If an artist can stay relevant long enough, they may take it upon themselves to rebrand their sound. Through my semi-extensive research, I have found four popular artists that have changed their sound. Miley Cyrus [caption id="attachment_296" align="aligncenter" width="346"] Miley Cyrus after, 2015[/caption] Many children and teens now won’t recall Miley Cyrus as the superstar sensation who led a double life as Hannah Montana but rather as the twerking, wrecking ball-riding, and sledge hammer-licking artist who seems to rap more than sing these days. When I wasyounger, the only Miley Cyrus I knew was the Disney star who sang pop ballads with a twist of country. Alas, as the show got cancelled, so died the persona of Hannah Montana. It seems that most Disney stars rebrand themselves once they stepaway from the childhood star limelight, but the public hasn’t seen one this crazy since Britney Spears decided to shave her head. What a crazy jump it was too - one minute, Miley/Hannah is singing a heartfelt diddy about determination to reach your dreams and the next she’s throwing up glitter and (trying to) rap. The Climb (Before) vs Dooo It! (After) 2. The 1975 [caption id="attachment_294" align="aligncenter" width="465"] The 1975 after, 2015[/caption] The 1975 became a popular indie/alternative band over the past year and a half with their deep and relatable lyrics. A couple of months ago, the band made a formal announcement that essentially said they were taking a few months break to rebrand themselves. During the break, the band had posted an image of their new logo which is the old illuminated box with ‘The 1975’ on the inside but now instead of black and white, it was pastel pink; that in itself was big. On October 8th, the band released a single titled “Love Me” and the song was totally unlike previous music they had released. This song was very poppy and upbeat and you may even recognize it as having an 80’s/Prince vive to it. Gone are the days of black and white where Matty Healy sang of finding the heart of your love. Now say hello to the reinvented band that oozes pastel pink and bright colors that seems to be more dancy and pop than anything else. Heart Out (Before) vs  Love Me (After) 3.  Lady Gaga [caption id="attachment_297" align="aligncenter" width="228"] Lady Gaga after, 2015[/caption] Lady Gaga came into the music scene and was most known for her outlandish outfits, some so crazy that we didn’t even know what her real hair looked like until the past year! She is  so talented, but her pop-music beginnings hid that true talent. Her first couple of albums were filled with songs that you would hear multiple times at a nightclub or dance party; they just all had that dance/pop/upbeat rhythm to them. Most recently though, Lady Gaga has teamed up with the legendary jazz muscian Tony Bennett and released a whole album with him. This album is one that completely showcases her vocal ability. Lady Gaga seems to have done the unthinkable and has  transitioned from an eccentric music persona to a “normal” popstar. Poker Face (Before) vs  But Beautiful (After) 4.  Depeche Mode [caption id="attachment_298" align="aligncenter" width="330"] Depeche Mode before, 1980s[/caption] Depeche Mode has been around since 1980, so it seems like it would only make sense for them to change up their sound as time passed. What actually happened was such a drastic change that if you listen to one of their earlier songs and then one of their more recent songs back-to-back,  you actually won’t know what to do with yourself. That’s a pretty big change, if you ask me. They first came out as a British pop band that was literally 80’s pop to the fullest extent, with beats so upbeat you’d jump so high and flail around so much you’d cause bodily harm to you and others around you. Then, years down the road, we get to present Depeche Mode. This band is unlike the old pop fun-filled band and the only way to describe their newer sound would be melancholy pop. Their sound still has that pop fill but it is now much more angsty than before; this is what I would call moody music in every sense. Just Can’t Get Enough (Before) vs  Heaven (After)