Miley Cyrus is reportedly getting all kinds of personal on her next album. Hip-hop producer and recording artist Pharrell Williams says her upcoming work is "powerful" and unexpected.
"Her sound right now is her personality," Williams said in an interview with MTV. "That's what we've been aiming for in the studio and that's what's been coming out and that's what's been sounding so interesting. Her voice is a very powerful one -- you just have to hear it to know that and to understand it. It's nowhere near what it is that you think."
Reports of Cyrus' collaboration with Williams first surfaced this fall. The N.E.R.D. alum is producing the singer's upcoming album, giving her a new sound. "A lot of the beats are produced hip-hop beats," Cyrus said, "but the vocal is very raw and my voice is kind of on top of all the tracks, which is what I wanted."
Since Cyrus wrapped "Hannah Montana" in 2011, the singer has been distancing herself from the squeaky-clean Disney image. The 20-year-old has been taking more risks with both her music and her style, and is now engaged to actor Liam Hemsworth.
Cyrus' untitled album is reportedly due out in early 2013.