Jessica Simpson New Album
Jessica Simpson's Do you know Draws Comparisons with Country Debut
Sep 9, 2008
Jessica Simpson makes her debut onto Nashville’s music scene unsuccessfully. Her country crossover album ‘Do You Know’ "is an attempt to reinvent herself and to prove how down home she is. Does it work? No. It doesn't blogs.abcnews.com/allan_raible/2008/09review-jessicahtml."Crossing over from the pop/rock genre where she gained both fame and fortune, Simpson has reinvented herself in a completely disingenuous way.
On her website, Simpson explains the problems, pitfalls and tragedies that befall many country star and says she has a sob story of her own. She explains how her career began as a gospel singer with her dad riding the reigns to help bring her to stardom. Her disappointment in gaining an independent record deal while in high school and than losing it abruptly when the label went under. Although many of us in the business know this is just the nature of the beast.She continues on explaining her journey, signing to a major label, marrying Nick Lachey, Newlyweds and the pitfalls that followed. She alludes to the fact that this back-story now classifies her as a country artist, comparing herself to Hank Williams Jr. and June Carter Cash that it does not and doing so is both an insulting and arrogant comparison.
Shouting a few hey y’all ‘s to the crowd does not make a Nashville star. However, Overall, the album does have some well-written tracks that Simpson co-wrote with some of Nashville’s Songwriting big wigs such as Victoria Banks, Rachel Proctor, Troy Verges and Hilary Lindsey. www.slantmagazine.comLindsey who has penned tracks for other country-pop acts like Kelly Clarkson and Simpson nemesis Carrie Underwood. Using Lindsey was a savvy move especially with Lindsey working with Underwood as well, Simpson tries her best but she is no Carrie Underwood. However, it isn’t all bad as far as the music is concerned.
Simpson’s first single “Come on Over” is a catchy country tune borrowing the title of Shania Twain's 1997 album of the same name. In addition that " Come on Over" 's great hook and melody are similar to Miranda Lambert's hit single " Kerosene". Another tune that showcases Simpson's softer, vulnerable side is one that she dedicates to beau Tony Romo entitled “ You’re My Sunday”.
“ You’re My Sunday is a ballad that showcases soft yet strong voice. It’s the one of the most genuine yet sappy songs on the album, as Simpson is begging to be saved by a man. Simpson ‘s “Still Beautiful” is similar to 2003’s ‘In This Skin’ and its title track.
“Still Beautiful” like “In This Skin’ is a pop-rock anthem with just enough country. It sounds most like the Jessica the public has come to know and love.
Finally, “Man Enough” showcases Simpson’s vulnerability, and innocence. A song in which Simpson spends the bulk of it searching for her Knight in shining armor and if he’s strong and stable enough to protect her once again. It seems like Simpson’s most genuine and honest performance on the album.
All in all, Simpson merely skims the surface but has no real consistency or continuity in her much hyped up country debut. From comparing herself and her “struggle” to the likes of Hank Williams Jr. and June Carter cash she loses all credibility, and not even singing a duet the queen of country music Dolly Parton can save her.
Simpson makes a valiant effort for country-crossover success but can’t trump Carrie on the charts.
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