From 2006 to 2011, Hannah Montana rocked Disney Channel and Radio Disney. The series created a pop star out of a virtually unknown young girl, and she became one of the biggest celebrities of the century.
Miley Cyrus donned the Hannah Montana wig for five years of singing, dancing, and laughter. Some of the show's original fans have followed Miley's career for the last decade and would love to see her revive some of the songs that made her a star. Pull out the soundtracks and imagine Miley giving these another go.
Pumpin' Up The Party
Hannah Montana has so many quotable lines and song lyrics, and "Pumpin' Up the Party" is a memorable title. The song is all about chilling with friends and having a great time, and Hannah Montana gave the song a sleepover vibe by performing it in pajamas for footage on the series. This was surely one of the most enthusiastic numbers in the early days, back when Hannah Montana toured with the Cheetah Girls. It's safe to say that Miley could make this bop a modern classic.
One In A Million
This romantic pop ballad marks Miley/Hannah's relationship with Jake Ryan in the show's second season. The idea of meeting someone and feeling like those chances of togetherness are one in a million is a palpable sentiment. As Miley Cyrus navigates her relationships as an adult, she could revamp this song to fit her current situation, keeping the raw sweetness that made it a hit.
We Got The Party
There's nothing quite like a pop collab with the Jonas Brothers. These guys have made a comeback, and Miley and Nick have moved on from their teen drama, so why not get the band back together?
The Jonases appeared on Hannah Montana right around their Camp Rock days, and it was the perfect time for another song about partying. Maybe the former Disney kids can turn this into an acoustic campfire version.
I Learned From You
Although "I Learned From You" is credited to Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus, it was a closing track on the first Hannah Montana studio album. Unfortunately, this tune is one that the daughter and father rarely performed in public. In the context of the show, Miley Stewart sings much less than Hannah Montana, but songs like this prove that Miley had a strong sound and identity as her young self. Drop this one down a few keys, and current Miley could sing it like never before.
Supergirl
While "Supergirl" has some superficial lyrics about being cute and hot, it also mentions Hannah Montana having to dry her tears and not have any fears. With the pressures of carrying the Disney image and trying to fit a mold for so long, Miley must have felt the pressure at times. For a song of reflection, the singer would do a great job belting this one out today.
Spotlight
Although Miley never starred in a Disney Channel Original Movie, she did get a feature film based on her hit series. "Spotlight" is part of the soundtrack for Hannah Montana: The Movie. Miley might be able to relate to the words, "Can't help myself, I've got to be where the spotlights are shining down on me." The bridge leaves much to be desired, but Miley could omit it or use her songwriting prowess to come up with something else.
Every Part Of Me
With this song, a struggling Hannah/Miley asks, "Can I find a way to be every part of me?" The reason this song would work today is that it is so relatable and poignant. It is painful to have to hide a part of one's self, and Miley champions the unique identities of her fans. Her voice would sit well in the register of this song, too.
Ordinary Girl
Although "Ordinary Girl" doesn't sound like much of a Miley Cyrus title, it was quite moving during the end of Hannah Montana's run. The lyrics have an innocent simplicity that still hits home years later: "Sometimes I'm lazy, I get bored. I get scared, I feel ignored. I feel happy, I get silly, I choke on my own words."
As the Miley of the series wrestles with the thought of being ordinary, she sees that beauty also lives in ordinary things.
Wherever I Go
Rounding out the final Hannah Montana studio album, "Wherever I Go" reads like a love letter to the fans who followed Miley from the beginning to the end of her journey as Hannah Montana. Miley has made small efforts through the years to show longtime fans that she cares about their experiences with the show, so it might not be too out of reach for her to cover this song someday.
If We Were A Movie
Not everyone has made sense of the Hannah Montana and High School Musical connection. In addition to Miley making a cameo in High School Musical 2, Corbin Bleu made a couple of guest appearances on Hannah Montana as Miley Stewart's crush, Johnny. Hannah Montana has sung "If We Were a Movie" both alone and with Corbin. The two of them would excel on a spirited indie pop remix if they redid the song today.