SIMPSON, JESSICA

Personnel includes: Jessica Simpson, Marc Anthony (vocals); Mats Berntoft, Chieli Minucci (guitar); Paul Sheyne, Jeanette Olsson (background vocals).
Producers include: Louis Biancaniello, Sam Watters, Rhett Lawrence, Ric Wake, Rodney "Darkchild" Jenkins.
Engineers include: Dave Scheuer, Steve MacMillan, Paul Foley.
Jessica Simpson was just 17 when she made her successful debut album. This followup makes it plain that she and her music have matured, with tracks ranging from straight-up, danceable pop to harder, groove-laden funk, R&B, ballads, and even gospel. Collaborating with such notables as Marc Anthony, Nick Lahey of 98 Degrees, Walter Afanasieff (Celine Dion) and Corey Rooney (Jennifer Lopez), Jessica is claiming her stake in the industry with this release.
The title track lives up to its name, a slice of hook-filled R&B-flavored pop. The same goes for "A Little Bit," where Simpson demands that her man takes care of his share and that "a little bit goes a long way." "There You Were" (a duet With Marc Anthony) is a well-crafted ballad. The other ballads hold up just as well, particularly "For Your Love," in which Jessica sounds like a seasoned veteran. On harder tracks like "Hot Like Fire" and "What's It Gonna Be," Simpson asserts herself and refuses to be played by a playa. Jessica's been singing gospel since she was young, and goes back to her roots on "His Eye Is On The Sparrow," piping out a large dose of soul.

This product is no longer available.