What’s the 4-1-1?
Jessica’s little sister returns to the fold with her sophomore release.
Genre
Pop-rock
The Good
Driving guitar riffs dominate the opening track “Boyfriend.” Simpson’s trademark raspy vocals ring out as she proclaims it wasn’t her that stole her friend’s man. “In Another Life” is another riff oriented track, with Ashlee pouring her heart and soul into the chorus. Who doesn’t love a good acronm titled song? “L.O.V.E.” is an anthem for all of the girls that have been burned by love. Although, annoying at first, the repetitive chorus is sure to burn into your brain.
“Coming Back for More” is an acoustic/electric hybrid with lots of percussive effects. Simpson unleashes her inner Pat Benatar here, and no one has scorned by love than Pat Benatar. “Burning Up” is loaded with funky and seductive rhythms. Ashlee’s deep and husky vocals only add to the sexual tension. “Catch Me When I Fall” was inspired by the infamous Saturday Night Live incident. The sad piano, warm strings, and melancholy vocals help Ashlee express just how sad and depressed she felt about the whole thing ordeal. Muted guitar riffs command the self-affirming rage of “I Am Me.”
The Bad
The album clocks in at just under 40 minutes.
The Verdict
I think we knew that Ashlee was kind of thrown into the whole music thing once her sister gained notoriety, so was anyone really surprised with her tonal blunders on her TV show, that college bowl game, and during the infamous Saturday Night Live performance? Hey, at least she was lip-synching to herself.
On her second release, Ashlee has shown that she has matured as a songwriter, a singer, and as a person. The first time around was a little bumpy, but now Ashlee has learned the ropes and is ready to conquer the pop-rock world with her own brand of youthful angst and heartache.
Did You Know?
Ashlee was the youngest person ever admitted into the School of American Ballet at the age of eleven.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Source: www.rock-is-life.com
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
George - you make some interesting points about Simpson's beginning. It's interesting to see what some of the "hype" artists do with their second and third releases.
2 - George Dionne
Thanks. I do believe that most artists prove themselves on their 2nd & 3rd albums. I think record labels judge them that way too. Although a lot judge them on the first, and usually by sales figures only.
3 - Rene
She should have stuck with ballet.
4 - Jordan
Power to all the ppl who salute Ashlee!! And to those of you who just dog her all the time you stink!!
5 - Rene
Her album is at number 35 after 5 weeks whereas Kelly Clarkson is at number 13 after 51 weeks. While Ashlee may have debut at number 1, it is clear her sophmore effort has no staying power.
6 - thehistorian
Although she plunged to #35 in Billboard with I Am Me, she is now up tp #25. She has a staying power and like Breakaway, which only regained strength ten weeks after its release, so is I Am Me that has a potential to be certified 3x Platinum.
7 - Ashlee Simpson
Collapsed in Japan? Please, I'm certain this is just another publicity stunt to keep her name in the press.
8 - George Dionne
Saturday Night Live had a great joke about the incident; 'Ashlee Simpson collapsed after a show in Japan, however the next night's show went on as planned without her'.
9 - Matt
Screw all the people who hate on ashlee the reason her fans stayed by her was because she has talent i mean listen to some of her songs they are really good her 2nd cd is even better then her 1st.
I L.O.V.E Ashlee
10 - Nik
I think it's strange how people are so able to classify something as "phony" when they have clearly never attempted an objective opinion. Ashlee Simpson does not waste her time or the time of anyone else by sitting down and thinking, "Okay... what do I need to do to stay in the public eye and to keep my fans interested?" Certain celebutants may do that, but Ashlee Simpson has a few more brain cells than Paris Hilton. I really don't think that she *can* be phony, even, because at some point in being phony, you are being genuine in your phoniness (lol try to follow me here) and that makes you, more or less, "real."
11 - seebel
she is one of the best singers ı have been listining these days. Yeah she can write and she can sing. What else are we waiting from a singer c'mon?? Just take a trip into her music, sure you will like it :)
12 - Nick
I must admit, Ashlee's first time around was amazing, but very rough. It was amazing to see a young woman like herself to sell over 400,000 copies of her debut CD in just 1 week. But it was also amazing to see how she recovered from SNL, Orange bowl etc. To date, Ashlee has matured, and her voice has DEFINETLY gotten better. Watch this: youtube.com
That just proves how far she has really come, voice-wise.