I made a Top 10 list of all the things I miss. Your lying eyes and lips?
THEY DIDN’T MAKE IT.
I also made a Top 10 list of all the reasons I love, love, love Hilary Erhard Duff‘s brand new studio album, Breathe In. Breathe Out., which I have reviewed meticulously over at PopCrush, as one does.
THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT MADE IT.
1.) The Emancipation Of Hili
This hot mama is single again, y’all! And she is letting us have it: “One In A Million” is the fiercest “you fucked up” we’ve ever heard from Duff, “Lies” is a self-explanatory, stutter-heavy kiss-off and “Arms Around A Memory” makes her sound like Hilary’s a Grudge ghost coming for our lives at Ultra Music Festival.
2.) Putting The D In Duff
But she’s not just mad, sad and fired up. She’s thirsty, too! One night stand-friendly bops like “Sparks” and “My Kind” — and even the unbelievably cute “Night Like This” — make it clear that she’s ready to get back in the game…and get in the car with a stranger. Get it, Hil!
3.) Kyliry Duffnogue
Ever since the release of Dignity, I’ve always believed in my heart that Hilary is the closest thing America has to our own Kylie Minogue. I mean, hello, “Play With Fire”! The “Sparks” video is pure X-era Kylie, and “One In A Million” is even more proof that she’s got the makings of a disco diva coursing through those glittery veins.
4.) REFERENCES GALORE
“Rebel Hearts” is clearly Hilary Duff’s response to Madonna‘s latest studio album. “Night time, our time” in “Picture This”? A nod to Sky Ferreira. She sings Belinda Carlisle‘s “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” on “Confetti.” And “Night Like This,” of course, is yet another Minogue Moment. What a stan!
5.) Folk The Folk
No one wanted that folk-pop album, girl. And thank Godney — or the floppage of “Chasing The Sun” — it never materialized.
6.) …Except When It’s Folking Good
Even if the stalled lead single played like the “Soak Up The Sun” reboot the world never asked for, the best bits from the earlier folk-pop version of the LP did seemingly make the cut, and deservedly so: Tracks like the Ed Sheeran-assisted “Tattoo,” “Belong” and “Brave Heart” all provide us with Acoustic Duff moments that feel good and give the album a nice, #somethingmorepersonal texture.
7.) Dignity 2
Fans of Hilary’s 2007 foray into grown ‘n’ sexy electro-pop opus Dignity were praying for an equally alluring follow-up to come from the Duff. Breathe In. isn’t completely that, but it’s way closer than most were thinking. In fact, it’s largely a dance record! Blessings.
8.) Queen Of The Clouds
Tove Lo, Swedish savior, is all over the writing credits of this LP. (Well, at least three of the songs.) All of those songs are Swede-pop brilliance. Trust in Tove, always.
9.) Sassy Duff
Hilary’s always great at delivering biting ‘tude. “If you can’t do the math / Then get out of the equation,” anyone? She’s got even more sass attacks on Breathe, from “I’m done with your lies” to “You’re going down without me. You’re wishing you had someone like me.” She’s one in a million, that one!
10.) The Getaway
Admittedly, I had no idea what a Kendall Schmidt or a Big Time Rush was prior to hearing him sing on “Night Like This,” the utterly darling duet with The Duff, but they’ve really got something good together! The way the two eagerly intertwine throughout the cute chance meeting-turned-shared cab ride downtown is something special. (I’m particularly looking forward to this episode of Taxicab Confessions.)
Breathe in. Breathe out. Then, read the review.
‘Breathe In. Breathe Out.’ was released on June 16. (iTunes)