Hilary Duff's "Chasing the Sun" - Single Review

   Sometimes I felt this day would NEVER come, I just wanted to give up on the world and crawl under my sheets... but alas I can breath a bit easier now. Former Disney starlet Hilary Duff makes her triumphant return to the music scene following a seven-year absence with her bubbly, folk-ier new single "Chasing The Sun", the first taken from her upcoming fifth studio album set for release this fall.

   News of Duff's anticipated return have run rampant since 2011, when the artist spoke of an independent release. Fast forward a few years and fans got what they had been waiting for with an announcement of a signed RCA Records deal, a new sound and a new music video from the Lizzie McGuire actress. One could only imagine the smiles appearing across the faces of all the young adults across the country. She's back!

   "Chasing The Sun", not to be confused with The Wanted song of the same name, is a Colbie Caillat-written, feel good, wind through the hair kind of track for those summer lovers that shows the artist returning to her bubblegum pop roots, instead of focusing on the heavy dance inspiration found of her last full length studio album. With a sound reminiscent of Sheryl Crow, Duff appears to be taking an adult contemporary, laid back approach towards her new record deal, whether that is a good or bad tactic remains to be seen.

   Featuring a light guitar intro, immense vocal improvement and sing-along worthy lyrics, the new single is a safe yet honest comeback for the artist. "I'm chasing the sun, won't miss out on the fun, gotta get it when our hearts are young," Duff sings on the bouncy, cheerful chorus. Though the new effort clocks in at less than three minutes, there is enough buzz and promise to allow Duff to become a late contender for song of the summer. There's no escaping the adorable, fun vibe.

   To coincide with her divine return, the accompanying music video for "Chasing The Sun" was revealed the same day as the song's official release. Portraying an "adult version of Lizzie McGuire", Duff is shown in her pedestrian office job while fantasizing about her time on the beach with a gorgeous, delicious male in tight blue shorts. With a balance of dorky, clumsy personality and elegant beauty, the visual perfectly sums up the character millions of pre-teens fell in love with when Duff ruled the airwaves in the mid-00s.

   Is "Chasing The Sun" worth the seven-year hiatus? Should Duff have returned with something containing more edge or mainstream appeal? Will the new song be a hit for the lovable singer/actress? Only time will tell... until then let's get busying chasing that sun!