Hilary Duff’s Pop Renaissance: ‘Luck… or Something’ and the Allure of a Comeback

Hilary Duff is experiencing a vibrant resurgence as a pop artist. But perhaps the question isn’t whether a pop star can truly stop being a pop star, but rather how they evolve and reconnect with their audience. With the release of “Luck… or Something,” her first album in over a decade – following 2015’s “Breathe In. Breathe Out.” – Duff delivers a witty and shimmering collection of 11 pop songs that reflect on the years since her teenage stardom.

The album delves into existential questions, explores the ‘what-ifs’ of the past, offers self-deprecating reflections, and embraces a healthy dose of nostalgia. Duff, once the beloved Disney Channel star known for Lizzie McGuire, is now a 38-year-old mother of four. This life experience has undeniably shaped her perspective, a stark contrast to the shimmery dance-pop and angsty breakup anthems of the early 2000s (“What Dreams Are Made Of,” “Come Clean,” “So Yesterday”).

Navigating Maturity and Nostalgia

“Mature,” the album’s lead single, tackles a familiar dynamic – the power imbalance between a young woman and an older man – with sharp lyrics: “Bet she loves when she hears you say / You’re so mature for your age, babe.” Duff’s reflections aren’t just about looking back; they’re about acknowledging growth and forgiving her younger self. Nostalgia remains a powerful force, and Duff expertly leverages it.

Her return to the stage began with a successful mini-tour, previewing new tracks alongside her classic hits to enthusiastic crowds in cities like Toronto, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Promotional materials cleverly incorporate elements from her past – vintage costumes, props, and even flip phones. Her Glamour magazine cover, referencing the iconic moped scene from 2003’s “The Lizzie McGuire Movie,” further fueled the nostalgic fervor.

A Collaborative Soundscape

The album, and Duff’s overall relaunch, skillfully balance this nostalgia with a contemporary sound. Her husband, Matthew Koma – a songwriter and producer who has collaborated with artists like Pink, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Britney Spears – plays a crucial role, producing and co-writing many of the tracks. The result is a collection of engaging songs driven by synth-heavy beats.

Tracks like “Weather For Tennis” showcase Duff’s lyrical dexterity, with lines like, “You calling me bats—-’s / The fastest antibiotic for thinking / You’re different this time,” echoing the clever wordplay of her earlier hits. “Holiday Party” explores themes of infidelity with a darker, club-inspired beat, while “Future Tripping” offers a bubbly, upbeat sound with layered dialogue that creates an intimate listening experience.

Vulnerability and Self-Awareness

While some tracks, like “Tell Me That Won’t Happen,” feel repetitive in their anxieties, the album’s overall accessibility and catchy melodies are undeniable. Lyrics often feel like intimate conversations shared among friends, as exemplified in “Growing Up,” an ode to chosen family. This closeness, built on fan nostalgia and Duff’s relatable, down-to-earth persona, is her greatest strength.

Onstage, Duff playfully revisits her past, recreating a viral dance from a 2007 performance of “With Love” and inviting fans to join her. She acknowledges her evolution without alienating the fans who grew up with her, demonstrating a refreshing self-awareness. Even the cheesier lyrics – “Your kinda freak matched my kinda freak” or “Do I nail you to a cross on some bogus s—-” – become endearing in this context.

Exploring New Tones

“The Optimist” marks a sonic departure, delving into Duff’s relationship with her father. Her vocal delivery shifts to a higher, softer register, accompanied by a country-tinged lap steel guitar. While a welcome change of pace, the track leans heavily into the style of artists like Kacey Musgraves, potentially losing some of Duff’s unique identity.

Despite the anxieties, memories, and relationship complexities explored in her songwriting, Duff clearly enjoys the creative process. “Luck… or Something” is a testament to her resilience, her willingness to embrace her past, and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

“Luck…or something” by Hilary Duff
Two and a half stars out of five.
On repeat: “Mature,” “We Don’t Talk”
Skip it: “Tell Me That Won’t Happen,” “Adult Size Medium”
For fans of: Comeback arcs, Disney Channel original movies, existential pop

Find Hilary Duff tickets and tour dates on Ticketmaster.