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"7 Things"
A three-quarter portrait of a female teen facing left. Her eyes look towards the viewer and her hand is placed on the top of her curly, dark brown hair.
Single by Miley Cyrus
from the album Breakout
ReleasedJune 17, 2008 (2008-06-17)
Studio
GenrePop-punk[2]
Length3:33
LabelHollywood
Songwriters
ProducerJohn Fields
Miley Cyrus singles chronology
"Start All Over"
(2007) 		"7 Things"
(2008) 		"Fly on the Wall"
(2008)
Music video
"7 Things" on YouTube

"7 Things" is a song by American singer Miley Cyrus. The song was co-written by Cyrus, Antonina Armato and Tim James, and produced by John Fields. It was released on June 17, 2008, by Hollywood Records as the lead single from Cyrus' second studio album Breakout (2008), with no ties to her character Hannah Montana from the Disney Channel comedy series of the same name. Also registered as "Seven Things I Hate About You", Cyrus developed the song during the Best of Both Worlds Tour while feeling numerous emotions for an ex-boyfriend, mainly anger. The song's release prompted allegations that it was about Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, which Cyrus neither confirmed nor denied. Musically, "7 Things" bears aspects of both country and pop punk, while the lyrics in the song's refrain list seven traits Cyrus hates about an ex-boyfriend.

"7 Things" received mixed to positive reviews from music critics and enjoyed worldwide commercial success, becoming a top ten hit on charts in Australia, Japan, Norway, and the United States. The single was certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), while its appearance on the Japan Hot 100 made "7 Things" Cyrus' first song to chart in an Asian country. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Brett Ratner and features Cyrus performing the song with a backup band as many teenage girls lip-sync along. The girls clutch a variety of props, such as love letters and snow globes, inspired by personal items Cyrus' ex had given her. The video was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award at both the 2008 and 2009 award shows. Cyrus promoted the song through several venues including her world tours, the Wonder World Tour and the Gypsy Heart Tour. The song premiered before its official release as a single on May 13, 2008, at the Elvis Duran Show.[3]

Background

[edit]

"7 Things" is also under the legal title of "Seven Things I Hate About You", as registered by Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI).[4] Like most of the songs on Breakout, Cyrus conceived "7 Things" while traveling on the Best of Both Worlds Tour from October 2007 to January 2008.[5]

"I was locked up in the bus the entire time. And it was, like, such a great time for me to have a minute for myself, which I never get. So it was awesome to get to do that and just kinda go through all the different stages of what's been going on the last couple of years. And I just thought it'd be fun to just kinda. I didn't even mean for it to be for, you know, the record or for anything. It was just like 'just start writing this'. I got into it and I played some of it for my sister and she was like, 'dude, that's awesome'. And it was just so much fun to have, like, a good, little therapy moment for me, just to be able to go through everything. It was awesome. It was so much fun to write."[5]

Cyrus says "7 Things" was inspired by an ex-boyfriend.[6] In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, Cyrus said that she was "going through [...] nine-hundred different emotions while trying to write the song" and that her use of the word "hate" demonstrated how furious she was.[5] When Seacrest asked if she was worried the song's subject would hear it and be upset, Cyrus responded that while she was slightly worried, "I want him to be upset. That was my point."[5] She showed her draft to co-songwriters and producers Tim James and Antonina Armato, who suggested adding it to Breakout.[5] Originally, "7 Things" was more "soft and nice" but Cyrus says she "went nuts" during the recording process and gave the song a harder sound.[7] Cyrus had initially chosen "Fly on the Wall" as the lead single from Breakout, but replaced it with "7 Things" because she felt it was a "better introduction" to the album.[8]

Nick Jonas allegations

[edit]
A three-quarter portrait of a male teen looking forward. He has dark, curly hair, wears a black leather jacket, and strums a guitar hung over his shoulder.
The release of "7 Things" was followed by allegations that it was about Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers.

Allegations that "7 Things" was about Nick Jonas, lead singer of the Jonas Brothers, arose soon after the song's premiere on the May 13, 2008, broadcast of the Elvis Duran and the Morning Show.[9] Cyrus and Jonas had dated for a year and a half before breaking up in late 2007.[10] Cyrus claimed, "Nick and I loved each other" and that after the breakup she "bawled for a month straight" while trying to rebel "against everything Nick wanted [her] to be".[10]

Henry Freeland of Paste described "7 Things" as "the list of reasons she hates an ex-boyfriend (who just might be lead Jonas Brother, Nick)" and her "concern [...] that all of this hatred only leads them to love Maybe-Nick [...] all the more".[11] Blogger Molly Lambert, quoted in The New York Times said, "[Cyrus] had recently broken up with her first serious boyfriend — a fellow Disney celebrity, Nick Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers, who was also her arena-concert tour mate during their secret two-year affair. In the video for '7 Things' she wears Nick's diabetes dog tags while singing about how his vanity and insecurity undermined their relationship."[12] Jessica Herndon of People similarly points out the necklace and the fact that Jonas, "who split with Cyrus in late 2008 after two-and a half years of dating – has Type 1 diabetes and is a spokesperson for awareness of the disease."[13] When asked if the allegations were true, Cyrus said,

"[W]ith '7 Things,' I think a lot of people do, you know, think it's about Nick Jonas, and if they think it is, that's fine, or whoever they think it's about. But mostly that song is about who, um, they want it to be to. Like mostly, it's if a girl hates her current, or ex-boyfriend—for me it's an ex-boyfriend—so I think, you know, like, Nick is someone that was really important in my life, but I don't hate him. It's a good song and it's fun."[14]

Jonas responded to the allegations with, "I think it's funny. Honestly, I'm not insecure, my friends are cool—so it can't be about me!"[14] According to Tiger Beat magazine, when Cyrus' best friend Mandy Jiroux was asked if "7 Things" was about Jonas, she responded, "yes".[15]

Composition

[edit]
Miley Cyrus - "7 Things" (2008)
The uptempo refrains of Miley Cyrus' "7 Things" are pop rock influenced.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"7 Things" is a pop song with a length of three minutes and 33 seconds.[16] According to Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine, the song's verses are tinged with country while its refrains bear pop punk aspects.[17] The song is set in common time and has moderate rock tempo of 108 beats per minute. It is written in the key of E major while Cyrus' vocals span two octaves, ranging from C#3 to C#5.[18] Fraser McAlpine of the BBC called the song "a three-tempo patchwork quilt".[19] In the song's introduction, the band begins to strum acoustic guitars[20] at a moderate tempo while Cyrus chants "sha".[18] The tempo continues as Cyrus begins the first verse in the song's fourth bar.[18] At each chorus, "7 Things" speeds up dramatically and Cyrus' vocals become aggressive and forceful;[21] Chris Willman of Entertainment Weekly described the transition as "from sensitive breakup song in the strummy verses to punky-pop kiss-off in the double-time choruses."[22] McAlpine noted the stress Cyrus places on vowels in the song: "'yerw' instead of 'you', 'erw' instead of 'oh', and so on...".[19]

The song's lyrics are written in second person, a message from the singer to her ex-boyfriend detailing the hurt he caused her while they were dating. The refrain is a list of the seven traits the singer "hates" most about her ex, with the seventh item being her frustration that despite his flaws, he makes her love him.[20] Ben Ratliff of The New York Times noted that the list actually "runs to 8 to 11 things, depending on how you parse it".[23] Henry Freedland of Paste magazine compared it to a similar list featured as a poem in the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You.[11] In one verse, Cyrus asks for a sincere apology and states, "If you text it, I'll delete it", which Molly Lambert of The New York Times said "perfectly captur[es] our confusing age of technologically mediated courtship."[12] The song concludes with a variation of the refrain, in which Cyrus names the seven things she likes the most about her ex, again concluding with "you make me love you".[23]

Critical reception

[edit]
A female teen in a black leather hotpants suit sings into a microphone on a blue-hued stage. Behind her, two electric guitarists and a drummer play their instruments.
Cyrus performing "7 Things" on the Wonder World Tour

"7 Things" received mixed reviews from critics. Fraser McAlpine of the BBC called the song "smashing", complimenting Cyrus' "punker attitude all wrapped up in an immaculate gloss".[19] Todd Martens of the Los Angeles Times wrote that while he wished the song had played up Cyrus' frustration rather than concluding with the kind final verse, "the winning, full-on chorus -- and Miley's exuberance -- are enough to make it a success."[20] Ben Ratliff of The New York Times said "7 Things" "lists with talky insecurity what she hates about a guy" and calls "the seven things she likes [...] a shameless Disney ending".[23] Heather Phares of Allmusic contended, "7 Things" is a twangy, clever piece of love-hate pop that feels descended from Shania Twain's flirty mix of rock and country" and marked it as one of the best tracks on Breakout.[24] Chris Willman of Entertainment Weekly called it one of Breakout's "best tunes" because it "let Cyrus be feisty without graduating to Avril-like levels of petulance"[22] while Josh Timmermann of PopMatters finds it "appealing".[25]

Mordechai Shinefield of The Village Voice described the song as "hooky and catchy enough", but warned that "it's only a step away from warmed-over emo platitudes".[26] Sarah Rodman of The Boston Globe claimed "[Avril] Lavigne's brand of pop-punk snarl creeps into '7 Things'."[27] Robert Christgau labeled "7 Things" and "Breakout" the best songs on Breakout.[28] Chris Richards of The Washington Post claimed the album's "overproduction is apparent on the chorus of the album's first single, "7 Things," an avalanche of guitars and rushed syllables."[29] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine called the single "rather annoying" and not "a worthy follow-up to 'See You Again'",[17] while Bill Lamb of About.com said the "winning performance" demonstrated that "Miley Cyrus does not intend to simply be a TV-generated phenomenon in the pop music world. She is a compelling pop artist in her own right."[21]

Chart performance

[edit]

On the week ending June 21, 2008, "7 Things" debuted at number 85 on the Billboard Hot 100.[30] The song ascended to number seventy the week ending July 5, 2008, before jumping to number 10 in its third week due to sales of 130,000 digital downloads.[31][32] "7 Things" moved up to number nine on the week ending July 26, 2008, surpassing "See You Again" and becoming Cyrus' best charting effort on the Hot 100.[33][34] The single managed to spend fifteen weeks on the Hot 100, and was ranked at number 92 in the Year-End in 2008. "7 Things" also peaked at number 14 on the now-canceled Pop 100 chart.[35] In Canada, the song debuted at number 40 on the week ending July 5, 2008, and peaked at number 13 on the week ending July 26, 2008.[30][34] As of March 2023, "7 Things" has sold 2,000,000 units in the United States and was certified two-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[36]

"7 Things" was also a success in Australia and New Zealand. The song made its debut on the Australian Singles Chart at number 38 on August 17, 2008.[37] After five weeks, "7 Things" reached its peak on the chart at number ten.[37] The song has been certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipping over 35,000 copies.[38] "7 Things" debuted at number 27 on the New Zealand Singles Chart on August 17, 2008, and, after eight weeks on the chart, reached number 24.[39] "7 Things" also became Cyrus' first song to chart in an Asian country: On the week ending September 27, 2008, "7 Things" debuted at number 81 on the Japan Hot 100;[30] it reached number nine on the week ending October 17, 2008, and reached its peak at number eight on the week ending October 24, 2008.[40][41]

In the UK Singles Chart, "7 Things" made its entry at number 87 on September 13, 2008, and reached its peak at number 25 on December 13, 2008.[30][42] In mainland Europe, the song peaked at number 44 on Eurochart Hot 100 Singles and at number 14 in Austria.[34][43] "7 Things" debuted and peaked at number eight on the Norwegian Singles Chart on August 19, 2008.[44] The song experienced similar commercial outcomes throughout the rest of Europe; it charted within the top 40 of charts in Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia), Germany, and Switzerland.[44]

Music video

[edit]
A brunette female teen faces forward with hear mouth open; she wears a necklace. Behind her are two guitar players and a white background.
Cyrus wears her ex-boyfriend's medical identification tag in the "7 Things" music video.

Cyrus invited Brett Ratner, director of the "7 Things" music video, to her home to tell him how much the song meant to her and what it was about.[6] After proposing numerous ideas to each other, they decided to make the video "simple with a white backdrop".[5] Cyrus said that neither she nor Ratner wanted the video to be "all about [her]" because the song's message was universal; "almost every girl in America could say they hate their ex or current boyfriend," claimed Cyrus.[5] As a result, the video features numerous adolescent girls including actresses Nicola Peltz, Liana Liberato, Hunter King, and Maiara Walsh.[5][45] During the planning session, Cyrus showed Ratner a collection of personal items her ex had given her, such as photographs and his dirty socks, which she had stowed away beneath her bed.[6] They decided to include some of these items as props in the music video. For example, the necklace Cyrus wears in the video was her ex-boyfriend's medical identification tag, which he received because of his diabetes mellitus.[6]

The video was shot on May 30, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. Unexpectedly, several girls began crying during the shoot; Cyrus attributed this to the emotions in the song.[5] Ratner was impressed with Cyrus' instinct and ability to address emotional issues while making them "fun at the same time".[13] Ratner compared her to Madonna, saying, "she can be hanging out and laughing, and then you put the camera on her and it's like, 'Holy shit!'"[6] The effervescence made editing more difficult for the director.[6] He said, "It was the hardest video I've ever edited because every moment was great. Every moment that she was on camera, she was amazing. She's got an incredible quality about her. She gets the camera, and that's what it takes to make a great music video."[6] Cyrus commented that she felt the video was "more honest than [the] song" and that she was "singing out to [...] that special person".[5]

The video commences with a close-up shots of Cyrus' face as she counts in the backup band behind her. For a moment, she is replaced by a different girl holding a small stuffed monkey. Cyrus then reappears, holding onto her necklace and wearing a multicolored sequin sundress designed by Sass & Bide,[46] black Chuck Taylor All-Stars, and leg warmers. Her wavy hair styled loose and in front of her shoulders. As Cyrus continues to sing, she is replaced by more girls holding different items, including teddy bears, stuffed animals, snow globes, and love letters. As the song approaches its chorus, Cyrus and the girls start dancing and jumping. Cyrus continues singing as she holds a white rose and a girl deletes a text message from her boyfriend. At one point, Cyrus holds a photograph of her and an ex-boyfriend with black curly hair, his face obscured by a doodle on a piece of notebook paper. At the end of the video, Cyrus blows the camera a kiss, mouths "I love you," and turns away.

Video reception

[edit]

The video premiered on June 28, 2008, on ABC.[47] It was the most watched music-related video on YouTube[48] until it was surpassed by Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" music video in Spring 2010.[49] Todd Martens of the Los Angeles Times was disappointed with the video's special effects and production values, adding that it looked "as if it were filmed with one camera on a tripod in a single-bulb basement".[20] However, he complimented how they "show[ed] off Miley's universal appeal".[20] Henry Freeland of Paste magazine said, "Cyrus wiggles to and fro, mugging for the camera like her face is fighting gravity and barely winning."[11] A Pop Cultured review from MTV described the video as PG and "Disney approved".[50] The review continued that it was mildly angry, comparing Cyrus to "a watered-down version of Avril Lavigne's kid sister, and Lindsay Lohan's pseudo-rebellious character in Freaky Friday — minus the eyeliner".[50] Leigh Holmwood of The Guardian commented, "Miley's new music vid, reminds me, creepily enough, of early Britney."[51] Molly Lambert of The New York Times described Cyrus as the video's "charismatic center" and writes, "When she flashes Nick's dog tags and a picture of the two of them together, she seems so vindictive and so embarrassingly vulnerable, just like . . . a 15-year-old suffering her first serious heartbreak, basically."[12] The video received a nomination for MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, but lost to Tokio Hotel's music video for "Ready, Set, Go!".[52] At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, the video received a nomination for MTV Video Music Award for Best Editing, but lost to Beyoncé Knowles' music video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".[53]

Live performances

[edit]
Cyrus performing "7 Things" during the Gypsy Heart Tour

Cyrus first live performance of "7 Things" took place on May 17, 2008, at the 2008 Zootopia, an annual summer concert put on by radio station Z100.[54] Later that summer, she promoted the song at outdoor concerts hosted by Good Morning America[55] and The Today Show[56] and while hosting the 2008 Teen Choice Awards.[57] Cyrus began promotion for "7 Things" in Europe in fall 2008, performing the track on the United Kingdom breakfast TV show GMTV, the French television show Le Grand Journal and the British singing competition The X Factor among other venues.[58] She performed the song twice on FNMTV; once on August 1, 2008,[59] and again while co-hosting New Year's Eve of 2008 with Pete Wentz.[60]

Cyrus performed "7 Things" along with several other songs on April 24, 2009, in a London Apple Store. These performances were recorded and sold exclusively by the United Kingdom iTunes Store as a live extended play titled iTunes Live from London.[61] On June 7, 2009, Cyrus performed the song at twentieth annual A Time for Heroes Celebrity Carnival, an outdoor carnival supporting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.[62][63] "7 Things" was also included in the set list of Cyrus' first world tour, the Wonder World Tour; Cyrus performed the song in a black leather ensemble paired with a silver rosary while overhead video screens projected a conflagration.[64] Melinda M. Thompsen of The Oregonian said Cyrus' performance of "7 Things" the September 14 concert in Portland, Oregon at the Rose Garden Arena "showed what a powerhouse she can be using her voice and influence to get her message out".[64] The song's performance in the September 22 concert in Los Angeles, California at the Staples Center was referred to as "aggressive athleticism" by Lael Loewenstein of Variety and as a "tween-rock gem" and "up-tempo highlight" by Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times.[65][66] She later performed the song at the Rock in Rio concerts in Lisbon, Portugal and Madrid, Spain 7 Things has sold more than 1,500,000 million copies in the United States.[67]

Cyrus performed the song during the Gypsy Heart Tour.

In 2021, Cyrus began performing "7 Things", at music festivals, for the first time since 2011's Gypsy Heart Tour, reintroducing the song during her Lollapalooza set.[68]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications and sales
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[93] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[94] Gold 7,500*
United Kingdom (BPI)[95] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[96] 2× Platinum 2,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Australia August 25, 2008 CD single EMI [97]
Germany September 12, 2008 Universal [98]
United Kingdom November 8, 2008 Polydor [99]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

7 Things

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"7 Things" is a pop rock song by American singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus, released on June 17, 2008, by Hollywood Records as the lead single from her second studio album, Breakout (July 22, 2008). The track, co-written by Cyrus with Antonina Armato and Tim James, and produced by John Fields, features lyrics in which Cyrus enumerates seven negative traits she attributes to an ex-boyfriend, blending elements of pop punk and country influences in its musical style. Upon its release, "7 Things" debuted at number 85 on the and climbed to a peak position of number nine, her highest-charting single at the time, and spent 18 weeks on the chart. Internationally, the song achieved success, reaching number 25 on the UK Singles Chart and entering the top 40 in several other countries, including and . Its commercial performance contributed significantly to the promotion of Breakout, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The song's , directed by , depicts performing on a rooftop and in a setting with a group of teenage girls. Critically, "7 Things" received mixed reviews; some praised its energetic production and Cyrus's vocal delivery, while others noted its formulaic structure, though it helped establish her transition from her Hannah Montana persona to a more independent artist. Over the years, the track has been retrospectively recognized as a key early hit in Cyrus's career, certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA and surpassing 1 billion streams on as of 2025, with enduring popularity evidenced by its cultural references.

Background and Development

Writing and Inspiration

"7 Things" was co-written by , Antonina Armato, and Tim James during the , which ran from October 2007 to January 2008. The song emerged as Cyrus transitioned toward her solo career beyond the Hannah Montana franchise. The track's inspiration stemmed from Cyrus's breakup with an ex-boyfriend in late 2007, channeling her feelings of and into the . In her 2009 memoir Miles to Go, Cyrus described writing the out of anger, aiming to "punish" her former partner for the emotional pain caused by the split. Public speculation quickly linked the song to , with whom had shared a 1.5-year relationship that ended in December 2007. The song was first sent to radio in March 2008. Allegations arose shortly after its first live performance on May 17, 2008, at , fueled by lyrical references to vanity, insecurity, and mixed affections that mirrored aspects of their high-profile teenage romance. In a with , confirmed the lyrics drew from her personal experiences with a but declined to name the individual involved, emphasizing the song's emotional authenticity. She reiterated this stance in later reflections, noting the track captured raw post-relationship turmoil without direct accusations.

Recording and Production

The production of "7 Things" was handled by John Fields, who also recorded the track in early 2008 at Studio Wishbone in , ; East Iris Studios in ; and Flowers Studios in , . Key instrumentation featured electric guitars by and Will Owsley (who also contributed and backing vocals), drums by , bass and programming by Fields himself, and additional keyboards by , all of which helped craft the song's sound. Miley Cyrus recorded her lead vocals under Fields' guidance during these sessions, with the track mixed by Chris Lord-Alge at Resonate Studios in Burbank, California. Co-written by Cyrus alongside Antonina Armato and Tim James, "7 Things" was included on her second studio album Breakout (2008) and selected as its lead single owing to the track's energetic pop-punk vibe.

Composition and Lyrics

Musical Elements

"7 Things" is classified as a song with prominent rock influences, characterized by its energetic guitar-driven sound and anthemic choruses. The track has a duration of 3:33, providing a concise yet impactful listening experience typical of early pop-rock singles. The song is composed in the key of , with a moderate of 108 beats per minute and a standard time signature of 4/4, contributing to its driving rhythm and accessibility. Its structure follows a conventional pop format: an intro leading into verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus-outro, where the choruses feature prominent, riff-heavy lines that amplify the song's intensity and catchiness. Cyrus's vocal performance spans from C#3 to B4, showcasing her ability to navigate a wide range with emotional delivery. This range, combined with the track's production by John Fields, highlights Cyrus's shift toward a more mature sound on her debut non-Hannah Montana album.

Lyrical Themes

The of "7 Things" are structured as a post-breakup , enumerating a series of pet peeves against an ex-partner in a countdown format that blends sharp humor with underlying bitterness. In the verses, articulates specific grievances, such as the ex's failure to take her on outings and prioritizing friends over the relationship, setting a tone of toward perceived and emotional unavailability. The chorus escalates this into a rapid-fire list of seven flaws—"you're vain, your games, you're insecure / You love me, you like her / You make me laugh, but you make me cry / I hate you, but I love you too"—which critiques , manipulative behavior, insecurity, possible , and the emotional whiplash of the relationship, employing a rhythmic, spoken-word delivery to heighten the confrontational edge. These elements underscore broader themes of post-breakup resentment and self-empowerment, as channels anger into a expression that reclaims agency by publicly airing the ex's shortcomings. In her 2009 memoir Miles to Go, she revealed that the song stemmed from real heartache, stating, "I was angry when I wrote '7 Things.' I wanted to punish him, to get back at him for hurting me," highlighting how the lyrics serve as a vehicle for processing and asserting . The track's extends to the ex's personal flaws, transforming personal vulnerability into a broader commentary on toxic dynamics in young romance, with the humor in the exaggerated list mitigating the raw bitterness to make the feel accessible and relatable. A pivotal shift occurs in the bridge, where pivots to "7 things I like about you," listing endearing traits like "your hair, your eyes, your old Levi's" and the hypnotic effect of their kisses, only to circle back to with "but I hate you." This reveals the thematic depth of conflicted , acknowledging lingering affection amid resentment and emphasizing the complexity of moving on. such as repetition—exemplified by the recurring "sha, sha, sha" ad-libs and echoed phrases like "you make me laugh, you make me cry"—along with internal rhymes in the lists, enhance the song's catchiness, making the emotional turmoil memorable and anthemic for listeners navigating similar heartaches.

Release and Promotion

Single Release

"7 Things" was released on June 17, 2008, as the from Miley Cyrus's second studio album Breakout by . The track was initially available as a digital download, with physical singles following in various markets. Promotional remixes, including the Bimbo Jones Club Mix, were also distributed to support the single's rollout. Regional releases occurred later in the year, with the launching in in August 2008, and in the on November 3, 2008. These variations aligned with the album Breakout's full release on July 22, 2008, providing early access to the song ahead of the LP's availability.

Marketing Strategies

The marketing strategies for "7 Things" capitalized on Miley Cyrus's established role in Disney's Hannah Montana franchise to drive crossover appeal, particularly targeting young audiences while positioning the single as a step toward a more mature pop-rock identity. , under the , integrated promotion with Cyrus's Hannah Montana persona, utilizing Disney-owned platforms like the and ABC for high-visibility exposure that bridged her television stardom with music releases. This approach ensured sustained engagement from her core tween demographic, while the song's edgier tone—co-written by Cyrus herself—attracted older listeners seeking content beyond the show's bubblegum pop. Central to the domestic rollout was an aggressive radio airplay push, which secured rotation on 127 mainstream Top 40 stations within weeks of the single's June 17, 2008 release, facilitating its placement in key summer 2008 playlists amid the peak concert season. Supporting tactics included strategic media placements, such as the music video premiere on ABC and the on June 28, 2008, followed by the subsequent week, and scheduled performances on programs like on July 18, 2008, and Today on July 25, 2008. These efforts were bolstered by partnerships, including a Verizon deal offering exclusive ringtones and content to amplify digital reach. Pre-release buzz was cultivated through Cyrus's first live performance of the song on May 17, 2008, at the concert organized by radio station Z100, and through media interviews highlighting its personal inspirations tied to her high-profile breakup with . This generated early anticipation, aligning with momentum from her recently concluded (ended January 2008) and the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert film (theatrical release February 1, 2008) and (March 4, 2008). Internationally, promotion emphasized radio campaigns in and , supported by the planned European rollout of the parent album Breakout on July 22, 2008, and UK television advertising for Cyrus's catalog to build regional familiarity. Efforts included targeted airplay on stations like Capital FM in the , extending the single's reach beyond and leveraging Disney's global distribution network.

Reception

Critical Response

Upon its release, "7 Things" received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Cyrus's vocal energy and the song's edge while critiquing its production and thematic maturity. AllMusic's Heather Phares noted the album's role in helping Cyrus transition to a more mature image. Similarly, reviewer Fraser McAlpine described it as a "smashing" effort with "modern pop-punker attitude all wrapped up in immaculate gloss," drawing comparisons to Avril Lavigne's style. Billboard's Leila Cobo commended the blend of country verses and "youth-driven headbanger choruses," calling it a "worthy contender" that showcased Cyrus's husky vocals akin to . Critics also pointed to flaws in the song's execution and lyrics. Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani labeled it a "rather annoying kiss-off to an ex-boyfriend" that alternated between "slightly country-tinged verses and raucous choruses," suggesting formulaic and juvenile themes. Outlets like and in 2008 emphasized how the single marked Cyrus's shift toward a rock-infused pop sound, distancing her from Disney roots while appealing to a teen audience. In retrospective assessments post-2020, reviewers have acknowledged the song's nostalgic value within Cyrus's discography as an early breakout hit. Billboard's Jem Aswad in 2017 praised "7 Things" as a "high-school relationship rollercoaster recap" that captured Cyrus's raw teen energy, solidifying Breakout as her strongest album. By 2024, referred to it as a key " breakup anthem" that established her credibility beyond . The song earned no major awards but received an Video Music Award nomination for Best Pop Video in .

Commercial Performance

"7 Things" debuted on the at number 85 on the week ending June 21, , and climbed to its peak position of number 9 on the chart dated July 26, , where it spent three weeks. The song remained on the Hot 100 for a total of 15 weeks. It also topped the Mainstream Top 40 chart, reaching number 1 for one week on September 27, , after debuting on June 14, , and charting for 16 weeks overall. Internationally, "7 Things" achieved strong chart performance in several markets. In , it debuted at number 38 on the ARIA Singles Chart on August 17, 2008, and reached a peak of number 10 after five weeks. The track peaked at number 8 on the Hot 100, marking Miley Cyrus's first entry on an Asian chart, debuting at number 81 on September 27, 2008. In the , it entered the Official Singles Chart on September 13, 2008, and peaked at number 25, spending 19 weeks on the chart. The song's sales contributed significantly to its commercial success. In the United States, "7 Things" has sold 2 million units as of 2023, earning a 2× Platinum certification from the RIAA on March 10, 2023. In , it was certified 2× Platinum by for shipments of 140,000 units. On year-end charts, "7 Things" ranked at number 92 on the 2008 Billboard Hot 100.

Music Video

Production

The music video for "7 Things" was directed by filmmaker , known for his work with artists like and . Cyrus personally invited Ratner to her home to discuss the project, emphasizing the song's personal significance and her desire for visuals that reflected its raw, edgy, and rebellious essence, aligning with the track's style. In an , Ratner noted Cyrus's passion, stating she wanted a video that captured her real-life experiences, comparing her drive to that of a young . The video was shot on May 30, 2008, in , , featuring Cyrus performing with a and a group of teenage girls lip-syncing the lyrics. It premiered on June 28, 2008, and was made available through and . The production included props such as love letters, snow globes, and Cyrus wearing her ex-boyfriend's medical identification tag. During filming, several of the girls began crying, which Cyrus attributed to the song's emotional impact.

Visual Content

The music video for "7 Things," directed by Brett Ratner, has a runtime of 4:21, including an extended instrumental intro that sets a contemplative tone. It opens with Miley Cyrus sitting and singing directly to the camera in a casual setting, wearing a striped shirt. These solo moments alternate with high-energy band performance shots, where Cyrus and her backup musicians play against a simple white backdrop, and group scenes of diverse teenage girls lip-syncing enthusiastically while holding personal items related to relationships in indoor spaces. Later, Cyrus holds a single photograph of her and an ex-boyfriend, with his face obscured by a doodle. Visually, the video blends themes of through Cyrus's styling, including a multicolored sequin sundress, black , and leg warmers, with defiant poses, and conveyed via close-ups of the photo and the girls' expressive, sometimes tear-streaked faces. The aesthetics rely on rapid editing with quick cuts to build intensity, paired with colorful, saturated lighting that creates a dynamic contrast between personal pain and communal empowerment. Stylistic elements include shots, dancing, jumping, and slow-motion sequences during pivotal emotional peaks, such as the girls' emotional expressions and 's intense vocal deliveries, which amplify the sense of dramatic release and symbolic without overt narrative resolution. It ends with blowing a kiss and mouthing "I love you". Cameo appearances by young actresses, including , , , Carissa Alvarado, Hunter King, and Mackenzie Stith, portray the lip-syncing girls, representing a spectrum of youthful experiences tied to the song's relational themes.

Performances and Legacy

Live Performances

"7 Things" received its live debut by Miley Cyrus on May 17, 2008, during the festival at the Izod Center in , where it was performed as part of a setlist featuring tracks from her album Breakout. Following the song's release as the lead single from Breakout, it became a regular feature in Cyrus's live shows, including promotional performances tied to the tail end of her era, such as the July 4, 2008, event in . The track continued to appear in Cyrus's subsequent major tours, highlighting its enduring place in her catalog. During the 2009 , "7 Things" opened the show's high-energy rock segment, with Cyrus performing atop scaffolding amid and LED screens, dressed in a black leather hot and tank top after shedding a white fur vest for a punk-infused vibe. It was similarly a staple in the 2011 , included in every show across and , often positioned in the setlist to transition into covers and rock anthems. In 2021, surprised fans with a performance of "7 Things" at in , marking a nostalgic return to the song after years of focusing on newer material; she delivered it amid a set blending early hits and recent tracks, energizing the crowd with its raw, rebellious spirit. Variations of the song included acoustic renditions in select TV appearances, such as the stripped-down version for Clear Channel in , which showcased a more intimate, guitar-driven arrangement emphasizing the lyrics' emotional core.

Cultural Impact and Covers

"7 Things" marked a pivotal moment in Miley Cyrus's career, symbolizing her evolution from the child star persona of Hannah Montana to an independent with a bolder, more mature image. Released as the from her album Breakout, the track distanced itself from her Disney roots, embracing a sound that resonated with young audiences navigating and heartbreak. This shift was emblematic of Cyrus's broader artistic growth, influencing the 2000s trend of artists incorporating punk elements to appeal to a seeking authenticity beyond sanitized . The song has inspired numerous covers and adaptations, highlighting its versatility across genres. In 2021, Grammy-winning artist delivered an acoustic rendition that stripped the original's energetic guitars to reveal its emotional core, earning praise and personal endorsement from herself. Earlier, in 2010, the Gardiner Sisters offered an version blending "7 Things" with "Party in the U.S.A.," showcasing the track's vocal demands through harmonious layering. Additionally, YouTuber released a comedic in 2008, reimagining the lyrics from the perspective of a fan obsessed with a cardboard cutout, which amassed over 28 million views and captured the era's viral humor. Samples and remixes further extended the song's reach into and realms. Venetian Princess incorporated elements of "7 Things" into her 2008 satirical track of the same name, critiquing stereotypes in through exaggerated humor. The Bimbo Jones Club Mix transformed the original into a high-energy , emphasizing pulsating beats suitable for club play. The enduring legacy of "7 Things" is evident in its frequent references within retrospectives of Cyrus's and pop culture milestones, underscoring its role in defining early teen music. In March 2023, the certified the single 2x Platinum for 2 million units sold in the United States, affirming its sustained commercial appeal more than a decade after release. Originally peaking at number nine on the , the song's long-term resonance continues to influence discussions of Cyrus's transition to pop stardom.

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