A Public Affair by Jessica Simpson

Like her pretty but unremarkable face, Jessica Simpson's fifth solo album, A Public Affair, lacks character.

Most of the 14 songs are upbeat dance-pop. Simpson tries to prove her musical talent by writing or co-writing nine of them, including the title track.

Fans can visit Simpson's official website (www. jessicasimpson.com) and input their name. They can then listen to a version of the title song featuring their own name, a gimmick which is sure to be popular with younger fans.

Although Billboard magazine proclaimed the song to be 'maddeningly catchy' and 'a perfect record', some people criticised it for copying chunks of Madonna's Holiday.

You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), B.O.Y, Swing with Me and Push Your Tush are all great to dance to. But none of them is really outstanding.

However, Between You and I and I Belong to Me are fairly impressive, showing a gentler and softer side of Simpson's character, and demonstrating the powerful vocal chords that first made her famous.