Miley Cyrus & Mark Ronson’s “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart” Is A Triumph

Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson’s “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart” arrived this afternoon (November 29) and it’s a Grammy-worthy triumph. The super-producer describes the song as a sad banger, but that feels a little too humble. There are lashing of strings and pulsating beats, but, at its core, this is a battered-and-bruised breakup anthem of the highest caliber. It has the raw, emotional pull of 21-era Adele and seductive earthiness of Dolly Parton’s ’70s country-pop experiments.

“These silver bullet cigarettes, this burning house,” Miley sings about the end of a relationship. “There’s nothing left, it’s smoking and we both know it.” The 26-year-old has a moment of bitter self-realization on the undeniable chorus. “This road can’t hurt you, it cuts you deep and leaves a scar,” she laments with her signature twang. “Things fall apart, but nothing breaks like a heart.” Amen. Add this to your heartbreak playlist next to Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” for full emotional devastation.

The duo also unleashed the video and, as expected, it’s a blockbuster. Directed by WAFLA, the elaborate visual is steeped in social commentary with references to everything from the “Me Too” movement to Colin Kaepernick and gun violence. They are woven into a loose narrative that finds Miley on the run from the law. She drives around Kiev, Ukraine (doubling as LA) and crashes into strip clubs and shooting ranges, before being joined by Mark for the final showdown. Watch up top.

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