There was some sweetness, a kind of goofy charm, to Ashlee Simpson's debut album that is completely lacking on her sophomore effort, I AM ME. Starting with the insert photos, in which it looks like the young singer was afraid of being fined if she cracked a smile, the whole project smacks of humorless self-importance and an absolute deficiency of soul. Part of the reason I AM ME falls flat is the songs themselves -- all co-written by (guess who) Ashlee herself. It might not come as a surprise that a young artist so narcissistic as to allow her first two albums to be titled AUTOBIOGRAPHY and I AM ME might come up with songs that portray a particularly self-absorbed world view. Personal revelation can be wonderful when accompanied by compassion. It's not quite as charming when revealed as naked ambition along with less than a teaspoonful of talent.

The appealing musical hooks that keep I AM ME from drowning are all provided by producer/keyboardist/bassist/guitarist John Shanks, who should get some credit for saving what is savable. But at the end of the day...this much intensity without a drop of generosity or passion gets really boring, really fast.