2008-03-04 11:45:39 - Music reviews provided by Prefix Magazine (www.prefixmag.com)

HAYLIE DUFF, pop darling HILARY DUFF'S big sister, emerged in her younger sibling's shadow just as the Disney princess' success came, a fact that will always follow her around. It's a shame, really. But "Walk the Walk," to be released by Hollywood Records in the coming months, is an excellent debut from an artist who was destined to become a

footnote. The album is a classy affair of quality pop as well as a statement of Haylie's own individuality, an indication that she's moved beyond label-mate Hilary.

And a confidence is present on each of the twelve tracks here. From the sound of it, a lot of time was put into crafting the album. Despite flashes of rock and Christina Aguilera-style soul, "Walk the Walk" plays more like a vintage Liz Phair record, resting within a pleasant mid-tempo groove. It's all light pop, such as the breezy lead single "Holiday" and the equally enchanting title track "Walk the Walk," which sounds like a fresher, more modern Ashlee Simpson song. The entire first half of the album works on this level, mixing orchestral productions with excellent arrangements and confident vocals.

Haylie is no Christina when it comes to belting out, but she competently carries the album with her fierce and assured performance. One standout is "Faded," which bumps with savage energy thanks to Haylie's solid delivery. Even the up-tempo tracks work well here, in part because Haylie has a more down-home, organic vibe than Hilary could ever pull off. She seems more comfortable on tracks such as "Crush" and "Just a Minute" than Hilary sounded on her Radio Disney hit "Come Clean." And therein lies the real statement of Haylie's debut. She has effectively separated herself from her kid sister in the only way possible: by creating great music.

She may never truly escape the comparisons to Ashlee Simpson and Nicky Hilton, but with her self-titled debut, she has resurrected her career in high style.