Jessica Simpson's re-release of "In This Skin," originally issued last August, does little to improve a weak album.

The original tumbled down the chart due to its first single, the Diane Warren-penned "Sweetest Sin." Although excellent lyrically, it was too softly cooed by Simpson and lacked a hook. The success of "Newlyweds" on MTV put her back in the public eye, though. Then, the second single, "With You," entered pop radio and became a hit. With the help of constant CD signings (and in some cases, tuna can signings), people started to buy "In This Skin" again.

Apparently, having Simpson on television, in gossip columns and on radio wasn't enough. So the decision was made to re-release "Skin" featuring two new cover songs, a rearranged tracklisting, bonus DVD and new artwork. And, it worked -- going all the way to No. 2.

The two cover songs included are Robbie Williams' "Angels," on which she gives a decent performance, and a completely hideous rendition of Berlin's classic "Take My Breath Away" from 1986's "Top Gun." Any fan of the original has been appalled by this remake, and yet the song is becoming increasingly more difficult to avoid. Why? The answer is simple: Hype gets attention, not talent.

If Simon Cowell ever said one correct thing, it was when he said Simpson's voice is not impressive. Although he is not completely correct, since "I Have Loved You" and "Underneath" are moving performances on the disc.

With the right material, Simpson can sing. However, she cannot sing or write as well as her idol, Mariah Carey, or even Christina Aguilera. Indeed, she lost out to Aguilera when auditioning for the Mickey Mouse Club after getting intimidated because Christina "sounded like Mariah."

It is confusing why anyone would buy this album. The DVD does contain footage of the first season of "Newlyweds," and her wedding to Nick Lachey on the DVD -- but don't we see plenty of them on a daily basis?

Unfortunately, artists with sheer talent and integrity sell fewer records and garner less attention because they don't have the audacity to cover classic songs such as "I Got You Babe" on television specials and walk around in front of cameras for all to see.

Mark these words: Jessica Simpson, though moderately talented, is unlikely to survive much longer in this business.

First of all I have to say that I thought that this album was going to be an album with only 2 or 3 good songs but actually it's very good.
Jessica goes from covers like Robbie Williams's hit "Angels" where Jessica gives her whole voice in a very good interpretation and also the hit from the 1986 Top Gun soundtrack "Take way breath away" which is her latest single and it's climbing the Hot 100 very fast to her own songs that are better than in the past. The album's first single was "The sweetest sin" which is a very good song but didn't make it big (I bought the CD because of that song). Then the Top 16 hit "With you" is also very good as "My way home" or "Underneath".
If you're planning to buy this album I'd tell you to get this version that contains a bonus track plus a DVD with footage of Jessica's wedding and also footage from "Newlyweds" for just $1 more.

Jessica's unique vocal style makes her sound like she is gasping for breath instead of singing. Her pronunciation is terrible, on most songs, you can't decipher the words at all.

She cannot carry a tune. She oversings when it is unnecessary. She took a great song and killed it--her version makes me cringe every time I hear it on the radio or wherever else is being paid to play it. If you really want to hear bad karaoke without going to a bar, I guess this would be a viable option, but I don't recommend listening for any other reason.

Firstly, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I want to share mine on the basis that I've been to see Britney, Christina and most recently Jessica live.

1) Britney mimed and basically opened her month to her tracks
2) Christina had a mix and match...
3) Jessica sang live for every track.

As for the Album there are some cool tracks on there
(Forbidden Fruit, With you, Underneath, You Don't Have To Let Go, Loving You) and overall its pretty good. As with the majority of Artists, there are one or two songs which aren't at the top notch level but this is the norm...

As for the newly weds thing....of course she's is making the most of it. All artists do it...its promotion. If she didn't have the newly weds then maybe this wouldn't have been released...but think of every interview, crazy things that other artists i.e Britney TATU etc get up to...their albums wouldn't sell as much as they are with hype. Just look at Paris Hilton (releasing a single on the strength of her tv show the simple live)

Bottom line is this is a very good album, Jessica is a very good artist who is making the most of what she has.

*****/***** stars.