Do You Know

iTunes Review

After years of being fed through the tabloid wringer, Jessica Simpson deserves a fresh start. Produced by hit-makers John Shanks and Brett James, her country debut Do You Know is a credible work by Nashville commercial standards. For her part, Simpson sings tunes (largely co-written by her) that fit comfortably with her sultry, emotionally-vulnerable persona. Life-affirming songs like “Still Beautiful” and “Pray Out Loud” come across as pleasant filler, while “When I Loved You Like That” and “Might As Well Be Making Love” smolder but never quite ignite. Knowing Simpson’s personal history enhances the bedroom challenge of “Man Enough” and the heartsick recrimination of “Sipping on History.” The hard-charging “Come on Over” and the passionate title number (written and co-sung by Dolly Parton) are particularly strong tracks. Do You Know suffers a bit from taking itself too seriously — there’s lots of lust, some angst but not much fun here —but overall this is a polished affair with some genuine high points.