Let's ignore for a quick minute that promotion for Hilary Duff's impressive comeback album Breathe In. Breathe Out. has come to a depressing, crashing halt. That sparkling pop gems such as "My Kind", "Lies" and "Night Like This" will forever be denied a chance to shine on the radio airwaves. Someone needs to pay for the injustice towards the true Disney queen (RCA, I'm looking at you!)... have we all calmed down now? Good. Let's proceed.
Despite it not being an official second single from Duff's fifth studio album, the "Sparks" songstress does have new material on the horizon, specifically a collaboration with fictional female band Jem & the Holograms for the upcoming film's soundtrack. "Youngblood" is an interesting mix of influences, specifically from Duff's earlier albums rather than the electro-pop styling of her most recent offering. Speaking of living life and embracing your youth, the new single is a solid, fun, carefree anthem.
"Youngblood" finds Duff tackling the first verse, using her ever-improving, slightly seductive vocal delivery to lure potential romantic suitors into a no rule, potentially reckless love. The chorus picks up the tempo a bit more, tailored for Top 40 radio, and refuses to leave the mind once it's heard. From that point forward, the lead singer of Jem & the Holograms (presumably Aubrey Peeples) comes in to handle the second verse, while the rest of the effort becomes a true duet between the empowered females.
The production of the recently surfaced track does carry a slight folk twang, paired with an infectious background beat and an intriguing Middle East-like introduction. There's a lot going on. "If you got young blood, this is our time, hands up, touch the skyline, tonight yeah Imma get mine," the artists chant on the three-minute track. Though most of the song highlights a relationship in the early stages, the inspiring underlying message of living in the now will resonate with many.
Jem & the Holograms may have taken a premature beating when the first trailer was released, people said it was not staying true to the original material, but hearing "Youngblood" creates a sense of hope. Duff sounds comfortable with a 2004 throwback beat, that also sounds similar to what radio wants to play these days. Lyrical content may be leaning towards the unfortunately generic side, but there's no denying the contagious energy and commendable vocal performances.
While fans still won't be able to accept the abandonment of Breathe In. Breathe Out. just yet, they can stress less knowing Duff has not completely given up on her revitalized career. "Youngblood" does not compare to the strength of her latest album, but it's nice to hear her having a good time in the studio.
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