that may not be enough to silence her critics, her debut country album, Do you Know, should more than do the trick.
Jessica co-wrote nearly every song on the album. She worked with some of the best songwriters in the business, including Rachel Proctor and Victoria Banks, and in turn, has an album loaded from start to finish with what can only be called dang good country songs. Strangely enough, many of her songs can be considered more country than other country songs on the radio now.
“Come On Over” peaked at number 18 on the country charts – a better than expected showing for her first single. The song, heavy on steel guitar, was generally well received by country fans, many saying they were surprised by just how much they liked it. Her follow-up single, “Remember That”, at radio now, is one of the album’s most powerful songs, addressing the issue of abuse. Jessica, always a powerful vocalist, hits big notes in this ballad and drives the message home. She leaves the listener wondering if she too has felt this type of pain at some point.
Following “Remember That” is “Pray Out Loud”, a refreshing song reminding the listener to ‘pray out loud’ when they are having a bad day. It’s uplifting and again, a strong vocal performance. It is followed by “You’re My Sunday” – a song Jessica admits to writing for beau Tony Romo, quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. The song boils down to him being her port in the storm and cherishing the time they have together when they can just lay there and do nothing.
“Sipping On History” has ‘hit’ written all over it. Jessica sings of an old romance, eluding to how she could have been his ‘June Carter Cash’ and thinking of what could have been had they made it. “Man Enough” questions if a man is ‘man enough’ to love her or man enough to put up with her faults. The song parallels Jessica’s real life complications as to love her – a man has to be willing to put up with her hectic schedule and lurking paparazzi.
A personal favorite from the album is “Do You Know”, a song written by Dolly Parton. The song asks if a lover realizes just how much they are truly loved. Jessica is phenomenal on this song and Dolly joins her with background vocals. This song has the potential to be a great hit. It is also nice to see Dolly supporting Jessica after the famed “9 To 5” performance during a tribute to Dolly at the Kennedy Center.
Anyone who is still questioning why Jessica Simpson has jumped from pop to country needs to take a listen to this record. Country music is where Jessica belongs. She has always been a country girl at heart and quite frankly, broke into the business at a time where every record label was searching for their own Britney Spears. Do You Know is an album worth your money. And Jessica Simpson? She’s worth taking a chance on.
Jessica Simpson: 'Do You Know' – Album Review
by Sarah Wyland
Jessica Simpson has been criticized for her country music ambitions since the very first reports began leaking out that she was looking into recording a country album. The criticism continued after her first single was released to radio, accompanied by MySpace sites dedicated to protesting Jessica as a country artist. Jessica pushed ahead with her plans, however, and spent the summer months working her way around the fair and festival circuit, just like any other new country act would. She also signed on to open - yes, open - for Rascal Flatts on the winter leg of their tour. Her willingness to work her way up from the bottom speaks volumes about her commitment to a country career. And while
Added: January 2009
