Jessica Simpson

Teen Queen No. 3's 1999 Sony debut is a collection of Adult Contemporary ballads with a few urban dance numbers thrown in. Simpson shows a good amount of potential and this album will not disappoint fans of her hit song "I Wanna Love You Forever."

Simpson is a blonde who got out of cheerleading early to prepare herself for whatever show business offered--game-show sidekick, R-rated remake of Debbie Does Dallas, bond trader seeking trophy wife. What she got was a John Cougar sample and the hard-earned ability to carry a tune. We know teenpop is rarely as vapid, prefab, and faux-wholesome as gatekeepers who've barely listened to it claim. So let's not tell them about this "refreshing blend of pop, R&B and [note copywriter getting desperate] gospel-flavored sounds." (Grade - D)