In some ways, Hilary Duff‘s new single is one of the most darling songs she’s ever recorded.
It may also be one of the worst pop singles of 2014.
You see, The Duffster is going in a slightly, erm…different direction with this comeback: The “folkier-type” pop route.
Once promising to hop aboard the EDM train back in late 2013, Hilary’s since been inspired by The Lumineers, Ed Sheeran and Mumford & Sons. (Oh, boy.) And while that doesn’t automatically mean that her comeback isn’t going to ultimately deliver, it does mean we should abandon any dreams of Dignity: The Sequel — there simply won’t be a Kylie-lite “Play With Fire” moment.
The result of this newfound inspiration is the Colbie Caillat-penned “Chasing The Sun”: A breezy and summery guitar-led cut that recalls her Metamorphosis days as a Disney pop princess, playing like a lesser version of Paris Hilton‘s immaculate “Stars Are Blind” meets Sheryl Crow‘s “Soak Up The Sun.” (A fun fact about Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up The Sun”: It’s one of my absolute least favorite songs of all time.)
It’s a catchy and sweet (if not entirely snoozy) little ditty, and an encouraging moment of carpe diem pop but, let’s face it: This is not a comeback single. It’s not even close to the pop greatness of “Come Clean” — let alone “With Love.”
This is the Wild Hope to her “In My Pocket.”
That doesn’t mean it’s not a good thing — it’s just not really my thing. But I say all this with love, love, love, love…
“Chasing The Sun” will be released on July 29. (iTunes)