Miley Cyrus - Party In The U.S.A.

What this video is

Released August 11, 2009, as the lead single from Cyrus's first EP 'The Time of Our Lives' — a Walmart-exclusive tied to her Max Azria clothing line — 'Party in the U.S.A.' marked Cyrus's decisive transition from Disney Channel's Hannah Montana franchise to mainstream pop stardom. Written by Dr. Luke, Jessie J, and Claude Kelly (originally conceived for Jessie J), the song's semi-autobiographical lyrics about…

Why it matters

A defining artifact of late-2000s teen-to-mainstream-pop crossover, the video synthesizes country-pop heritage, Americana nostalgia, and high-gloss Hollywood production. It exemplifies the Chris Applebaum-era MTV pop aesthetic: rapid-cut performance staging, theatrical set-piece escalation, and…

The director

Chris Applebaum (born 1970, Los Angeles) studied film at Hampshire College, Amherst, MA. He became the youngest director signed to Satellite Films (a Propaganda division) before age 22, directing over 250 music videos. A multiple MTV Award winner and…