The Hardest Part

Released in 2022, The Hardest Part serves as the definitive artistic statement for Noah Cyrus, marking her transition from pop-adjacent singles to a fully realized Americana and indie-folk identity. Produced primarily by Mike Crossey, the album emphasizes organic textures, utilizing pedal steel, upright piano, and acoustic guitars to create a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary. The record is heavily informed by Cyrus's personal journey through recovery and her relationship with her family, most notably on the opening track featuring her father, Billy Ray Cyrus. Critics noted the album's departure from her earlier electronic-tinged work, praising the 'smoky' and 'weathered' quality of her vocals. It stands as a significant debut that aligns her more with artists like Phoebe Bridgers or Kacey Musgraves than her mainstream pop contemporaries, solidifying her place in the modern singer-songwriter landscape.