“Beautifully Broken” accepts failure and temporary sadness as part of life. Tunes ask for companionship and support (“Catch Me When I Fall”), celebrate sisterhood (“L.O.V.E.”) and state, “I am me, and I won’t change for anyone” (“I Am Me”). After assuring a peer that she didn’t steal her “Boyfriend,” Ashlee says, “When I go out tonight, I’m goin’ home alone.” The sweet love song “In Another Life” praises a soulmate and lobbies for an exclusive, lifelong bond. Simpson calls it a night before things can go too far with a guy (“Burnin’ Up”), however …
… Hormones are already in overdrive and she fantasizes about him. Likewise, she claims to be burning up (“I’m so hot/I’m so hot”) while awaiting her next great romance (“Dancing Alone”). An immodest cover photo (censored here) emphasizes her breasts. “In Another Life” winks at reincarnation. A mild profanity mars “L.O.V.E.”
If artistry has been reduced to image management, 21-year-old Ashlee Simpson is the poster girl. As for her sophomore release, I Am Me is a flawed but fairly positive disc that shows signs of personal maturity.
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.
