It's almost unfair to ask Hilary Duff to pause – even for a moment – to reflect on her accomplishments. After all, she didn't reach the pinnacle of success by looking backward. Yet with the release of "Best of Hilary Duff," the 21-year-old singer/actress seems to do just that. The Hollywood Records collection features hits from each of her previous CD releases, including remixes of a few classic tunes. Best of all, the set boasts two new songs, "Reach Out" and "Holiday," both of which point to Hilary's bold new musical direction.



"What's nice about it is being able to relive moments," she says of the new album, "from the beginning to where I am now." And where is she now? The debut single, "Reach Out," is a hip-hop flavored rocker combining Hilary's edgy vocals paired with guest rapper, Prophet, and a sample from the 1989 Depeche Mode classic "Personal Jesus." Says Hilary, "It's a fun club song about a girl who really wants this guy. She thinks she can't live without him."



The other newly recorded track, "Holiday," was co-written by Hilary with her sister Haylie Duff and producer Ryan "Alias" Tedder from One Republic. Hilary counts it among her personal favorites. "It's about someone leaving," she says, "their bags packed like they're taking a trip. But the person's really going forever. Writing the song was tough. I guess I was in a healing mode."



Also included on "Best of Hilary Duff" are early hits like "So Yesterday," "Why Not" and a remix of "Come Clean," both from 2003's "Metamorphosis" CD. From her self-titled 2004 set, "Fly," and from "Most Wanted," a new remix of "Wake Up." And from last year's "Dignity" album, "With Love," "PlayWith Fire" and a remix of "Stranger."



With this album, fans can chart Hilary's musical growth, from ingénue teen sensation to mature artist. "I like so many different kinds of music," says Hilary. "I'm all over the place with my musical taste, so I like having lots of influences. I'm excited about music and getting the itch to write again."

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