The Time of Our Lives (EP)
The Time of Our Lives is the first extended play (EP) by American recording artist Miley Cyrus. The EP was released on August 28, 2009 by Hollywood Records, initially as a Walmart exclusive in the United States. Most of the album was produced by John Shanks; Dr. Luke also produced. The Time of Our Lives was originally conceived as a release to accompany Cyrus' apparel line with Max Azria. Cyrus had fairly limited involvement in the composition of the release, only having writing credits on one track: a live version of the previously released Jonas Brothers collaboration, "Before the Storm".
The Time of Our Lives
The Time of Our Lives received generally positive reactions from critics, with some reviews suggesting that the EP was an effective step into adulthood for Cyrus. Some reviews were critical of the ballads which appear on the record, however. The EP was a commercial success, charting within the top ten in nine countries. In the United States, The Time of Our Lives peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Moreover, the EP had success internationally, peaking at number three in Greece, number five in Austria, and number six in Spain.
Two singles were released from The Time of Our Lives. The lead single, "Party in the U.S.A.", became Cyrus' best-selling effort up to that point, peaking at number two in the Billboard Hot 100. It also became one of the best-selling singles in the United States and Hollywood Records' best- and fastest-selling single. The second and final single released from the EP was "When I Look at You". It was used to promote the 2010 film The Last Song, which Cyrus starred in. Unable to match the success of "Party in the U.S.A.", the single peaked within the top twenty in Australia and the United States. In late 2009, Cyrus embarked on her first world tour, the Wonder World Tour, to promote the EP.[1][2]
Composition
"Kicking and Screaming" is the most prominent representation of rock music on The Time of Our Lives.[23] The track features instrumentation that relies on glam electric guitar riffing and ragged, gutsy vocals,[24] which, at several points, feature a gravelly element.[25] It results in an uptempo electronic rock number.[11][26] Lyrically, "Kicking and Screaming" is a merciless message to an ex-boyfriend.[27] "Party in the U.S.A." is a pop song with reggae elements[28] while having instrumentation that includes a "clash between feathery jazz guitar chords and a booming synth bassline serving as a hook".[11] Cyrus' vocals display an undertone of alternative country twang[25] and features belter refrains.[29] The lyrics for "Party in the U.S.A." discuss Cyrus' relocation from Nashville, Tennessee to Hollywood, California.[29] The refrains mainly speak of how her favorite songs make her feel more confident.[29] "When I Look at You" is a power ballad that transitions in instrumentation, from piano to electric guitar.[30] Throughout the song, Cyrus keeps a hushed tone, but starts to belt soon before the arrival of the second verse. Lyrically, it speaks of a dream lover.[31] "The Time of Our Lives" is a bouncy, dance-pop song characterized by 1980s synths[27] and a fizzy sound caused by a bubblegum pop background.[24] Cyrus' processed vocals display a prominent use of auto-tune; influences derive from new wave music.[19][32] The song's lyrics talk about not worrying so much about the future and simply focusing on the present and having a good time together.[25] "Talk Is Cheap" is a pop-punk,[32] garage rock song with disco influences[26] and a number of hooks.[24] "Talk Is Cheap" features lyrics that speak of being extremely irritated after encountering predicaments at a club and others smoking cigarettes.[32] "Obsessed" is a power ballad with soft rock characteristics and husky vocals.[32] "Obsessed"'s lyrics deal with teenage lust.[24] "Before the Storm" is a country pop ballad about a melancholic romantic breakup.[27][33]
Singles
"Party in the U.S.A." was released on August 11, 2009 as the lead single from The Time of Our Lives through digital distribution.[34] It received praise from critics for its musical composition, reflecting aspects of R&B[35] and catchy effect.[36] "Party in the U.S.A." was also a commercial success for Cyrus; it charted within the top ten of eight countries.[37] In the United States, the song peaked at number two, becoming Cyrus' best-charting single up to that point[38] and the sixth best selling digital single of 2009.[39] It was also deemed Hollywood Records' fastest and best-selling single to date.[38] The single was certified thirteen-times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)[40] and quadruple platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA).[41] A music video for "Party in the U.S.A.", directed by Chris Applebaum, was set mainly at a drive-in theater[42] and pays tribute to the film Grease (1978) and Cyrus's parents' courting days.[43]
"When I Look at You" was released to promote the film The Last Song, which Cyrus' starred in and became the EP's second and last single. "When I Look at You" received average to mixed critical reception, ranging from "inevitable hit single" to "inferior ballad",[44][45] and was unable to duplicate the commercial success of "Party in the U.S.A."[46] Its highest international peak was achieved in the United States, where it reached number sixteen, followed by Australia, where it peaked at number eighteen.[46] The song's accompanying music video was directed by Adam Shankman. It features Cyrus playing a grand piano in several settings, including a beach and forest.[47]