}
  40. ↑ Trust, Gary (April 7, 2023). "Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' Scores Rare Triple Triumph on Pop, Adult Airplay Charts". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  41. ↑ Griffiths, George (March 17, 2023). "Miley Cyrus claims Official Chart Double as Endless Summer Vacation and Flowers hit Number 1". Official Chart Company. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
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