Superficial love songs capture the innocent blush of new romance, as well as the pain of a breakup. We learn that “life is a gift” on “Walkin’ ‘Round in a Circle.”
Simpson objectifies herself, both in her songs and the sexually provocative music video for “A Public Affair” (on the companion DVD, which tosses in a racy MTV “Making the Video” featurette). That title track advertises a flirtatious, rules-free girls’ night out (“Do what you wanna do, tonight the world does not exist”). Simpson propositions a guy, promising him the ride of his life (“If You Were Mine”), wants to “live in the moment” with a dreamboat (“The Lover in Me”) and remains addicted to a relationship she admits is unhealthy (“B.O.Y.”). Sexualized oohs, aahs and heavy breathing are peppered throughout. With all the double entendres, it’s hard to tell if “Swing With Me” takes place on a dance floor or between the sheets. The country flavored “Push Your Tush” does nothing more than instruct dancers at a hoedown to gyrate. A shift to hip-hop on “Fired Up” finds people drinking, using mild profanity and strutting their stuff for the opposite sex at a club. Infatuation is reason enough to be physically intimate on the loping ballad “Between You & I.”
The recently divorced Simpson plays the tease with relish, her identity clearly wrapped up in her looks and desirability to leering men. She’s a terrible example for young girls and poison for young boys.
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.
