Hilary Duff on her new album, Taylor Swift and that toxic mom group drama - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Mikael Wood

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Hilary Duff has returned to the music scene with her first studio album in over a decade, *“Luck… or Something”*, marking a bold and honest comeback. Produced by her husband Matthew Koma, the album reflects her journey as a wife, sister, and mother of four, tackling themes like fear of aging, marital struggles, and family dynamics. Tracks like “We Don’t Talk” address her estrangement from her older sister Haylie, while “Weather for Tennis” delves into her childhood experiences as the daughter of divorced parents. Duff’s vulnerability shines through in songs like “Roommates,” where she openly navigates a dry patch in her marriage, expressing a longing for the excitement of her younger self. Duff’s career began in the early 2000s with roles in *“Lizzie McGuire”* and Disney films like *“Agent Cody Banks.”* After achieving significant success with her album *“Metamorphosis,”* which sold over 4 million copies, she took a step back from music to focus on acting and motherhood. Her attempted comeback in 2015 didn’t gain traction, but her return now feels more intentional and personal. Duff’s recent theater gigs have been met with nostalgia-driven success, with plans for arena tours this summer. The album’s release coincides with a viral essay by Ashley Tisdale, who wrote about leaving a “toxic mom group” allegedly involving Duff and Mandy Moore. Despite the buzz, Duff remains focused on her artistry, embracing her past without shame. Her bold choice to open her recent Wiltern show with hits like *“Wake Up”* and *“So Yesterday”* signals a confident回归 to her roots. With *“Luck… or Something,”* Duff not only revisits her musical beginnings but also offers a raw, unfiltered look at her life as a mother, wife, and artist. This album matters because it reflects Duff’s evolution from teen star to mature artist, blending personal struggles with her signature pop sound.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026