Keith Urban Calls Miley Cyrus ‘An Ashtray’: What Does It Mean?

Recently, country music superstar Keith Urban remarked Miley Cyrus, saying she “sounds like an ashtray.”

This statement has captured the attention of music fans and critics alike, leaving many wondering: What exactly did Urban mean by this? Was it a compliment, a critique, or a blend of both?

In this article, I’ll delve deep into the context of Urban’s comment, the vocal styles of both artists and the possible implications of his words.

Let’s get started!

Understanding the Context

Keith Urban and Miley Cyrus are both highly successful musicians who hail from different genres and generations.

Urban, a New Zealand-born country music sensation, has long been known for his smooth vocals, polished sound, and clean-cut image.

On the other hand, Miley Cyrus emerged as a pop star from a young age but has since evolved into a more rebellious figure in the music industry, adopting a raspy, rough vocal style that diverges significantly from her Disney-era beginnings.

Urban’s comment about Miley Cyrus may seem harsh on the surface, but given the complexities of celebrity culture, it may not be intended as a personal attack. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the first time a musician has faced critique or commentary on their vocal style.

Artists like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and even Janis Joplin have faced similar reactions to their unconventional voices.

Vocal Styles: A Comparative Look

To truly understand what Urban might have meant, let’s examine the vocal styles of Miley Cyrus and Keith Urban, exploring how they differ and why this contrast might lead to such a comment.

Miley Cyrus: A Vocal Transformation

Miley Cyrus started her career as a bright, clear-voiced singer in her early days as Hannah Montana. Over the years, however, her voice has undergone a significant transformation. Today, her voice is deeper, raspier, and more gravelly than in her youth.

This change is attributed to both her musical evolution and personal lifestyle choices, including her years of smoking, which can alter the texture and tone of a person’s voice.

Her vocal texture now leans into the raw, raspy sound that is characteristic of rock and roll. Fans of this style praise it for its authenticity and emotional depth.

However, critics of this vocal evolution have likened it to the voice of someone who has been weathered by years of smoking or hard living.

The comparison to an “ashtray” isn’t new; in fact, it’s an old colloquial metaphor used to describe a voice that sounds rough, gravelly, and worn.

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Keith Urban: The Smooth Country Crooner

On the other end of the spectrum, Keith Urban is known for his smooth and melodic voice. While he incorporates elements of rock into his country music, Urban’s vocal delivery has always been clear, refined, and harmonious.

His voice suits the mainstream country and pop market, where a clean, almost effortless vocal style is preferred.

Urban’s singing is often described as soulful yet polished, embodying the “Nashville sound” that dominates modern country music.

His vocal techniques tend to be technically proficient, with a focus on maintaining an even tone, avoiding the rough edges that Miley Cyrus has embraced in her music.

As such, Urban’s perception of Cyrus’s voice may stem from the sharp contrast between their respective vocal approaches.

Cultural Connotations of the “Ashtray” Comment

When Urban said that Miley “sounds like an ashtray,” there’s a chance that he was referencing not just her vocal quality but also her entire persona.

Throughout her career, Miley has been unapologetically edgy and rebellious. From her famous performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards to her transformation into a rock icon, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what is expected from a pop star.

For some, the “ashtray” comparison evokes a sense of grittiness, world-weariness, and rebellion — characteristics that Miley has often portrayed in her music and public image.

In rock and alternative music, sounding rough or gritty can be a badge of honor, symbolizing authenticity and defiance against the clean-cut, commercialized sounds of mainstream pop.

Conversely, the phrase “sounds like an ashtray” can also be interpreted as a critique. Smoking has long been linked to vocal degradation, and for artists like Urban, whose genre often emphasizes vocal clarity and purity, Miley’s rough voice may seem like a sign of carelessness or a loss of vocal control.

The Science Behind Vocal Changes

Miley Cyrus’s transformation from the bright, youthful voice she had in her early career to the raspy, gravelly sound she’s known for today may also be rooted in physiological changes.

Smoking, alcohol consumption, and heavy vocal use are all known to affect the voice, sometimes permanently.

The Effects of Smoking on the Voice

Smoking is one of the leading causes of vocal changes, and it’s worth noting that Miley has openly discussed her history with smoking. The chemicals in tobacco smoke cause irritation and inflammation of the vocal cords, which can lead to a deeper, rougher voice.

Over time, smokers can develop a condition called “vocal cord nodules,” which thickens the cords and adds to the raspy texture.

Additionally, long-term smoking can lead to chronic conditions such as laryngitis and other throat-related issues, which alter the vocal folds permanently. Even after quitting smoking, some of these effects remain.

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Public Reception: Is It a Compliment or a Critique?

Urban’s comment about Miley’s voice has sparked a range of reactions from fans and music critics. Some believe the comment was meant as a lighthearted critique, while others feel it carries more negative connotations.

Fans Defending Miley

Many of Miley’s fans were quick to defend her, arguing that her voice is a key part of her artistic identity. To them, the ashtray comparison could even be seen as a compliment, symbolizing a raw, unfiltered edge that distinguishes her from other pop stars.

The idea of sounding “like an ashtray” may evoke an image of someone who’s lived through life’s ups and downs and isn’t afraid to wear their scars.

Comparing Miley Cyrus and Keith Urban’s Vocal Qualities

Conclusion

• Keith Urban’s remark that Miley Cyrus “sounds like an ashtray” can be interpreted in multiple ways depending on the lens through which it’s viewed.
• Whether it was a critique of her vocal degradation or a commentary on her raw, rock-infused sound, the comment speaks to the larger debate about what makes a good voice in the music industry.
• Miley has consistently pushed boundaries with her voice and persona, embracing a grittier, rougher sound that aligns with her rebellious spirit.
• Urban, on the other hand, represents a more traditional approach to vocal performance, where clarity and smoothness are prized.
• Ultimately, both artists have carved out successful careers by staying true to their unique styles, and their contrasting vocal qualities offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of popular music.

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