WNBA Teams as Songs From ‘Something Beautiful’
Last week, Miley Cyrus released her highly anticipated new album, ‘Something Beautiful,’ and the fans are loving it. The album centers around finding pockets of peace during a journey of healing and has been trending worldwide. Given that there are 13 tracks, we couldn’t miss the challenge of pairing each song with one of the 13 WNBA teams!
Prelude - Golden State Valkyries
“But the beauty one finds alone / Is a prayer that longs to be shared.”
The Golden State Valkyries against the Los Angeles Sparks (Instagram/@valkyries)
This dreamy prelude sets the tone for the rest of the album by breaking down human nature and the complexities that originate from individual experiences. There is a comparison between healthy solitude and the need to feel invited into someone’s world. The strings, layered under the spoken words, create a contrast that teases the songs that follow.
With a franchise in its first year, the Valkyries represent a lot of the imagery portrayed in this opening track. The spoken words about the nature of beauty and its waiting to be revealed perfectly resemble the team, whose journey is heavily anticipated by fans. The sense of longing can be interpreted as the potential of the Valkyries and the vision the league hopes to experience with them. Leading the league in attendance thus far this season, the Valkyries’ beauty is here to stay!
Something Beautiful - Las Vegas Aces
”Oh, flash, bang, spark / Send home the guards and lay down your arms.”
A’ja Wilson celebrates a play against the Los Angeles Sparks (John Locher/AP)
In this title track, the instrumentals give off the vibes of a soulful ballad and then break off into a psychedelic rock piece about a love confession and how overbearing those feelings can be. It plays with the wave of emotions in the highs and lows of a relationship, a testament to the duality of love.
The Aces are renowned for their controlled offense that can quickly ignite into an explosion of firepower once A’ja Wilson gets hot (which happens all the time). Similar to the song’s progression, all it takes is one timeout for the team’s approach to shift and overwhelm their opponents completely. This track takes the listeners on an emotional journey, much like the Aces have with some close calls this season, scaring their fans before taking off in the fourth quarter. You just better hope you’re not the team that experiences their wrath.
End of the World - Phoenix Mercury
“Let’s pretend it’s not the end of the world.”
Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally celebrating (Barry Gossage/Getty Images)
This next track is the definition of dance-pop with a touch of disco. The juxtaposition between the upbeat instrumentals and the theme of mortality in the lyrics speaks to the portrayed feeling of euphoria. It is about being so deeply in love while everything around you is crumbling.
Many people had doubts about the Phoenix Mercury coming into this season. With the retirement of Diana Taurasi, the departure of Brittney Griner, and the unexpected trade of Natasha Cloud, who knew what to expect from the team? But the Mercury doesn’t seem shaken, and they’re certainly still dancing. With the additions of Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, the franchise is somewhat chaotic at times, but it works. Despite their offseason changes, which felt like the world was crashing down, similar to this song, they’re still happy and are not hiding from the spotlight.
More to Lose - Washington Mystics
“We’re toe to toe, but I’m hanging on the wire / Stumbled down the same road before.”
The Washington Mystics in a huddle against the Indiana Fever (Ron Hoskins/Getty Images)
This ballad is an introspective reflection of a failed love, delving into the price you pay for investing in a deep connection. There is power in remaining resilient through tough times, but being vulnerable and open with yourself is equally important.
The Mystics are certainly experiencing their share of those tough times. After winning the WNBA championship in 2019, they finished the following season as the 11th seed, and since then have struggled to find their footing in the league. Their story is far from over, with the additions of Sonia Citron and “Rookie of the Month” Kiki Iriafen certainly giving fans optimism. The song’s string arrangement creates a reminiscent sound, with a tinge of loss, yet the feeling evoked signifies hope within the struggle, similar to the Mystics. On paper, this is the best the franchise has looked in a while, and we know that no challenge is too big for them.
Interlude 1 - Chicago Sky
While this track is an instrumental, its mix of sound variety perfectly sets the scene for the second half of the album. There is no formal structure of rhythm, but that’s what makes it unique and beautiful.
Right now, the Chicago Sky is in an awkward transition phase as a franchise. They underwent coaching changes and traded the highly coveted 3rd overall pick this past season, which would’ve landed them Sonia Citron, an unexpected move for many fans. Their loose identity is what connects them to this song, and although they are slightly unsure of the future right now, like the track, the season has only just begun. There is no narrative to be driven because there are no lyrics, but the Sky have the pieces they need to allow their story to unfold.
Easy Lover - Dallas Wings
“You drive me crazy, oh, but I still miss you when you’re gone.”
The Dallas Wings celebrating during their preseason game against the Toyota Antelopes (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
This song has a disco feel but is heavily carried by groovy and dramatic strings. The lyrics follow the album’s theme, encompassing many emotions describing the push-and-pull dynamic in a romantic connection, often concealed by the upbeat instrumentals.
This track perfectly encapsulates the emotions of Wings fans. Like the song suggests, it’s easy to love the team because of their undeniable chemistry, but when it comes to basketball, things can be inconsistent. It’s easy to think that the combined star power of Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers would pull the team out of the slump they’ve experienced for years, but fans are still waiting for everything to click. Yet, the catchiness of their vibes makes fans want to keep watching, just like the beat of this track.
Interlude 2 - Atlanta Dream
Allisha Gray and Te-Hina Paopao celebrating (Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
This interlude features a lot of synth-heavy vibes that are complemented by unique auxiliary sounds. It’s more cohesive than “Interlude 1” and has a tone that subtly builds, giving it a unique sound and structure.
The Atlanta Dream is certainly a team to watch out for. While they are working through a developmental phase, it’s clear that they are on an upward trajectory. The layering of the synths in this track gives the vibes of an action scene from a movie, and let’s just say, the Dream can deliver action. They are a relatively young squad but have qualities that a mature team possesses. Once they consistently find their identity, there’s no telling what they’re capable of on the court.
Golden Burning Sun - Seattle Storm
“It’s all good if you ain’t ready / I don’t mind waiting on you.”
Gabby Williams celebrating with Ezi Magbegor (Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
If you are a fan of Fleetwood Mac, this anthem is for you. Its warm, guitar-driven sound is exactly the type of song to play this summer while driving down the highway with the windows rolled down. It’s a reflection of youth and the search for a deeper purpose, while also touching on feelings of longing.
The Seattle Storm draws many parallels to this track. Recently, they’ve been at the forefront of conversations about team culture and behind-the-scenes drama, but on the court, they seem to be having fun. The concept of a desire for a shared future, as reflected in this song, directly relates to the front office’s commitment to developing this roster, which might not be ready to contend yet, but can certainly make a push. The only way forward is through, and while there may be turmoil in their franchise (and in love), it’s important to acknowledge those difficulties and face them head-on as a unit.
Walk of Fame (featuring Brittany Howard) - New York Liberty
“You'll live forever in our hearts and minds / An ageless picture, a timeless smile.”
The New York Liberty receive their championship rings (Brandon Todd/NY Liberty)
This art-pop track explores the theme of pressure and its relation to fame and upholding a legacy, but also the true impact that can come with greatness. Its groovy synths create an ambitious and empowering sound, making it perfect for the dance floor.
The reigning WNBA champions, the Liberty, perfectly represent this song. Despite making history last season, they have raised the bar for themselves, and big moves such as the addition of Natasha Cloud have proved that. For the fans, winning means more than coming out on top in New York; it's about the culture that has been cultivated and the result of sticking by your team through it all. Like this song, the Liberty are still looking to fiercely dominate and have been delivering thus far this season, with an undefeated record.
Pretend You’re God - Minnesota Lynx
“Hold me in your arms (Your arms) / Pretend that you’re God (You’re God).”
Arguably one of the most emotional songs on the album, Miley portrays feelings of doubt in the form of emotional surrender. At the same time, there is a sense of desire and aspiration that builds within the instrumentation.
The Minnesota Lynx have a unique dynamic coming into this season. Falling short of the championship in 2024, they didn’t make any major roster changes and are looking to run it back with most of the same team. Yet, there is this collective willingness within them to come out hungrier than ever, and it’s shown in their current undefeated record. Like the song, they are in pursuit, and their “God”, Cheryl Reeve, is the anchor guiding them. For some teams, offseason changes aren’t necessary; finding the secret recipe within your assets is.
Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved (featuring Naomi Campbell) - Connecticut Sun
"No, I can't believe that you're still holdin' out on me."
The Connecticut Sun against the New York Liberty (Elsa Garrison/Getty Images)
This eerie yet powerful song is one of the standout tracks on the album. The speaker starts confident in herself during the intro, but throughout the track, she transforms into an idealized version of who she thinks her partner wants, and as a result, finds herself lost.
The Connecticut Sun is one of the fiercest teams in the WNBA. Regardless of their standings, one thing they will always deliver is passion on the court. That “Sun” became hot this past offseason due to the overwhelming roster changes they made, and while there is frustration within the franchise, they haven’t strayed away from that power that makes them fun to watch. While the current team lacks experience, the chemistry is there, and with commitment, they will fit into that idealized version of themselves.
Reborn - Los Angeles Sparks
“Kill my ego, let’s be reborn.”
Lyrically, this song alludes to different affirmations and is built on a rhythm that gives it an empowering feel. The idea of shedding the past and starting fresh is heavily pushed, and paired with the groovy instrumental, it does a great job of conveying that concept.
This song was made for the Los Angeles Sparks, who are in the process of letting go of their burdens and rebuilding their team. With the addition of Kelsey Plum this season, they are looking better than they have in a few years. It’s easy to dwell on the legacy of this franchise, but the players have pushed through and have a renewed sense of belonging in this league. One thing is for sure: they can certainly give your favorite team a run for its money.
Give Me Love - Indiana Fever
“Just give me love.”
Indiana Fever Players in a huddle against the Washington Mystics (Demenic Allegra/The Next)
The closing track of this album perfectly sums up the roller coaster that Miley Cyrus takes us through. It’s delicate, yet ethereal, and is simply a plea for love.
The Indiana Fever has certainly received a surge of fans over the past couple of seasons, who will support them through thick and thin. They are a relatively young team that is headed in an upward trajectory, especially now that they have the addition of veteran DeWanna Bonner. This song doesn’t have a definitive ending; it’s just about the ongoing journey of finding love, just like the Fever’s quest for success.
But like the Fever, all WNBA teams are hungry to come out on top, and with the season underway, we know that some of these franchises may relate to other songs along the way.