For many, Hilary Duff was part of the soundtrack of their childhoods. Now, she's back. On Feb. 20, Duff released her sixth studio album, “luck… or something,” marking her return to music more than a decade after her last full-length project, “Breathe In. Breathe Out,” in 2015.
The album showcases a new era in Duff’s life, exploring adulthood, complex relationships and the nostalgia that comes with getting older.
Duff’s music has spanned much of her life, beginning with her days playing Disney character, Lizzie McGuire, that resulted in fun, bubbly pop that defined the early 2000s. She’s since to evolved into the more mature style listeners will find on this latest album. Each project has felt like a new chapter in her life and, in many ways, this one feels like an update to fans after a long time away.
“Weather For Tennis,” is a fitting opening track for the project. It closely echoes her earlier teen-pop sound and feels most reminiscent of her 2003 debut, “Metamorphosis.” The song serves as a nod to her past career while having lyrics that feel mature and smoothly transitioning into a more mature version of herself, something we see unfold more clearly as the album progresses.
The second single, “Roommates,” was released Jan. 15, and is an easy replay. While it isn’t the most lyrically-impressive song, with lines like, “But life is lifin’ and pressure is pressurin’ me,” the simplicity almost works in her favor. The song captures real anxiety about what happens to a relationship once the honeymoon phase fades and comfort starts to replace excitement. Although very simple, it was also deeply human.
In “The Optimist,” Duff fixates on a melancholic, wishful thinking when it comes to the relationship she has with her father. She sings, “My door is open just in case / You don’t even have to say you’re sorry,” capturing a quiet willingness to forgive without receiving any apologies. I found this song refreshing, and it is impressive how seamlessly she captures complex family issues, a topic I don’t often find explored in music.
A counterpart to “The Optimist,” “We Don’t Talk” is inspired by Duff’s relationship with her older sister, Haylie. The song explores how difficult it can be to grow apart from family, especially siblings. The confusion and tension in the lyrics really shine through, and I found it a moving portrayal of a sister who clearly loves her sibling who also realizes that even the closest relationships grow and change over time.
The third-to-last-track on the album, “Holiday Party,” is one that has not received nearly enough praise. The beat and production are the kind you dance to alone in your room; it’s light, catchy and easy to get lost in. But what makes the song stand out is how it layers that upbeat energy with the emotion of a specific insecurity: the paranoia of worrying your partner might cheat on you. This track perfectly captures how Duff’s signature girly-pop sound can still carry emotional weight. The song features lyrics like, “When I look at that body, I’m not trustin’ nobody,” which I think work because of how blunt and honest they are.
Duff’s song “Mature,” which originally released as a single in November last year, is a bittersweet nod to her younger self. She sings, “She’s me, I’m her in a different font,” showcasing how she has grown and matured over time. The song also doesn’t shy away from critique, calling out older men in the industry who pursue young women.
As a fan of Duff’s, I loved this song because you can genuinely hear her personal growth and maturity — understanding that some of what her younger self went through wasn’t okay.
The last track on the album, “Adult Size Medium” closes the project with the most emotional weight of all the songs. It’s somber but hopeful.
Duff reflects on uncertainty, singing, “How did we get here? Was it luck or somethin’?” Calling back to the album’s title feels like a full-circle moment. The chorus is especially strong, sticking with you long after the song ends. The track acknowledges the hurt she’s experienced but also leaves room for acceptance and growth, which feels like the perfect end to the album.
After more than a decade away, “luck… or something” offers the familiar sounds of Duff while also highlighting her growth as she has navigated different phases of her life. The album balances nostalgia with maturity, showcasing an artist unafraid to explore complex emotions, relationships and her own personal evolution.
