Technically Miley Cyrus's second solo album--the first being MEET MILEY CYRUS, the latter part of HANNAH MONTANA 2--2008's BREAKOUT finds the energetic young superstar drawing a distinct line between herself and her blonde-wig-wearing TV character. This shedding of MONTANA persona gives the outing the assertive feel of a debut, as readily heard on the triumphant title track and the jangly, fast-paced "7 Things." Cyrus also takes on Cyndi Lauper's 1980s hit "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," imbuing the giddy tune with the same kind of 21st-century sheen that No Doubt gave to Talk Talk's "It's My Life."

Naturally, Billy Ray's daughter makes room for some introspective ballads during the second half of BREAKOUT, with "Bottom of the Ocean" and "Four Walls" distinguishing themselves as moody and mature songs that expand Miley's teeny-bopper sound. There are no major curveballs on BREAKOUT, just accessible pop/rock tracks that showcase a steadily developing artist in the spotlight.

Rolling Stone (p.84) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "With BREAKOUT, Disney's queen bee finally has a sophisticated pop record under her own name....The songs feel genuine."

Entertainment Weekly (p.69) - "BREAKOUT's best tunes let Cyrus be feisty without graduating to Avril-like levels of petulance: 'Full Circle,' 'The Driveway,' and the single '7 Things,' which veers from sensitive breakup song in the strummy verses to punky-pop kiss-off in the double-time choruses." -- Grade: B