sweet_caroline's Full Review: Metamorphosis by Hilary Duff
Meta·mor·pho·sis(n) A striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances
This is the title of the debut album from popular actress, and now singer, Hilary Duff. Quite a fitting title actually, considering Hilary is at the point in her career where she's trying to break free from being known as Lizzie McGuire. She has a couple of movies lined up for the near future where she won't be playing Lizzie, and this album makes no reference to the Disney kids show either.
So how does it sound? Pretty good actually, considering she is still, after all, only 15 years old. And as expected, this album has a lot of material that people of around that age can relate to.
ALBUM ART
The cover on the CD is basically just a close-up of Hilary's face. The picture was taken a bit too close, in my opinion, but it is a nice picture nonetheless. The back cover of the CD shows a full length picture of Hilary smiling and wearing a plaid skirt and black tank top. The tracks are listed clearly in numerical order, with the last song, Why Not listed as a bonus track (probably because it was released back with The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
The CD booklet is about 9 pages, and very well done. Full lyrics and song credits are included, along with pictures of Hilary on almost every page in different poses. The center of the booklet included a preprinted signature as well.
TRACK LISTING So Yesterday - 3:35
This mid tempo song is good way to start off the album. Being the first single from the CD released to radio and video, it starts things off with a familiar sound. Produced by the hit team The Matrix, who have also done work with artists such as Avril Lavigne, this song has solid production behind it. The song's theme is Hilary singing the song to a guy she just broke up with, and letting him know that although things may seem like a big deal now, it will soon be old news or 'so yesterday'. She does a fine job vocally with this track, portraying a girl who's trying to be strong and have a positive outlook but yet you can tell she's fragile underneath.
Come Clean - 3:34
This track starts slow and soon turns more up tempo, and stays that way for the rest of the song. The chorus is strong and catchy, and Hilary has said in interviews that this is her favorite song on the album. I really got into the song during the first chorus and it kept the momentum the rest of the way. The subject matter is a bit abstract, but sounds like she's excited about living her dreams and experiencing life to the fullest. Vocally it's well done, but there are some points where it's revealed that her voice has yet to fully mature.
Workin' It Out - 3:15
This song is fairly laid back and mellow, but the chorus
turns up the energy and fills it out nicely with shouts of "Hey!... Hey!" and "No!... Way!". It works well, and I especially liked the contrast between the softer verses and the harder chorus, which gives the song a good kick.
Little Voice - 3:03
Hilary's singing in this song reminded me somewhat of Gwen Stefani from the group No Doubt. It's similar to last song, where the chorus has more energy than verses. The 'little voice' referred to in the title is the little voice in her head, meaning her conscience. There's a catchy bit in the chorus that stands out, where Hilary sings "La La La, La la la, la la la, la la"
Where Did I Go Right - 3:51
This is the first slow song on the album, and a nice break in the tempo. The theme is feeling lucky to have met somebody wonderful, asking 'where did I go right?', which is a play on the usual saying, 'where did I go wrong?'. This song is also produced by The Matrix, and has a deep cello used well for effect.
Anywhere But Here - 3:32
This is a harmless, fairly simple song about love. It's got an overall softness to it, but is up tempo. The chorus is less edgy than other songs like Workin' It Out and Little Voice. The theme of this song is Hilary saying that she doesn't want to be 'anywhere but here' with the one she's in love with.
The Math - 3:19
Another song produced by The Matrix, this is an up tempo and edgy track throughout the whole song. It reminded me a little of Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne, which is not surprising considering it's done by same production team. This song does a good job to bring some energy to the album with a strong rock vibe to it. It's probably the hardest song on the album. Not too hard though... this is still Hilary Duff :)
Love Just Is - 4:02
Hilary slows things down again with this very nice ballad. The song is slow and smooth, with gentle vocals that fit right in with the music. The general theme is you can't explain why you love someone... it just 'is'.
Sweet Sixteen - 3:07
Being that Hilary is just coming around the corner to turning 16, this song is about how you feel on your sixteenth birthday - carefree and happy. She talks about how it's her chance to shine and that it's time to discover life. It's another up tempo track with a positive and uplifting tone to it. I'd say this is more of a pop song compared to most others on the album, with less of a rock feel to it.
Party Up - 3:51
The title says it all... this is just a feel good song that's up beat and has a catchy hook.
Metamorphosis - 3:28
This is the title track, and one of the better songs on the album. It's up tempo and has a very catchy guitar riff throughout it. The way Hilary sings the vocals really fits the song well. It deals with how she's at the point in her life where she's changing. This is an appropriate song for where Hilary is at in her life right now, becoming a singer and actress, leaving Lizzie McGuire behind. Great track.
Inner Strength - 1:34
I love this song, but it's a little too short. It has an awesome sound to it, and I think it does work as a short song. However, coming in at just over a minute and a half, it could have done with 30 seconds more. That could have made it my favorite song on the album. It's still a great little track though.
Why Not - 2:59
Now this is my favorite song on the album, and the reason why I wanted to initially pick this CD up. I'm glad this song was included on the album as a bonus track because even though it was a song in the Lizzie McGuire Movie, it's a great track! It's message is simple: why not take a crazy chance in life sometimes, because even though you might lose a little, you could gain a lot. Totally up beat and energetic, it finishes off the album strong.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I am pleased with this debut effort from Hilary Duff. The album is full of catchy, well produced songs and is a lot of fun to listen to. And although Hilary's voice might need some time to fully develop, it's still a solid effort.
Hilary Duff breaks out of her Lizzie McGuire mold and onto the music scene! The teen dream s debut is a rock-flavored pop collection, featuring the ho...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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