The only adjective to describe Jessica Simpson's new CD A Public Affair is scary. Whoever is giving her business advice is doing a terrible job. This CD just proves that she really is that clueless, not just when it comes to tuna fish and buffalo wings, but with her one attribute besides good looks, music.
The abundance of repetitive songs simply mirrors other familiar songs by the rock groups like Dead or Alive and country artists like Patti Griffin and the Dixie Chicks. There are simply too many remakes, and imitation wears itself thin in this album. The song that stands out as the best of the worst is the popular single, ""A Public Affair."" Although this song is catchy and upbeat, it sounds too similar to Madonna's hit track ""Holiday.""
Simpson's CD falls quite short of anything halfway decent because there is no uniqueness in her voice. There is definitely a power in her vocal capabilities; however, she doesn't experiment with her talent. This lack of novelty has caused her to have only about three memorable hits to date.
The most terrifying song is ""Push Your Tush,"" which starts off with her screaming ""Dya hear that cow bell! Cock-a cock-a cock-a-doodle-doo, Come and get some grub."" Again, who is her business manager and simply, why? The lyrics are unbelievably brainless, which doesn't help the fact that the song is terrible and out of place.
To give Simpson credit, she does maintain a funky, fun, upbeat album in a time of her life filled with grief, due to her recent split with pop singer Nick Lachey. It's understandable that Simpson wants to act brave by making it seem like she is having fun, but the CD would shine more if her true emotions and hardships are expressed.
Simpson needs to build a backbone and be herself. Her rendition of Dead or Alive's ""You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)"" simply fails. This song does not belong on an album that is supposed to retaliate against Lachey's recent CD What's Left of Me. Even the cover of her album mimics his cover which makes one wonder why songs about hoedowns and a Dead or Alive track appears.
It's impossible to not be hard on Simpson for this album. It is devoid of personality and incredibly awkward. The ""covers"" of songs are embarrassing and ridiculous. In a time of heartache and public scrutiny, Simpson should have created an album filled with emotion and life. This album falls short of all expectations.
