Miley Cyrus Releases “Wrecking Ball,” Katy Perry Teases “Dark Horse”

The weekend continues to be a big one for Miley Cyrus.

In addition to a centerpiece involvement in the MTV Video Music Awards and the debut of her “Bangerz” album cover, Cyrus also unveiled the newest song from the set.

It’s a ballad.

A Dr. Luke production, “Wrecking Ball” relies on aural contrast to amplify its emotional significance. It opens with a delicate, melodically-simplistic verse before launching into an explosive, rock-leaning chorus that features Cyrus at her most raw and intense. A catchy pre-chorus succeeds in bridging the gap without spoiling the climactic aggression of said chorus, which comes in exactly as Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” simile suggests.

Cyrus was not the only pop hitmaker to release new audio this weekend. Though she did not release the complete tracks, Katy Perry teamed with MTV and Pepsi to offer teasers of upcoming “Prism” songs “Dark Horse” and “Walking on Air.”