Autobiography
by Ashlee Simpson
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Jul 20, 2004
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 147 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 147
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 147
  3. Negative: 50 out of 147

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  1. RayleenT
    Sep 20, 2004
    10
    An awesome album. Ashlee has a lovely voice and her songs are so endearing and funky at the same time. If i could turn back time, i would still buy her album. A great buy!!! I love Ashlee Simpson.
  2. garenb
    Aug 18, 2004
    10
    the best c.d ever im not jokin this is ma fav c.d
  3. Lea**
    Aug 9, 2004
    10
    OMG! this CD is soo awsome!
  4. Max
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    Simply one of the greatest album of 2004!!! Ashlee is very talented and I hope she will release another album like that (or maybe more).... I can't wait to see her in Europe!!
  5. JohnC
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    It is awesome! Undiscovered will make you cry and Surrender will make you mad! Full of emotion...I love it!
  6. JohnY
    May 9, 2005
    8
    It seems that the votes are either love or hate her. I can say that over-all that CD is very good. I qualified it for my 8 year old daughter, who we took to Ashlee's concert. Everybody wants to get on the "She's such a fraud" because of SNL. But she was very good in concert, and made a small show big. My review on all the people who gave her a 0, is... show me your media... It seems that the votes are either love or hate her. I can say that over-all that CD is very good. I qualified it for my 8 year old daughter, who we took to Ashlee's concert. Everybody wants to get on the "She's such a fraud" because of SNL. But she was very good in concert, and made a small show big. My review on all the people who gave her a 0, is... show me your media... because it appears you have not taken the time to listen. I am 42 and family man, but I like it. Despite the band wagon's shallow views. I hope my daughter keeps listening and singing her songs, because they speak about self actualization. Even if the music was written by someone else, the lyrics seem personal. Song writters don't always have to speak about real life, just enough to remind us of how distorted things can be.… Expand
  7. AlexN
    Jan 28, 2006
    8
    This album is really good, people who say she is bad need to turn up their hearing coz she is fantastic. My fav songs on the album are Autobiography and Lala
  8. [Anonymous]
    Jul 31, 2004
    10
    It's a new sound and refereshingly different from her sister's material -- predict the rise of a superstar.
  9. caitlinm
    Aug 2, 2004
    10
    I love this cd:) Ashlee simpson rocks!
  10. Emma
    Aug 29, 2004
    7
    It's not a great album, but it's not terrible. Many of the lyrics are slightly cliche, but not stupid as many people say. they are the reflections of a 19 year old girl, not a 50 year old musician who is looking back on his career. as for her using her sister's fame to gain her own, i don't see where that's coming from. she doesn't throw her sister's It's not a great album, but it's not terrible. Many of the lyrics are slightly cliche, but not stupid as many people say. they are the reflections of a 19 year old girl, not a 50 year old musician who is looking back on his career. as for her using her sister's fame to gain her own, i don't see where that's coming from. she doesn't throw her sister's name around to get attention. she just happens to have a celebrity as a sibling, which people obviously take note of. give the girl a break, she may not be a ground-breaker, but she's in it for the real reasons, regardless of how much talent she possesses. … Expand
  11. TS
    Aug 31, 2004
    8
    I really like this CD. I can enjoy listening to every track. However, I think this record is not a "wow" material. The record has gone platinum because of all the promotion from MTV. (I would not have bought this CD if it wasn't because of MTV) But Ashlee Simpson has exceeded my and many people's expectations. She did a very good job for a debut album. I'd recommend it to I really like this CD. I can enjoy listening to every track. However, I think this record is not a "wow" material. The record has gone platinum because of all the promotion from MTV. (I would not have bought this CD if it wasn't because of MTV) But Ashlee Simpson has exceeded my and many people's expectations. She did a very good job for a debut album. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes poprock music.… Expand
  12. samanthat
    Sep 17, 2004
    9
    Ashlee Simpson's album rocks!!! i love all the songs on it and my fave song is pieces of me. its so cool i love it. When i get home from school i just put my sterio on full blast and listen to that song ova and ova !!!.I love the cd !!!!!!!!!!
  13. ChelseyH
    Sep 20, 2004
    10
    I love this album!!!!!!!!! I realllly hate when ppl give her bad reviews and say she sucks. She isnt the best performer but her songs are awesome. Her and her sister jessica should do an album together it would be great!!!!
  14. RobertR
    Mar 17, 2005
    9
    It makes me laugh when people think they know what REAL music is supposed to be. Come to think of it, why aren't Beethoven or Chopin (the actual genuises) being played on the radio anymore? But, I digress. "Autobiography" is entertaining and meaningful. Ashlee does not have the best voice, but is an intruiging and emotional vocalist. This album is disturbingly underrated, and people It makes me laugh when people think they know what REAL music is supposed to be. Come to think of it, why aren't Beethoven or Chopin (the actual genuises) being played on the radio anymore? But, I digress. "Autobiography" is entertaining and meaningful. Ashlee does not have the best voice, but is an intruiging and emotional vocalist. This album is disturbingly underrated, and people will realize it, in time.… Expand
  15. Joey
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    Reading the comments here I can't believe people are calling her talentless! Ashlee Simpson proves them wrong in her debut album 'Autobiography.' My favourite tracks are 'Shadow' and 'Autobiography' and I used to really dislike 'Lala' but it has grown on me. So the people who gave this album a bad review, I don't think we were listening to Reading the comments here I can't believe people are calling her talentless! Ashlee Simpson proves them wrong in her debut album 'Autobiography.' My favourite tracks are 'Shadow' and 'Autobiography' and I used to really dislike 'Lala' but it has grown on me. So the people who gave this album a bad review, I don't think we were listening to the same CD!… Expand
  16. ChrisW
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    Ashlee has...earthy vocals to say the least. She wants to be rock but to be fair is leaning slightly more to the pop genre. Her album is brim full of emotion and consistently in keeping with her own life 'trauma's' as all of her songs are near enough from her own life experiences. All in all a decent debut album from Ashlee and I would recommend it to most people who fall Ashlee has...earthy vocals to say the least. She wants to be rock but to be fair is leaning slightly more to the pop genre. Her album is brim full of emotion and consistently in keeping with her own life 'trauma's' as all of her songs are near enough from her own life experiences. All in all a decent debut album from Ashlee and I would recommend it to most people who fall into the rock/pop genre fans. Dont rate her on the SNL snaffu, she is a good artist who has done herself justice.… Expand
  17. EdwardH
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    Y'all all hatin' on this one 4 sure. Its so damn good, it bitch slaps every album till 2007 cept "I am Me" which is tied with it. Ash has reel talant unlike sum foolz I have head before. plus she is honest in her songs and she makes em all fun 2 listen 2. u go girl!
  18. AndieV.
    Jul 2, 2007
    9
    Puh-leeze, people give her a break. i think she has some real talent, she knows how to rock and her songs are quite catchy, autobiography kicks some ass, she may not seem who she may seem to be.
  19. DaphneH.
    Sep 19, 2007
    10
    Her best album yet.
  20. BrittanyT.
    Oct 11, 2004
    10
    i luv ashlee simpson shes alsome i would give her cd a million or infinity if u could!
  21. melanyb
    Oct 3, 2004
    10
    ashlee you are the best!!!!!! i love your music and you are better than your sister.............ashleee rocks!!!
  22. noubnoub
    Oct 9, 2004
    10
    i love this album and shlee 4 shure is my role model b cuz she doznt give up juss b cuz she kant sing but she loves wat she doz and she doz it gud!!! :D
  23. JessicaG
    Jul 26, 2004
    9
    I really like this album! If you love to sing at the top of your lungs while driving this cd is a must! If you are an Avril fan you will most likely be an Ashlee fan
  24. JenH
    Jul 28, 2004
    10
    I love the CD. I love to listen to the radio for variety, but I haven't taken her CD out of my stereo since I bought it! I find songs to listen to when I'm down, when I have the top down on my car and I'm in a good mood... I haven't found a CD that I can listen to straight through in a long time. I enjoy the slight glimpse into her life and her feelings.
  25. karenh
    Jul 29, 2004
    10
    I love this cd, I bought it the day it came out. I cannot choose what is my favorite song. I love the music, the lyrics and Ashlees vocals. It's great.
  26. KatherineB.
    Jul 31, 2004
    7
    Anyone who calls Ashlee Simpson's debut CD a bad knock-off of her sister's music is absolutely right--Ashlee's music is nowhere close to Jessica's. However, this is not a bad thing at all. Ashlee Simpson's CD is edgier and more rock inspired, with less of the gasping-for-breath effect that Jessica likes to utilize in her singing. The vocals, lyrica, and music are Anyone who calls Ashlee Simpson's debut CD a bad knock-off of her sister's music is absolutely right--Ashlee's music is nowhere close to Jessica's. However, this is not a bad thing at all. Ashlee Simpson's CD is edgier and more rock inspired, with less of the gasping-for-breath effect that Jessica likes to utilize in her singing. The vocals, lyrica, and music are all strong. The song "Shadow" gives the listener real insight into Ashlee Simpson's personal life and, while some of the other songs are less memorable, none of the tracks fail to entertain the listener. While the CD may not be perfect, it's not at all bad, either...… Expand
  27. SamanthaR
    Aug 12, 2004
    10
    i love this cd and ASHLEE SIMPSON ROCK i think you and your sister have great voice and i love both of you!!!!!
  28. GenR
    Aug 13, 2004
    9
    I am a kids' gymnastics instructor and we usually play a variety of CD's during class (like kids bop), but ever since i popped my Ashlee CD in that's all the kids have wanted to listen to during class! Which definitely keeps me happy because i love it!
  29. TamayuW
    Aug 23, 2004
    10
    I have read the reviews on Ashlees record and I am just disgusted. I love artist like Bjork, PJ Harvey, Hives, etc and I think all those artist and more are great but the reason alot of these artist get no real attention is not that they are good or that people are not paying attention its because they are not out there. Their lives really are not in the media and the media is only I have read the reviews on Ashlees record and I am just disgusted. I love artist like Bjork, PJ Harvey, Hives, etc and I think all those artist and more are great but the reason alot of these artist get no real attention is not that they are good or that people are not paying attention its because they are not out there. Their lives really are not in the media and the media is only interested in talking and promoting people who are putting their lives into the media. I mean these days you cannot just make a record, tour, and go home and expect the whole world to know who you are. You have to do something outrageous or exciting. It takes more then good music. Now as for Ashlee simpsons new album I like it very much and think she has huge potential. The album is Rock/Pop and there is nothing worng with that. Its a fun, exciting , hard record. Its certainly more tougher then anything Avril has recorded and Ashlee has a much more tough girl voice almost like a courtney Love sound. So to the people who are going on about her not being able to sing are stupid. First her target market is not for the fans of Jessica fans that are coming on here and rating her record. The market she is trying to reach is rock so her voice is rock not her sister. I think the record is great and I am sure she'll only get better. Keep rocking Ashlee. Also, to let the bad critics know I am not some teeny bopper. I am 24 yrs old and into mainly rock and this is what I would classify as rock and I am sure she'll only get harder. Also, to the people who think she did not write her lyrics she did write on all her songs. … Expand
  30. MichelleT
    Aug 24, 2004
    10
    Oh my Gawd... this is totally like the best CD ever since Britney Spears raleased her CD. I can't baleave how talented she is. She's totally better then her sister JesSUCKA!! She is such a wordsmith... I can't believe it! she's the new Alanis Morissette.
  31. Mike
    Aug 26, 2004
    10
    Ashlee Simpsons Autobiography is one of the few albums I buy and can listen to it fro the first track to the last. Sure there are songs I liek better than others(Pices of Me, Shadow, LALA, Surrender, and Love me for me) but, every song on this album is catchy. The title Autobiography is the right title because if you watch her show you know that like number 7 is about number 3 is about Ashlee Simpsons Autobiography is one of the few albums I buy and can listen to it fro the first track to the last. Sure there are songs I liek better than others(Pices of Me, Shadow, LALA, Surrender, and Love me for me) but, every song on this album is catchy. The title Autobiography is the right title because if you watch her show you know that like number 7 is about number 3 is about her sister also love me fo meis about Josh. … Expand
  32. AddaS
    Aug 8, 2004
    10
    Its one of the best albums i have ever hard in my whole life.i love her shes really good
  33. brittanyw
    Feb 9, 2005
    10
    this cd rocks ashlee is the best
  34. oliviam
    Nov 5, 2006
    10
    this is like the best cd ever but wat does the track shadow mean
  35. ixata
    Dec 22, 2006
    7
    its an okay album... 7 cuz honestly she can't sing as well as jessica does.. she cant hit the high note... and the reason this album sold 450000+ copies in its first week is becoz she had some popularity from jessica and her mtv show and this is john shank's creature. She rocks, yes, but to little kids... she'll never gonna be alanis, unless she writes and produces her own its an okay album... 7 cuz honestly she can't sing as well as jessica does.. she cant hit the high note... and the reason this album sold 450000+ copies in its first week is becoz she had some popularity from jessica and her mtv show and this is john shank's creature. She rocks, yes, but to little kids... she'll never gonna be alanis, unless she writes and produces her own record, that it can be considered. but all in all, this album is catchy and worthwhile. But dont get me wrong, im not her fan...… Expand
  36. Emmanuel
    Dec 14, 2004
    7
    This isnt the greatest album in the world but compared to other actress turned singers this is pretty decent. i kinda admire Ashlee cuz she co-wrote her songs and was actually involved with her album
  37. LALAC
    Oct 29, 2004
    10
    I LOVEEEE this CD I am so glad that I bought Ashlee is awesome I love her music even more than I loved her sisters!!Everybody that is complaining about it.....all I got to say is that you are LOSERS!!!!If you dont like her music dont listen to it!!!I am looking forward to more from Ashlee!!I love her song LALA it makes me relax!!!!Ashlee you are awesome!!
  38. MishiP
    Jul 26, 2004
    9
    i was surprised by this album. it actually came out a lot better than i thought it would!!
  39. KalynJ
    Jul 27, 2004
    10
    I loved this ablum... had a lot of meaning behind it and it was nice to see her step out of her sis's shadow.
  40. kyrsteng
    Aug 11, 2004
    10
    I LOVED this cd and i love ashlee simpson im her bigest fan and i mean ya she may mess up but come on every body does so why do ppl hate her? that i dont know but i do know why ppl like her its because she is a great person and she loves her fans !!
  41. JamieR
    Aug 11, 2004
    10
    I think Ashlee is awesome! I like that shes not pop like her sister. I also think its cool that she doesn't dress and act like some of the other singers. I love Ashlee's music and I can't wait till she comes out with a new one.
  42. KatieF
    Aug 12, 2004
    10
    It's a great cd!! I like the rock pop better than Jessica's Lalalala pop. If you know what I mean. They both have awesome voices!! Props to Jessica for singing great, and definatly Ashlee for giving us all an awesome first album!
  43. KeriG
    Aug 18, 2004
    7
    I like it better than I thought I would. No, it's not very inspirational or life-changing, and yes, she did use her sister's fame to propel herself, but it's light, fun, and catchy, and sometimes I need that...
  44. betht
    Sep 13, 2004
    9
    I think it is a great album for a girl of her age.
  45. HeatherM.
    Sep 13, 2004
    10
    I love this album!!! I think that all of the songs on Autobiography are so awesome, and I can listen to her cd over and over again for hours! My favorite songs are Pieces Of Me and Undiscovered. I love them because I can relate a lot to what she is singing about. I love you Ashlee!
  46. Amy
    Sep 14, 2004
    9
    I have to admit that the first time I saw Ashlee was on her MTV show- Autobiography and I was somewhat annoyed at the show. Yet I became addicted to watching it, and started to be entertained by the show as well! She is different from A LOT of artists out there- shes young, has an older celebrity sister, and has a unique voice and sound. I bought her cd, not knowing that I would listen to I have to admit that the first time I saw Ashlee was on her MTV show- Autobiography and I was somewhat annoyed at the show. Yet I became addicted to watching it, and started to be entertained by the show as well! She is different from A LOT of artists out there- shes young, has an older celebrity sister, and has a unique voice and sound. I bought her cd, not knowing that I would listen to it as often as I do- and constantly get all her songs stuck in my head. It is a true reflection of her, and what she has been through. If you like rock-pop music then I urge to get her cd- you will LOVE IT!… Expand
  47. LouiseAnneR
    Sep 16, 2004
    10
    Ashlee, Your the femme!!! You rock... Rock on!!!!!!!!!!!!
  48. Lisa
    Sep 21, 2004
    9
    For all of you that are bad talking Ashlee, I would like to see you try to make an album. Do you think it is easy work? I love Ashlee and I don't think her fame has anything to do with Jessica. I think Ashlee is well known for her acting on "7th Heaven" and her singing career is just a plus! For all of you that are giving low ratings, you have absolutely no taste in music at all! For all of you that are bad talking Ashlee, I would like to see you try to make an album. Do you think it is easy work? I love Ashlee and I don't think her fame has anything to do with Jessica. I think Ashlee is well known for her acting on "7th Heaven" and her singing career is just a plus! For all of you that are giving low ratings, you have absolutely no taste in music at all! Ashlee did an awesome job with this album and I can't wait for more!… Expand
  49. Cali
    Sep 23, 2004
    10
    I love this album , Ashlee the best and Jessica is so out !
  50. ChristianV
    Nov 19, 2005
    10
    Come 'on, this cd is the best ever, i mean, shes great, and she has a lot of talent, and more that Avril Lavigne and Pink togheter, i mean,. c'mon man, the album isnt that bad, she yeelss in some of her songs, but there is no other way to say the words, i mean, the lyrics are great!!, catchy and bubble gumy, ok, but it isnt mediocre, thats my thought.
  51. Alanna
    Jan 27, 2005
    10
    If this is her first try at a album, I can't wait for the next. She co-wrote every song, which is very believeble, since they are indeed raw and realistic. I love this album to death because no matter what mood I'm in, I can drowned the world out with one push of a button.
  52. Talya
    Feb 11, 2005
    10
    Ashlee Simpson is great. This is one of those albums that you can listen to the whole way through, unlike some albums that you end up skipping half the songs because they suck. I think people who don't like her because she's apparently a 'poser' are being way too picky- everyone in the industry is like that no matter how much you try to deny it. Her voice isn't Ashlee Simpson is great. This is one of those albums that you can listen to the whole way through, unlike some albums that you end up skipping half the songs because they suck. I think people who don't like her because she's apparently a 'poser' are being way too picky- everyone in the industry is like that no matter how much you try to deny it. Her voice isn't crap- it's so different and interesting. I hate artists whose voices you can't recognise- how are they the talented ones? It's just the same old voice with different tunes that are written by other people. Everyone who hates her should wake up and realise that she's an incredibly talented singer and artist.… Expand
  53. lukeparkes26
    Jul 16, 2016
    7
    "Autobiography" was an edgy debut from Ashlee Simpson. It had its high moments with "Pieces of Me," "Shadow," "Better Off," "Love Me For Me," and "Giving It All Away," and though it did have a few weak songs, the album was, overall, spectacular.
  54. BabyJane
    Mar 17, 2015
    8
    Track by track review:
    1. Autobiography 9.5/10
    2. Pieces of Me 8/10
    3. Shadow 5.5/10
    4. La La 10/10
    5. Love Makes the World Go Round 9.5/10
    6. Better Off 9/10
    7. Love Me for Me 10/10
    8. Surrender 9/10
    9. Unreachable 8.5/10
    10. Nothing New 9.5/10
    11. Giving It All Away 9.5/10
    12. Undiscovered 7.5/10

    Highlight: Love Me for Me
    Potential singles: Autobiography, Pieces of Me, La La

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Billboard
    70
    Chock-full of catchy songs.
    Read full review
  2. Blender
    60
    There isn't a song on her debut that doesn't paint in huge strokes. [Sep 2004, p.143]
  3. Stylus Magazine
    40
    She sounds like she’s adopting characters and singing their songs, rather than her own. And, for a record with the name Autobiography, it seems like no bigger criticism could be leveled.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »