Do You Know : Jessica Simpson : Review : Rolling Stone

Her decade-long career has been filled with film flops, failed romances and albums that vainly grasp for Christina's range and Britney's sex appeal (see "Irresistible," her homage to Spears' vinyl pants). But digging into her country roots for Do You Know is the most strong-footed move that Jessica Simpson — or her ever-present dad-ager, Joe — has ever made. While she begs for a booty call on the twangy single "Come on Over," she leaves the real seduction to her restrained delivery and the album's crisp melodies. (On the cover, she's posed with her arms and legs defensively folded over her crotch like police tape.) Chipper mandolins coax along the gentle "Pray Out Loud," and fingerpicked guitars make room for blasts of Hammond organ on "You're My Sunday" — an inspiring lift befitting its pause-to-reflect lyrics. "When I Loved You Like That" is a tasteful look at lost love that makes her roller jam "A Public Affair" seem like a humiliating old yearbook photo. And while a better country vocalist could have sung the hell out of the domestic-violence-themed "Remember That," Simpson's tender voice exudes the realism of a gal who's taken a few knocks in her day.

CARYN GANZ

(Posted: Sep 18, 2008)

News and Reviews

How to Play This Album

Click the play button.
Register or enter your username and password.
Let the music play!

No commitment.
It's FREE.

Track List

Play All

Your Turn

Give us your review of Do You Know

Review 1 of 9

2of 5 Stars

I like Jessica's sound. This is a good album but it's no Carnival Ride. I prefer Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Martina... there's room in Country for Jessica, but she will need to do better than this album to compete with the big girls.

Sep 12, 2008 11:40:58

Review 2 of 9

1of 5 Stars

You just can't make this shit up. Or, in the case of Rolling Stone, I guess you can. A truly disasterous, vampire-like raid on "suzy country", any critical designation even resembling "good" for this record is at best horribly flawed, and at worst, hopelessly dishonest.

Make your own mind up.

Sep 12, 2008 08:53:29

Review 3 of 9

1of 5 Stars

I can't stand Jessica Simpson and now that she's going with the country persona, turquoise jewelry included!, it makes me dislike her even more. With her promoting this CD to death, I'd also like to note that she needs some stage performance training, because it's excructiating to watch her sing live...she looks like she's constipated.

Sep 12, 2008 08:11:04

Review 4 of 9

1of 5 Stars

Sep 12, 2008 08:11:04

Review 5 of 9

1of 5 Stars

Simpson is good at looking good and that is about it.
This brainless pop getting 3 stars is just a testament to how out of touch Rolling Stone has become.
She has a decent voice, everything else is manufactured by a team of scientists that make her presentable.

Sep 10, 2008 10:27:14

Review 6 of 9

3of 5 Stars

I have to be honest. I was prepared to really not like this record. I have become so sick and tired of hearing about JS's love life, squabbles and seeing how closed to nude she can come without just exposing herself with those stage costumes (I saw the Opry also...one word of advice, JS - please, a little more class. You are much more than your 'girls').

So, coming from a biased place, I was actually pleasantly surprised.

Yeah, she could have laid off on a lot of the screaming on a track or two, but as a whole - not bad at all. I believe that was Dolly Parton on "Do You Know"? What a great song. There are a few that I look forward to hearing on the radio.

I agree that coming from Texas, and a country background, JS could be star along the lines of Leanne Rimes if she had started out where she is ending up. But the record, overall, is good. I didn't think I would, but I did like it. Good Job.

Sep 9, 2008 18:10:51

Review 7 of 9

5of 5 Stars

I love it!!!! This is where she should have been from the beginning. I love country music and these songs fit right along with the rest of the country darlings. Her octave range is quite amazing too, and something that most these girls don't have.
I watched her on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night and boy she was awesome! I just wished I could have heard her sing more songs!!!!

Sep 8, 2008 11:35:04

Review 8 of 9

1of 5 Stars

Jessica Simpson may be really sweet in real life, but that doesn't mean she should consider singing professionally. Doesn't she have anything she can fall back on?

How about basket weaving, Jess? Singing is not for me or you, dear. Move on...get a hobby or something. I can't take it anymore. No more singles. No more albums. No more movies. No more. No more. Please. I tried. No more. No more.

Sep 7, 2008 21:07:27

Previous Next