Album Review: "luck... or something" - Hilary Duff

Ashley Adams
50 minutes ago
6 min read

Hilary Duff luck... or something Cover Art

On February 20, 2026, Hilary Duff released her fantastic sixth album luck… or something. Each open and truthful track relates to experiences many women face regarding the highs and lows of romance, falling out of touch with loved ones, and dealing with life in general.

T R A C K L I S T

Weather For Tennis
Roommates
We Don't Talk
Future Tripping
Growing Up
The Optimist
You, From The Honeymoon
Holiday Party
Mature
Tell Me That Won't Happen
Adult Size Medium

Although the world first knew Hilary Duff as an actress, and for her iconic roles such as Sam Montgomery and Natalie Connors, the movie based on her show Lizzie McGuire would feature the song "What Dreams Are Made Of" and propel her into additional fame, now within the music industry as well. Her 2003 album Metamorphosis and 2004 eponymous record were released to excited fans who would love her music as much as they did her acting. In 2007, she released Dignity, establishing her musical identity and showing her ability to shift genre styles with ease. These albums, including her 2015 work Breath In. Breath Out., all debuted and peaked in the top five of the Billboard 200 charts. After this incredible feat, she would put a pause on her music career and star in shows such as Younger and How I Met Your Father. In 2026, she has made her anticipated and virtuoso return with luck… or something.

Weather For Tennis

The first track of the album sounds like autumn leaves falling as the lyrics explain how it’s not worth being a people pleaser for those who don't deserve you. A toxic partner takes advantage of Duff’s kindness and generosity in trying to fix their problems, but that still doesn’t work in the end, often causing fights and arguments, and creating what feels like an inescapable cycle. The unfit significant other thinks that everything must always go their way, and they act out when this doesn’t happen, showing their immaturity and lack of respect for her.
Roommates
As a relationship that was once filled with love and passion begins to fade and come apart, Duff wishes that she and her partner could return to how they once were. What used to be an adventurous and thriving coupling has become stale and isolating, and she sings about how she is afraid to approach this topic in a conversation with her partner without startling them. The production of "Roommates" is magical and fits into the subgenre of power pop, especially with its reverberated drums and elegant backing vocals.
We Don't Talk
There’s nothing more painful than a falling out with a family member you’ve always been really close to. Duff describes the sadness and anger she feels in regards to her own experience of this in “We Don’t Talk”. When you feel different and pushed away from someone you’ve related to all your life, it’s confusing and makes you wish things could be the way they once were, a common theme expressed in the album so far. This track's theme coincides with the stripped-down acoustic production and schematic instrumentation, which feature a beautiful steel drum.
Future Tripping
The term “Future Tripping” in the context of track 4 of the album means the anticipatory anger Duff knows she’ll get because of her partner’s frustrating behavior. What may seem like paranoia from the singer about the shadiness her significant other exudes is the result of being in toxic relationships in the past where her exes have actually betrayed her; she questions the integrity of this relationship because she doesn’t want this to happen to her again. Bubbly synths create the overall soundscape of this track, supplemented by Duff's harmonies.
Growing Up
Duff reflects on love and loss in the track “Growing Up”, a song that gives light on the harsh reality of, as the title says, “Growing Up”, and having to deal with adult situations such as taking care of a family and the financial aspects that come with doing so. Also, the older you get, the more people you lose touch with that were once pivotal in your life. This is because of how busy you become with work and family, leaving you unable to sustain a proper social life. Listening to this song makes you feel like you're watching a coming-of-age movie with its fun and playful instrumentation.
The Optimist
More distinct production and clever use of instruments can be heard on “The Optimist” as it shares the dark and real truth about pushing down emotions and always feeling like you have to maintain a fake smile. Duff connects this to her estranged father, who shares the same distant relationship as she does with her sister. Duff explains how hard it is to have to put on a brave face while dealing with family issues regarding multiple members. A song like this can be classified as a mix of pop and neofolk with its arrangement of drums and mystifying ambience.
You, From The Honeymoon
Track 7 of the album mirrors track 2 because of how Duff wants a romantic relationship she's in to return to its "honeymoon phase". She reminisces about the zeal and effort that her partner used to put into the relationship, and sings about how she wants this back. This implies that things just aren’t the way they used to be, but Duff wants to reignite the past and the feelings that came with it. "You, From The Honeymoon" contains outstanding musical elements and lovely melodies that make it a one of a kind song, as well as one of my favorite tracks from luck… or something.
Holiday Party
Relationship insecurities similar to those from “Future Tripping” make a return in track 8 of the album. Duff expresses how much these feelings upset her and impact her relationship. She feels bad for assuming the worst, but finds it very difficult to fight these feelings. Each section of "Holiday Party" is different from one another, incorporating varying sounds and editing styles that symbolize the turmoil the singer faces throughout the song. Additionally, the title of the track is a reference to a workplace affair, where cheating commonly occurs, more specifically in a situation involving drinking, such as a "Holiday Party".
Mature
The eerie line that older individuals often say as an attempt to attract those far younger than them, “You’re so mature for your age”, is what Duff centers the ninth track of the album around. She describes the common occurrence of people leaving their current partners to be in a relationship with a large age gap, and to prey on the innocence of impressionable young adults. In spite of this lyrical content, "Mature" consists of very upbeat and cheerful synths, beats, and guitar chords; the combination of songwriting and production maintain the flow of luck… or something.
Tell Me That Won't Happen
In the penultimate track of the album, orchestral instrumentation is woven with joyful and unique synths. Duff tries to dismiss the feelings she has expressed about her relationship fears and wants to put all of her trust in her partner. She wants to make sure she is with her one true love, because she doesn’t want to waste her time and emotions on someone that will stab her in the back and take her for granted. She knows this precaution is necessary based on the poor relationship experiences she has penned and sung about throughout the record.
Adult Size Medium

Duff closes the album with a sonically enchanting blast to the past; what could be considered “the good old days”, where everyday was filled with endless excitement, and all the fun and riveting moments felt like they would last forever. Tracing back to “Growing Up”, the events that occur in “Adult Size Medium” are a prequel to what Duff goes through in the former track. Another coming-of-age production style, an amplified 808 is used for the rhythm of the song, and was designed by the producers to fit perfectly with the infectious synths and electrifying instruments.

luck… or something is an amazing record - I just love everything about it! Although I’m familiar with Hilary Duff’s past musical work, this was my first time listening to an album of her’s. The expert production skills and her cohesive and intricate storytelling and songwriting skills have made me plan to listen to her other albums as well. In addition to this, her vocal talent has greatly strengthened and increased throughout her career, as it’s one of the key elements of this new project. Duff is to embark on her The Lucky Me Tour starting in June of 2026. Hilary exudes nothing but pure talent, with luck… or something proving just that even further.

Written By Ashley Adams

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