Music Review: Jessica Simpson "Take My Breath Away"

http://www.amazon.com/This-Skin-Collectors-Jessica-Simpson/dp/B0001FGBAC/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362853679&sr=1-1&keywords=Jessica+Simpson
from JoeUser Forums

Take My Breath Away
Album: In This Skin (Revised Edition)
Year: 2004

On her the revised edition of her album, In This Skin, an acoustic cover of “With You” and two covers were added. One of those covers is Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away.”

The original, although well done, could use an update. But not from Jessica Simpson.

In Simpson’s version, an acoustic guitar and bells are added. The guitar in the infamous hook is toned down. However, as the single continues, it gets louder. At 2:34, the guitar hits its fever pitch and begins to resemble the original chorus.

Her voice is a plus and a minus to the song. First, her voice is stronger and a different octave than Terri Nunn’s. In 1986, the song had the potential to be a power ballad, but Nunn’s voice had its limits. Here, Simpson takes her time and stays on certain notes. However, she also takes them as high as she can go. By 2:45, she is screaming the notes. It’s an excessive and gaudy moment.

The desperation and questioning, which defined the original, is gone. With Simpson, the song is passionate and sensual. For her, it’s about falling in love and being together forever. This is most evident in the bridge: “when the mirror crashed I called you/and turned to hear you say/if only for today/I am unafraid.” In the original, Nunn’s lover was pushing her away. In Simpson’s, her lover is realizing he is in love with her. “Take My Breath Away” lends itself easily to reintrepretion without it being confusing. Here, it’s a welcome change. Now, it feels like a love song.

However, a better choice would’ve been to release the second cover, which is Robbie Williams’ “Angels.” Not many people have heard it in the United States and the comparisons would’ve been minimal.

For price, tracklisting, and other album information please visit Amazon.com.


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Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
jessica simpson has a stronger voice than berlin's terri nunn? you have to be joking. terri was one of the best rock singers out there in the 80s, along with pat benatar, patty smyth, and johnette napolitano. just saw her perform recently and she still sounds (and looks) amazing. otherwise, good review.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Not a big fan of either song but I felt that Jessica's version was missing everything that made the original a good song. She does manage to make it different, which is always good when ripping someone off, er, I mean doing a cover song. But I just don't think Jessica Simpson is strong enough vocally to ever really justify doing a cover. I don't think she will ever stand up to the original.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
I don't like it. Ms Simpson is developing a number of vocal tics (as did B Spears) that I find incredibly annoying, and I find her performance on this song lacking. I'm biased, mind you - I loved the original, and didn't think that it could ever be successfully relicated. This only serves to reinforce that idea!
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
This song KICKS ASS!!! i listen to it over and over and i love it! u rock jess! keep up the good work. i hope to see you again in ur variety show! lyl!
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
I have heard her perform this song twice (on her "Variety" show...I was trying to get that 70's feeling back) and on VH1 Divas.  Both times, I thought "Wow...that really sucks".  I don't know if I'm biased because I liked the original, or if I'm just too distracted by the goofy over-acted facial expressions that she makes....  I would have to say this is one of her weakest songs, though.  It's just not suited to her.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
I am a huge fan of the original it is one of my all time favourite songs, as i love the moie Top Gun!!!
And i agree Jessica Simpson has not done a good job of it at all.....Same as her new one Angels by Robbie Williams she has also ruined that song, She needs to stick to her own songs and stop doing covers.

Its funny cos this remake of Take my Breath away was originally made with her husband Nick, but for some reason when she has released it he has been cut out of it!!!!!! oncfe again he has been shunned to the back of her caree!!!!!!
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
I didn't know that about it being a duet - interesting

I don't like it either - the video clip reminds me of Kelly Clarksons Low and every other Car driving along a desert road film clip.

Plus I can't hear that song (and I Love the Berlin version) and not see Tom Cruise on his motorbike driving up to Kelly McGillis beach house -- I love that movie -- I read somewhere that there's talk of a remake - which would be tragic.

Plus I keep thinking she (Jessica) is missing notes - I don't know - I think its which version you know first - with all covers - same with movies/books.

The desperation and questioning, which defined the original, is gone. With Simpson, the song is passionate and sensual. For her, it’s about falling in love and being together forever. This is most evident in the bridge: “when the mirror crashed I called you/and turned to hear you say/if only for today/I am unafraid.” In the original, Nunn’s lover was pushing her away. In Simpson’s, her lover is realizing he is in love with her. “Take My Breath Away” lends itself easily to reintrepretion without it being confusing. Here, it’s a welcome change. Now, it feels like a love song.


This is interesting. - The song HAD to be about pushing her lover away for Top Gun to use it -- Maverick's partner (goose) had just been killed and Maverick was pushing everything away ....
I liked ONE Jessica Simpson song - 5years ago - I'm gonna Love you forever -- and I don't think I like it anymore
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
You don't even know what you are talking about. In my opinion, Jessica Simpson has a very good strong voice and i thought she did very well covering Berlin's original song, 'Take my breath away'. I don't know what is wrong with you and all the other people who hate the song and her voice but all i know is that your wrong and you don't even know what a good voice sounds like!!