The Bottom Line
As she prepares to turn 20 later in the year, Hilary Duff's latest work nearly shouts sexy, adult pop. Gone are the days of bubblegum. Welcome the days of Kylie Minogue-influenced dance music. Last summer we were introduced to the electro-pop Hilary Duff with the single "Play With Fire." Now, on "With Love," released a couple of months in advance of the album Dignity, style and elegance combine with an irresistible hook to make a record difficult for pop radio to ignore.
Watch the "With Love" Video
Pros
- That bleepy electro beat
- Crunchy guitar attack
- Hilary's adult pop vocals
Cons
- No major negatives here
Description
- Electronic bleeps with hand-clapping and finger-snapping beats
- Sexy, sultry vocals
- Crunchy dance-rock guitar
Guide Review - Hilary Duff - With Love
Although she has 2 #1 pop albums to her credit, pop radio has never really warmed to the charms of Hilary Duff. Perhaps the cold shoulder has been primarily due to Duff's base in Radio Disney support, a kiss of death for some artists trying to reach the mainstream pop market. Regardless of the reason, "With Love" looks poised to break down the walls.
Hilary Duff has built her appeal in the past on a foundation of bubblegum. It evolved into some of the best in the business, but it also prevented much of the pop music establishment from taking her seriously. "With Love" is a new approach.
Electronic blips and bleeps are everywhere. Crunchy, dance-rock guitar underlines the hook, and Hilary Duff sounds like a Kylie Minogue disciple in the making. Since Minogue has never been huge on this side of the Atlantic, the sexy, adult, dance-pop diva vein is not overworked. All signs point to the top 10 for "With Love."
