Autobiography
by Ashlee Simpson
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Jul 20, 2004
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.
  2. AllMusic
    70
    It's not perfect, and it's often affected, but it winds up being endearing because of her earnestness.
  3. Village Voice
    70
    [Courtney Love's] American Sweetheart is tragic and blasted and pissed-off and pathetic and desperate and sad; Autobiography is all those things, plus it has Fruit Stripe bubblegrunge guitars and insanely chewy melodies and an ear-tickling production job.
  5. E! Online
    67
    Even if it doesn't wow you, Autobiography may surprise you.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Halfway through the album, the recipe gets repeated and you find yourself yawning despite the hooks. [23 Jul 2004, p.77]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Blender
    60
    There isn't a song on her debut that doesn't paint in huge strokes. [Sep 2004, p.143]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. The New York Times
    60
    The album is a thoroughly calculated package, aiming for the same audience that embraces Avril Lavigne and Pink. [26 Jul 2004]
  9. 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.
  10. Austin Chronicle
    40
    Autobiography covers up whatever emotional depth is lacking with tight, glossy arrangements.
  11. Rolling Stone
    40
    [A] mundane melange of Avril-ish brat pop and Sheryl Crow cod rock.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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,""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.… Full Review »
  2. 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    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    … Full Review »
  3. vscoott345
    Apr 26, 2012
    4
    Hmm pretty cool for Jessica's little sister. Most of the songs are not believable here. That's the problem. No, she doesn't write her ownHmm pretty cool for Jessica's little sister. Most of the songs are not believable here. That's the problem. No, she doesn't write her own songs or music. She is just another typical pop singer. Too bad.… Full Review »
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