Jessica Simpson - A Public Affair

Like a number of listeners, I embraced Jessica Simpson's "A Public Affair" single as a loose, light, frothy embrace of the best in 80's pop music. The fact that it very closely resembled Madonna's classic "Holiday" meant simply that, like any current song built around an outstanding sample, it found a great groove and built a catchy tune around it. However, after 8 consecutive songs tumble out of speakers echoing 80's pop without memorable melodies, the imitation wears thin.

The song "A Public Affair" kicks off the album pleasingly enough, but then Jessica Simpson takes us on an ill-designed tour of pop geography. Whether it's the Cars' Boston or Prince's Minneapolis, a familiar groove needs a memorable melody and chorus. Unfortunately, the architects of this album seemed to think the groove was enough. The proceedings are at their most embarassing when the Swing wannabe "Swing With Me" gives way to the Hee Haw talk of cowbells and grub on "Push My Tush." It sounds like Jessica Simpson aims for a sort of post-modern "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" vibe, but, unfortunately its more cringe-inducing than amusing.

• A Public Affair
• I Don't Want to Care
• Let Him Fly

Fortunately, it seems that Jessica Simpson ran out of 80's imitations before she had enough music to fill out an entire album. The remaining 5 tunes are not masterpieces of contemporary pop, but they do feature Jessica Simpson performing genuine songs that are worth hearing. Hot production team Stargate deliver "I Don't Want to Care About Us," one of the songs here that might relate to Simpson's high profile breakup with Nick Lachey. Scott Storch's "Fired Up" works up some contemporary dance heat, and "Let Him Fly," a song Jessica claims to have cried to with sister Ashlee, shows off a singer with some interpretive power. The final 5 songs of A Public Affair are worth hearing for Jessica Simpson fans. I just hope fans can maintain their interest long enough to get there.