Hilary Duff: luck… or something

Pitchfork

by Olivia Horn

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Hilary Duff’s latest album *luck…* marks a significant shift in her artistic direction, moving away from the high-energy production of her mid-2010s work. The album features a softer, more introspective sound with chirpy synths and acoustic pop elements, creating a natural foundation for Duff’s vocals. While her voice lacks fluidity at times, the album’s standout moments highlight her ability to connect emotionally through relatable themes. Tracks like *Tell Me That Won’t Happen* showcase existential depth, while *Roommates* offers humorous yet poignant reflections on human vulnerabilities. Duff’s songwriting on *luck…* is uneven, with clunky lines and forced metaphors. However, moments of bracing clarity shine through, such as the biting social commentary in *Mature*, where she explores power dynamics in age-gap relationships. Drawing from her own experiences, Duff navigates themes of maturity and equality, echoing broader cultural conversations around #MeToo and post-adolescent identity. The album’s closing track, *Adult Size Medium*, feels like a raw, unfiltered retrospective, avoiding grand narratives in favor of authenticity. Duff doesn’t shy away from the complexities of nostalgia or the pressures faced by women in their prime—beautiful, successful, yet still grappling with feelings of inadequacy. This relatable duality is what makes her artistry compelling: she reflects both the rose-tinted idealism of pop stardom and the messy reality of being human. For music enthusiasts, *luck…* offers a nuanced exploration of identity, love, and societal expectations, blending personal storytelling with universal experiences. Duff’s journey from teen pop icon to introspective artist underscores her evolution as both a performer and a person, making the album a thought-provoking listen for anyone interested in the emotional depth of modern pop culture.

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Originally published on Pitchfork on 2/20/2026