Do You Know (Jessica Simpson album)
Do You Know is the sixth studio album by American singer Jessica Simpson. The album was first released digitally on September 5, 2008 for the US iTunes Store and physically on September 9, 2008 in the United States, Canada and Russia through a joint-venture between Columbia Nashville and Epic Records.[4] The album was her first effort in an attempt to cross over with country music. Songwriter Brett James produced the album along with John Shanks. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard Country Albums and at number four on the US Billboard 200 with sales of 65,000.[5] It received mixed reviews from music critics.
Do You Know
September 9, 2008
2007–2008
- Henson Recording Studios
(Hollywood, Los Angeles, California) - Blackbird Studio
- County Q
- Starstruck Studios
- The Boarding House
(Nashville, Tennessee)[1]
41:48 (standard)
72:54 (deluxe)
Two singles were released from the record, the lead single, "Come on Over" debuting at number 41 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It broke a record held by Miranda Lambert ("Me and Charlie Talking") and Brad Cotter ("I Meant To") for highest-debuting first chart entry by a solo artist; both artists debuted at number 42 on that same chart.[6] The song was a success and peaked at 18th in Hot Country Songs.[7] The second single, "Remember That", was released in October, and peaked at number forty-two on the Hot Country Songs chart.[8]
Background[edit]
After the release of her 2006 pop album A Public Affair, Simpson stated she wanted to go back to her roots and do country music because she "has been brought up around country music", and wants to give something back.[9]
Music and lyrics[edit]
The album opens with the lead single "Come On Over", which was co-written by country music artist Rachel Proctor, Victoria Banks and Simpson herself. The lyrics of the uptempo single focus on the narrator's paramour. Simpson said, "The fun thing about the song is that anxiety of wanting the guy to come over right then and there. Everybody's felt that before."[10] The next track "Remember That" was co-written by country music writers Rachel Proctor and Victoria Banks. The lyrics of the single focus on a history of anger, violence and the strength that it takes for the victim to leave the abuser.[11] In "Remember That" she sings: "It doesn’t matter how he hurts you / With his hands or with his words / You don’t deserve it / It ain’t worth it / Take your heart and run."[12] The third track of the album "Pray Out Loud" is a mid-tempo song in the key of B major backed with acoustic guitar. The fourth track "You're My Sunday" is a moderate up-tempo song in the key of G minor backed by electric guitar, written by Simpson, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey. "Sipping on History" is a love ballad in the key of B major backed primarily by an acoustic guitar. The sixth track "Still Beautiful" is a moderate up-tempo song in the key of B♭ major backed primarily by steel guitar. The seventh track "Still Don't Stop Me" is a ballad in the key of E major about a love gone bad, driven by acoustic guitar and percussion.[13] "When I Loved You Like That", the eighth track, is an up-tempo song in the key of A♭ major backed by electric and steel guitars and percussion.[14] "Might as Well Be Making Love" track number nine, is a country-pop ballad in the key of F major driven primarily by acoustic guitar with steel guitar fills. "Man Enough" is an uptempo country in the key of A♭ major song backed primarily by electric guitar, banjo, and steel guitar. "Do You Know" is a moderate up-tempo song written by Dolly Parton.[15]
Commercial performance[edit]
Despite selling only 65,000 copies in its first week, Do You Know debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200, but fell rapidly, dropping out of that list in only nine weeks.[32] At the same time, it dropped rapidly out of the top twenty on the Country Albums Chart, where it had held the top spot for only one week. Overall, the album has dramatically underperformed compared to the sales of Simpson's previous album. As February 2009, it has sold 173,000 copies in the United States.[33]
Promotion[edit]
It was announced that Simpson would be supporting Rascal Flatts on tour as their opening act.[34]
Singles[edit]
Her debut country single, "Come On Over" was released to digital downloads on June 24, 2008.In the United States, "Come on Over" became the most-added song to country radio for the week of June 6, 2008, debuting at number 41 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It broke a record held by Miranda Lambert ("Me and Charlie Talking") and Brad Cotter ("I Meant To") for highest-debuting first chart entry by a solo artist; both artists debuted at number 42 on that same chart.[6] Achievement entering reached Billboard Hot 100 at number sixty-five, becoming Simpson's first song to enter this list since 2006. Also managed to position in Billboard Digital Songs at No. 41. As of July 2014, "Come on Over" has sold 470,000 paid digital downloads in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.[35] However, the song was a success and peaked at 18th in Hot Country Songs.[7]
The second single, "Remember That", was released in October, and peaked at number forty-two on the Hot Country Songs chart.[8] To date, "Remember That" has sold 207,000 paid digital downloads according to Nielsen Soundscan.[36]