Hilary Duff’s “luck… or something” is an album about taking risks

After years away from the spotlight, Hilary Duff is finally back with luck… or something, and it feels like a genuine reset rather than just a nostalgic comeback. This is a more grown-up, self-aware version of Hilary Duff, pulling from her life in her 30s – balancing motherhood, marriage, and the pressure of figuring yourself out when you thought you already had.

From the very first track, Weather For Tennis, the album sets a reflective and slightly chaotic tone. There’s a sense of emotional honesty running through the whole project, especially in how she tackles conflict, insecurity, and the messy reality of relationships. The lyrics feel conversational and introspective, often touching on cycles of arguments, overthinking, and the struggle to set boundaries. It’s relatable in that very “late-night overthinking” kind of way.

This album leans into bright, polished pop, but there’s a maturity underneath it that keeps it from feeling too glossy, a songs like Mature and Roommates show Hilary Duff experimenting with her sound while still holding onto that signature charm and wit she’s always had. There is also humour, vulnerability, and a little bit of chaos all mixed together, which makes the record feel personal rather than overly curated.

What stands out most is the emotional balance, as Hilary Duff doesn’t pretend to have everything figured out – in fact, a lot of the album is about not having the answers. Themes of apologising too much, over-investing in relationships, and learning to prioritise yourself come up again and again. It’s honest, sometimes messy, and refreshingly unpolished in its storytelling.