Two years after Avril Lavigne released her game-changing debut album Let fallanother pop-punk princess hit the stage and made a lot of noise.
Unlike her sister Jessica, who had emerged as a more traditional pop artist, Ashlee Simpson had an edge: black hair, grunge style and an affinity for rock music. Ahead of the release of her debut album, Simpson opened up about her music-making journey on the MTV reality series The Ashlee Simpson Show and became one of the first reality stars—a tactic that helped give the singer-songwriter even more exposure before Autobiography reached the hands of the fans.
Following the release of her 2004 debut, Autobiography, became one of the definitive teen albums of the early years. Written primarily by The Simpsons, Kara DioGuardi and producer John Shanks, Autobiography evoked the sounds of Alanis Morrissette, Garbage and Hole, but with a pop consciousness and plenty of personality. The record, which was meant to mirror Simpson's diary, was a 12-track journey of self-discovery, filled with heartbreak, starry-eyed romance, insecurity, imperfections and disappointment.
While Autobiography peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, the album received mixed reviews upon its release. And though Simpson had plenty of devoted fans in the early days, there's been a new sense of appreciation for her influence on modern listeners, particularly after the Gen Z pop-punk resurgence in recent years. With the rise of artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Meet Me @ The Altar, it's become clear that the genre owes Simpson a thank you for the influence she had a generation earlier.
In honor of its 20th anniversary Autobiography on July 20, see how we ranked the 12 tracks on Simpson's debut album.
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“Giving it all”
With its funky guitars and breezy chorus, “Giving It All Away” is one of the more innocent songs on the record. But Simpson's impassioned belting as the song comes to a close shines through.
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“Love makes the world go round”
Despite being a breakup song, “Love Makes the World Go Round” feels almost too polished for a record that has this much pop-punk grit.
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“Nothing new”
“Nothing New” is a look at Simpson's inner turmoil as she struggles with being painted as the abuser in a relationship. The singer-songwriter's frustration fuels the song as she criticizes her lover: “So what's my damage today? / Don't let me get in your way / Let it out like you always do.”
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“Inaccessible”
In “Unreachable,” Simpson intrigues as she channels Fiona Apple and ponders the consequences of a toxic romance. Unfortunately, the track is ultimately a bit more one-note than other songs on the record.
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“Love Me For Me”
“Love Me for Me” showcases his inherent punk attitude Autobiography, but it's not as dynamic as some of the tracks on the record. The song, however, features some of Simpson's best vocal work and a chill-inducing screech.
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“Shadow”
Despite being the second single Autobiography — and arguably his most personal track — “Shadow” wasn't as bitter as the rest of the album. Still, “Shadow” provided a refreshingly honest look at how Simpson felt her sister's career overshadowed her — and the empowerment she found in her own discovery.
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“Better”
“Better Off” is a track that not only has a Lilith Fair-core feel, but, in retrospect, could be a sister song to Avril Lavigne's “Things I'll Never Say.” The song, which lowers the tones, is heavily underscored by similar softer acoustics and a similar sense of self-realization.
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“Autobiography”
Taking a look at the song's more literal lyrics, there couldn't be a more perfect opening for the record. From the anxious opening chords to Simpson describing the stains on her T-shirt and how she's “the biggest flirt,” the song was the perfect snapshot of a 19-year-old girl and her inner soul. Plus, it was insanely catchy as a theme song The Ashlee Simpson Show.
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“Undiscovered”
Simpson saved one of her best for last with the more vulnerable “Undiscovered.” In the dreamy number, Simpson deftly captures the kind of post-breakup longing specific to teenage romance. “Cause I can't fake and I can't hate / But it's my heart / that's about to break,” she croons on a breath.
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“Tradition”
Although the buzzing “Surrender” wasn't one of the album's singles, it remains one of the record's most compelling moments, harnessing the defiant spirit of Courtney Love and Joan Jett with insane power-pop riffs. Meanwhile, Simpson crafts a supremely satisfying breakup song where her optimism helps her rise to the top: “Oh you're driving me crazy, oh you're just bringing me down/ Look out your window, my sunshine is everywhere.”
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“pieces of me”
“Pieces of Me” was the go-to anthem for those of us who were also “moody and messy” and who also happened to love songs that dealt with the days of the week (see also: “Friday I'm in Love” by The Cure ” and “7 Days” by Craig David). His blistering pop-punk lead single Autobiography it encompassed the angsty ethos Simpson aimed to capture in her debut, defined by her bawdy delivery.
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“La La”
In the 20 years since its release, “La La” has become a karaoke staple. Through an amalgamation of creative sexual fantasies, Simpson has created an incredible ode to pleasure, with a Joan Jett melody and lyrics that have been ingrained in our minds since its release. “I'm like an alley cat/ Drink the milk, I want more,” he growls on the track. There's a reason why the song has remained a hallmark of her career.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/lists/ashlee-simpsons-autobiography-songs-ranked-review/
