A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense’ compilation album, now available. Miley Cyrus has put her own twist on a Talking Heads classic.
At midnight on Friday, May 17, the “Flowers” singer, 31, unveiled a pop-tinged rendition of Talking Heads’ 1977 hit “Psycho Killer” This new version is included in the tribute compilation album dedicated to the iconic new wave band, which is out now.
Cyrus’ track — an energetic take on the original eerie single — explores the dance genre with amplified ’80s synth sounds and a party-like atmosphere. The two-time Grammy winner first hinted at a country-style cover of “Psycho Killer” in March during an intimate performance at Los Angeles’ Chateau Marmont, as captured by fans. Midway through her performance, Cyrus remarked, “If you know this song, this is the regular part,” before launching into the original chorus.
Earlier, the pop star collaborated with Talking Heads co-founder and guitarist David Byrne during her annual New Year’s Eve special at the beginning of 2023, performing tracks like David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” and Byrne’s “Everybody’s Coming to My House,” according to Rolling Stone.
The latest Talking Heads cover comes months after the new tribute album — featuring 16 covers from the band’s 1984 live album Stop Making Sense — was first announced by A24 Music in January.
Besides Cyrus, the project’s lineup includes The National, Blondshell, The Linda Lindas, Paramore, DJ Tunez, Teezo Touchdown, Jean Dawson, BADBADNOTGOOD, Kevin Abstract, Toro y Moi, Girl in Red, Lorde, and Chicano Batman.
Following her recent Grammy wins, the “Prisoner” singer released her first single of the year, “Doctor (Work It Out),” produced by Pharrell Williams, in March. Later that month, she also featured on Beyoncé’s expansive Cowboy Carter country album with the duet “II Most Wanted,” which reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Discussing the collaboration in an Instagram post, the Endless Summer Vacation artist wrote, “I’ve loved Beyoncé since long before I had the opportunity to meet & work with her. My admiration runs so much deeper now that I’ve created alongside her.”
“Thank you Beyoncé,” she added. “You’re everything & more. Love you. To everyone who spent time making this song so special, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely, Miley.”
