American pop-rock fills this album almost from start to finish. You either love it or hate it. All this comes from the sassy, hopelessly cute gorgeous face you might have ever laid eyes on, which is packaged with talent in abundance.

15 year old Hilary Duff’s debut album is a slick collection of pop-rock songs master-crafted to suit young people. Titled ‘Metamorphosis’the album lives up to its name and more because its about the changes that everybody experiences.

The 14 songs were produced, arranged, written and mixed by the best in the music industry, including two songs contributed by Duff’s number one idol-her big sister, Haylie Duff.

The vocals on this one sound a bit strained on the high notes, though with the bass volume turned up high, no one will ever notice. Radio fodder comes in the form of the first single So Yesterday a slightly repetitive line that flags off the album well. You move on to more rock in pieces like Come Clean ,Working It Out and Little Voice that are the more better gems out here.

The songwriting is impressive at times, but not really striking. In other words you could say its amazingly original work and innovative, but not long enough to be kept in your LTM. Moving on to a slightly slower vein, you could pick out Love Just Is, Sweet Sixteen and Party Up which are catchy and probably the best in the slow section. The title track brings back the hard rocky edge to the fore while the 2 bonus tracks Why Not and A Day in the Sun are sublime and puts this album to rest.

There’s enough punch around if you want it, there’s the slow side too. Who said the guitar hero was dead? If you were even in any doubt, ‘Metamorphosis’proves the theorem very wrong. There’s plenty of raunch paunch, gutsy vocals, guitar ruffs, and sometimes meaningless lyrics to please anyone who wants a female rocker screaming her lungs out. But Hilary delivers well, she is a rocker in her own style. The infuriating blend of delicious pop mixed with real rock doesn’t seem out of place. Her delivery is loud abrasive and likeable.

If you need to check this out, probably you could get it straightaway or wait till your mates buy it, or borrow it and decide whether or not you really need to own this. Though there is nothing wildly exciting or original, Hilary makes a very promising start indeed. Whatever it is, it’s a slow winner. The inlay card is a delight on its own. Lyrics included.      

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira