You may have expected Jessica Simpson's post-divorce album, A Public Affair, to overflow with tears and sorrow. Instead, her newly-released fifth album features bubbly, teen-pop tracks that encourage listeners to "Push Your Tush" and "Swing With Me."
The album's title track focuses not on her highly publicized relationship with ex Nick Lachey, but instead on hitting the clubs with the paparazzi in tow. Is the nation's darling cowgirl hiding her inner heartbreak behind a veil of fluffy lyrics and S Club 7-like beats?
Not completely--Simpson does make an attempt at addressing her split on tracks like "Don't Want to Care" and even a dismal cover of Patty Griffin's "Let Him Fly." Between her constant moans and cheesy instrumentals, it is possible-difficult, but possible-to decipher lyrics on the album that are obvious jabs at her past. Simpson angrily proclaims on her track "B.O.Y." that someone has been "Breaking my heart/Taking my money/Tearing me apart." Apparently Kevin Federline isn't the only celebrity husband mooch these days.
A Public Affair shows limited growth and limited potential. The album gets a two star rating--one star for making out with Andy Dick in her latest music video and the other for using the word "hootenanny" on her album.
Stars: 2/5
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