(CNN) -- Hilary Duff says her new album is "very positive" but admits that it started out "a lot heavier and a lot darker" because of the separation from her husband, Mike Comrie. 

"I'm separated from my husband right now, which has been a very difficult thing to go through," she told Billboard's "Pop Shop" podcast. "In the beginning, the album was a lot heavier and a lot darker, because I had to get that out. Once I did get that out, a lot of fun came." 

Duff married Comrie, a former pro hockey player, in 2010 after dating for three years. Their son, Luca, was born in 2012. Duff and Comrie announced their separation in January. 

Duff, 26, admits that she's "nervous" after being away from music for seven years. Her just-released single, "Chasing the Sun," is from her still-untitled album, which will be her first studio release since 2007's "Dignity." 

She says she first started thinking of new material when she was pregnant with her son. After having the child and taking another year, she was even more anxious. 

"I felt like I was missing a big part of myself," she said. 

Duff established a successful singing career on the heels of her popular Disney show, "Lizzie McGuire," which aired from 2001 to 2004. She spent most of her teenage years touring and says that turning 20 was a big factor in leaving the road. 

"It was time for me to be a person, and the break just ended up being a long time," she said. 
Is Hilary's newest album negative?
Why did it start out dark?
who is he?
On what forum did she discuss the album?
What did she tell them?
when were they married?
how long did they date prior to that?
Did they have any children?
who?
when?
How long was she away from  music?
what is the name of her new album?
what are some of the songs?
at what point did she come up with the new songs?
What made her want to get back to music?
has she been succesful?
what show helped her gain fame?
on what network?
How were here teen years spent?
What was a major event that made her want to leave?
no
album is "very positive" 
because of the separation from her husband
because of the separation from her husband, 
Mike Comrie.
 her husband, Mike Comrie. 
Billboard's "Pop Shop" podcast.
Billboard's "Pop Shop" podcast.
the separation is difficult
I'm separated from my husband right now, which has been a very difficult thing to go through
in 2010
Duff married Comrie, a former pro hockey player, in 2010 
three years
after dating for three years
yes
Their son, Luca, 
Luc
Their son, Luca
2012
 born in 2012
seven years.
away from music for seven years.
its still untitled
her still-untitled album
"Chasing the Sun,
Her just-released single, "Chasing the Sun,
when shewas pregnant
she first started thinking of new material when she was pregnant
she said it was like missing a part of herself
I felt like I was missing a big part of myself,
yes
Duff established a successful singing career 
"Lizzie McGuire,"
Disney show, "Lizzie McGuire,"
Disney
Disney show, "Lizzie McGuire,"
touring
her teenage years touring 
turning 20
 that turning 20 was a big factor in leaving 