On “Workin’ It Out,” Duff endeavors to be genuine as she tackles life’s ups and downs (“It’s hard enough to be what you are/Harder to be what you’re not”). A girl’s conscience keeps her from “making a mess” by taking back an ignoble ex (“Little Voice”). “Anywhere But Here,” “Why Not,” “Where Did I Go Right” and “Love Just Is” are innocent love songs. As she turns “Sweet Sixteen,” Duff puts stock in the love of her friends and family. Healthy relationships require honesty and transparency (“Come Clean”), and find partners bringing out the best in each other (“Metamorphosis”).
The singer would rather have her boyfriend “shut up and kiss” her than try and understand her (“The Math”). On “Inner Strength,” she preaches isolationism (“You gotta learn to rely on you”) and paints men negatively. Duff shows a lack of self-respect on “Party Up,” sticking with a guy who repeatedly uses and abuses her.
Some good stuff, but not as ideal as fans of this tween sensation might have hoped.
