REVIEW: Miley Cyrus 'Bangerz' Disjointed Mix of Heartbreaking Anthems, Love Songs, Club Friendly Tracks from 'Wrecking Ball' Singer [STREAM]

Miley Cyrus has been trying to make the transition from "Hannah Montana" the tween star to a bona fide, adult pop artist for the last several months. Everything she's done in 2013, from the cropped blonde haircut and black couture clothing to her controversial music videos and the twerk seen-'round-the-world have been leading up to this: the release of her fourth studio album "Bangerz."

So, how does a proper adult album from the former Disney star stand up when she isn't swinging around naked on construction equipment or, wagging her tongue in front of millions of people? Well, it falls flat.

Confidently teased by Cyrus herself as being full of "bangers" and "the album of the year" on Twitter, "Bangerz" is actually made up primarily of mid-tempo, heartbreaking ballads and the occasional club-friendly hit. The mixture is eclectic at best and disjointed at worst, and while the production value is on point (thanks to skillful producer Mike Will Made It) sometimes the attempts at party rocking fall flat.

Consider the long-awaited Britney Spears collaboration track "SMS (Bangerz)." Cyrus attempts to be sassy and saucy on the track, teasing that she could easily swap out a man for a battery pack. Spears' contribution makes a listener quickly realize that when it comes to sassy declarations and club-friendly bangers, a Cyrus track can't hold a candle to the other Disney alumna.

Other attempted "bangers" also fall flat. "Love Money Party" is clunky, and the country-fried-urban track "4x4" (featuring Nelly) is an awkward, accordion-laced stomper. "Hoedown Throwdown" this is not. The most embarrassing track is easily "FU" (featuring French Montana). Cyrus attempts to be biting and angry, but she plays better as the heartbroken ex, not as the vindictive one.

Despite the clunks during "Bangerz," parts of the record work. The inevitable breakup of Cyrus' engagement to actor Liam Hemsworth is all over "Bangerz," in revelatory lyrics and vulnerable anthems, and that's where Cyrus' talents shine through.

The no. 1 hit "Wrecking Ball" doesn't need a controversial music video to resonate with its heartbreaking story: Cyrus gave her all in a relationship, and she just couldn't break down the walls.

It's a common theme on "Bangerz." "Someone Else" and "Maybe You're Right" also effectively deliver Cyrus' side of the break up story, packing powerful emotional punches.

Most effectively, "Drive" echoes these sentiments, and with lyrics about needing to get away from a toxic relationship, Cyrus really emotes and shines through. It's almost possible to hear her heart breaking and tears making their way down.

"Bangerz" as a whole doesn't blend together particularly well, but it's easy to find a few more smash hits on the record. As for the next era of Cyrus' career? It seems like she's on the way to establish herself as a fully grown pop star, but the music needs to shape up for her fifth effort. Twerking can't last forever.

Listen to a stream of Miley Cyrus' "Bangerz" here.