Malibu by Miley Cyrus

πŸ•° Style & Background

  • Style: Dream Pop

  • Originally recorded by: Miley Cyrus

  • Arranged by: Natalie Cardillo

  • Language: English (USA)

🎯 Programming Use

  • βœ… ICHSA/ICCA Opener or Middle

  • βœ… A Cappella Concert

  • βœ… Pops Concert

  • βœ… Thematic Program (California/Place Songs, Nature)

πŸ’‘ Why This Piece Works

This arrangement of Malibu gives a laid-back pop anthem a fresh, artful edge. The original’s breezy nostalgia is reimagined through a hypnotic soundscape of airy vowels, cascading rhythms, and subtly shifting textures.

From the opening β€œmm” and β€œoo” motifs, the ensemble builds an atmosphere that feels suspended in time β€” like standing on a beach with the wind in your hair. Vocal percussion enters lightly, creating lift without ever disturbing the floaty aesthetic.

Chromatic fragments weave in and out of the background lines, creating a liquid, wave-like texture that shimmers beneath the soloist. The chorus blooms with glowing harmonies and echoes of the phrase β€œnext to you,” emphasizing the emotional heartbeat of the song.

Moments of rhythmic density are carefully balanced with space, giving your singers room to breathe β€” and your audience space to feel. And just when the listener feels settled, the β€œbelt chorus” surprises with a powerful dynamic lift, giving the piece its climactic punch before drifting back into stillness.

This arrangement thrives on blend, breath, and restraint β€” a perfect palate cleanser in any set that leans too heavy or too loud. It invites listeners to exhale and remember that softness can be just as powerful as strength.

🎡 Musical Characteristics

Melodic Range

Key and Tonality

Ab Major

Solfege Accessibility: Easy β€” diatonic, no accidentals


🍎 Tips from the Teacher

  • Keep the β€œda dins” light, precise, and rhythmically clean β€” they should feel like sparkles, not accents

  • Choose a Soprano 1 with a gentle tone for the harmony in 3rds with the solo β€” it should support, not compete

  • Use the layered harmonies in the bridge to build momentum and dynamic energy leading into an emotional belt chorus


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