Hilary Duff’s latest album marks a significant shift from the more dramatic soundscapes of the mid-2010s, steering toward a fresh, pop-inflected direction reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen. The new album, “luck…,” features an engaging blend of upbeat synths and acoustic melodies, enhanced by rich orchestration that provides a warm backdrop for Duff’s vocals. However, her voice often falls short in fluidity and range, at times delivering isolated notes rather than the connected phrases needed for the emotional weight of the lyrics. This is evident in tracks like “You From the Honeymoon,” where her attempts at expressing nostalgia feel forced, likening her delivery to a mismatched collection of jumbled words.
Notably, this is the first album where Duff is credited as a co-writer on every track, showcasing her ongoing development as a lyricist. She explores various voices throughout the album; at times she opts for sharp, clever wordplay, while in other moments her lyrics seem more casual and conversational. Despite a few clumsy moments and cryptic metaphors, “luck…” does deliver some striking insights.
The song “Tell Me That Won’t Happen” encapsulates the existential fears that accompany aging, grounding its sparkly arrangement with poignant reflections. Meanwhile, “Roommates” offers lighthearted humor even as it tackles universal feelings of insecurity and rejection. Duff successfully embodies the relatable pop star, reflecting the insecurities that many listeners may share, regardless of her own success and charm.
One of the album’s standout tracks, “Mature,” delves into the complexity of identity and the pitfalls of age-gap relationships, potentially drawing from Duff’s own experiences. This awareness is placed in a broader cultural context, particularly crucial in a post-#MeToo era, as women continue to navigate their roles and relationships in society.
As the album closes with “Adult Size Medium,” Duff balances nostalgia with honesty, presenting a reflective journey where she acknowledges both the joyful memories and the ambiguity of her experiences. The song unearths the ordinary moments in life while revealing that not everything is easy to remember. With this collection, Duff embraces both her vulnerabilities and triumphs, inviting listeners to join her in navigating the complexities of life. She demonstrates that while we may aim to capture our legacies, often it’s the mundane moments that resonate the most deeply.