Lyrics model strength during a breakup (“No Time for Tears”) and a reluctance to play the victim card (“What I’ve Become,” which adds, “I’m hoping for a better day”). The title track examines how personal vices and demons can isolate us and create conflict. On “Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)” Simpson tells a guy, “Show me respect or I will show you the door.” However …
It’s one thing to demand respect, another to lash out abusively. Later on that track, she’s “Outta” control when she unleashes a partially bleeped f-word and threatens, “I swear, I’ll bite your head off!” Similarly caustic, the rebellious “Rule Breaker” talks of violence, vandalism and alcohol use—with two more muted f-bombs. A “Sunday school girl” wants to disrobe on “Hot Stuff,” which involves sex and booze. It’s implied that couples are sleeping together on “Never Dream Alone” and “Little Miss Obsessive” (neither offers marital context). Proud to be a tease, Simpson brags about her manipulative cruelty toward “Boys” and makes a crude reference to male anatomy.
Moments of self-awareness aside, sexuality, alcohol and barely censored profanities make this CD more bitter than sweet. Simpson recently married the father of her baby, Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, and seems poised to become better known in the tabloids than for her music.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
