Simpson is the Britney-esque host of the US Smash hit reality TV show The Newlyweds, which she presents with her hubby Nicholas Lachey. As well as being a huge media star in the States, she has latterly enjoyed a growing career as a pop princess of note. This European re-release of her 2003 US album comes with extra tracks and DVD footage, all presumably designed to boost her chances in this neck of the woods.
While her Barbie Doll looks are clearly her main asset, Simpson’s voice is surprisingly muscular and she shines particularly on the big ballads which make up the bulk of the songs here like the Diane Warren penned ‘Sweetest Sin’ and originals such as ‘You Don’t Have To Let Go’ and ‘My Way Home’. There’s almost a George Michael feel to the mild hip-hop backdrop on tracks such as ‘With You’ and ‘Loving You’ while the catchy title track neatly sums up her appeal as a teen idol: “They see me in a magazine, I’m the one they want to be.”
Of the extra tracks, a cover of the Robbie Williams hit ‘Angels’ may be too familiar in this part of the world to make an impact while her take on Berlin’s ‘Take My Breath Away’ adds little new to the original. Oh and if you’re interested, this special edition also includes a DVD with Jessica’s wedding footage and scenes from her hit TV show!