Do You Know Bottom Line:
Jessica Simpson's first attempt at a country music album finds a solid collection of songs and excellent production. If you are a fan of the contemporary side of the genre, chances are you will enjoy Do You Know. As an extra special treat, Dolly Parton is featured on the album's last track.About Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson is already getting a bad rap from people just because she's trying to break into the country music scene after being successful in the pop genre. Obviously, I am familiar with bits and pieces of Jessica's career, but I've kept an open mind to this new adventure she's starting and feel that others should be the same way. Give her a fair chance and you might be surprised.I've always had the impression that Jessica Simpson was a "country girl" at heart. It's not like she's doing a complete 180 just to conform to something new or attempt to trick the fans. There's nothing wrong with a little change in an artist's musical career. That way things don't get stale and boring.
Do You Know - The Songs:
"Come On Over" peaked at the number eighteen spot on the Billboard Charts, which isn't bad for an artist who is crossing over into the country music genre after having major success as a pop singer. It grabbed my attention when I first caught it on the radio, and after listening to Jessica's full album I can see why it was selected as a first single.Having "Pray Out Loud" play after "Remember That" makes you feel better after the emotional lyrics in the previous song. This gives you hope that when you're feeling down all you have to do is send up a prayer to God and He will always be there to listen. Sometimes a person will need help and you shouldn't be afraid to receive it in whatever way they see fit.
What I first noticed about "Sipping On History" was the reference to Johnny & June Carter Cash, since Heidi Newfield is finding success with her song, "Johnny and June." That, however, is where the similarities end. Instead of singing a song devoted to the love of the country music couple, Jessica only mentions them once in the beginning and that's it.
I like when a song has an upbeat sound and positive message, as is the case with "Still Beautiful." We all know that life isn't perfect and there will be trying days to test your willpower, but when it's all said and done, you will be stronger for making your way through it. Even though the woman ends up saying she'll be fine as long as she has a man next to her, you also get the feeling she could make it no matter if she's alone or with someone. Every person should have the ability to enjoy the happy times and use the bad to make yourself a better person.
Dolly Parton not only wrote the album's title track, "Do You Know," but she also sings background vocals. This really is a standout on the album and the pair's voices really blend well together. I like how Dolly, who has been in the business for many years, is helping Jessica start out her country music journey. In a way, it's like a passing of the torch as the albums draws to a close.
Release date: September 9, 2008 - Columbia Nashville
'Do You Know' Track List:
- Come On Over
- Remember That
- Pray Out Loud
- You're My Sunday
- Sipping On History
- Still Beautiful
- Still Don't Stop Me
- When I Loved You Like That
- Might As Well Be Making Love
- Man Enough
- Do You Know - (featuring Dolly Parton)
