Autobiography
Release Date : 7/ 20/ 2004
Label : Geffen
Genre : Rock
Album Review:
From the opening line, "You think you know me," you know this CD is going to be good. Ashlee sets the tone for the rest of the album with "Autobiography." Some CD's start out with big energy like hers does and then trail off towards the end, but Ashlee's doesn't. That's what makes this CD even more remarkable. It lives up to the hype that's contained in the first song. She then eases into the slower and moodier "Pieces Of Me." But all the octane isn't lost because the chorus keeps the energy flowing. The next song is "Shadow," where Ashlee reveals her difficulties and frustrations growing up with a famous sibling. But the song ends on a positive conciliatory note, "And the past is in the past." Now to one of the big moments of the CD, "LaLa." Ashlee's not afraid to show her sexy, sassy, feminine side on this song and as a result, she delivers something that reminds me of "Material Girl." On to "Love Makes The World Go Round," were back to the introspective Ashlee, but it's up-tempo this time. This could have been a sad dreary song, but thanks to the music and her willingness to keep the good vibes going it doesn't end up that way. Okay, "Better Off" marks the halfway point. For better or worse, this song sounds like a Lavigne / Duff hybrid. But this is the only time I detect this influence.
The second half of the CD begins with "Love Me For Me." Ashlee starts out with an Anthony Kieids like cadence and then switches to her normal vocals for the chorus, then back to the other. The music in the regular verse even carries a funky Chili Pepper like vibe. Now let's change gears and focus on "Surrender." I can imagine sitting back in the movie theater hearing this song playing through a chase scene, or action sequence, or being used for the promotional movie trailer. Very cool indeed. The song "Unreachable" is definitely one of Ashlee's most revealing moments. The music is probably the darkest and most dramatic. The album earns its name on this track. Lyrically, we learn a little too much. But that's alright because the album's called "Autobiography." That means all the juicy details are included. The third from the last song, "Nothing New," Ashlee gets the opportunity to do some venting. The first line, "I find myself wrong again," is a great intro to what can be described as a song of reassurance, self-acceptance, and being nothing less than yourself. But you also get the sense that Ashlee's heard more than once that she's less than perfect. "Giving It All Away," perhaps, is one of the most important songs on the album and the most honest. It begs the listener to take a journey inward and examine the conditions and actions of his/her life. This song, for its purpose, is very effective. This is a song that everyone can relate to. The final song, "Undiscovered," takes us to a time of lost love, emptiness, and what could have been. It's mid-temp, so it's a pleasant exercise in reflection.
This is an excellent debut and I would highly recommend purchasing this CD.
Track Listings:
01. Autobiography Lyrics
02. Pieces Of Me Lyrics
03. Shadow Lyrics
04. Lala Lyrics
05. Love Makes The World Go Round Lyrics
06. Better Off Lyrics
07. Love For Me Lyrics
08. Surrender Lyrics
09. Unreachable Lyrics
10. Nothing New Lyrics
11. Giving It All Away Lyrics
12. Undiscovered Lyrics
Album Credits:
Kenny Aronoff - Drums John Shanks - Keyboards
David Campbell - String Arrangements Karan Mitchell - Make-Up
Ashlee Simpson - Vocals (Background) Ted Jensen - Mastering
Thom Panunzio - A&R Assistance John Shanks - Mixing
Glenn Pittman - Assistant Engineer Jeff Rothschild - Mixing
John Shanks - Bass Jamie Muhoberac - Organ
Patrick Warren - Chamberlain Mark Liddell - Photography
Shari Sutcliffe - Contractor Jamie Muhoberac - Piano
Abe Laboriel Jr. - Drums John Shanks - Producer
Jeff Rothschild - Drums Shari Sutcliffe - Production Coordination
Mark Valentine - Engineer John Feldmann - Programming
Jeff Rothschild - Engineer Rachel Zoe - Stylist
Jordan Schur - Executive Producer Kara Dioguardi - Vocals (Background)
John Shanks - Guitar John Shanks - Vocals (Background)
Ken Paves - Hair Stylist
