After five years out of the spotlight, Hilary Duff has reignited her music career in a big way.
Following a widespread leak of her comeback single, “Chasing the Sun,” on Monday, Tuesday sees the release of the official video for the light and airy new track.
Penned by Colbie Caillat, the song is quintessential summer, as Duff, 26, demonstrates in some adorable daydreamed beach canoodling. In fact, the whole thing recalls Paris Hilton’s iconic summer bop, “Stars Are Blind.”
But is it OK to like a Hilary Duff song in 2014? Truthfully, fanboy-ing over Duff’s music has always been something best done in the confines of one’s bedroom, but with this latest release, it might finally be time for fans to come out of the woodwork.
Duff entered the music industry at a time when it was basically a requirement of all Disney Channel stars. With her show “Lizzie McGuire” a smash hit, a recording contract was essentially a given.
Her first album came in 2002 with the holiday release, “Santa Claus Lane.” The Christina Milian-featured “I Heard Santa on the Radio” has been (or should have been) featured on Christmas playlists ever since.
Duff’s first proper release came the next year with the studio album “Metamorphosis.” It spawned her first legitimate radio hit, “So Yesterday.” Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, et al. began to fear for their careers.
“So Yesterday” was Duff’s biggest hit . . . until her very next single, “Come Clean.” MTV ingrained the track into the minds of teenage girls everywhere, using it as the theme song for “Laguna Beach.”
Her following self-titled album failed to make much of a mark with forgettable singles.
But in 2007, Duff completely reinvented herself with the dance-heavy album “Dignity,” which is often cited today as igniting interest in EDM for the younger set.
Singles “Play With Fire” and “Stranger” were certifiable jams, but nothing touches the instant sex-fueled classic that was “With Love.”
Given what has brought her the most success, “Chasing the Sun” is an interesting move for the returning star.
Only time will tell whether the fan base is still there, and if the new direction will pay off.