Album: Autobiography

Introduction
"Autobiography" is the launching studio album by American pop-rock vocalist, Ashlee Simpson. It was launched on July 20, 2004, by Geffen Records. The album features a mix of pop, rock, and punk influences, showcasing Simpson's songwriting skills and genuine character. Produced by John Shanks, the album received blended reviews from critics however became an immediate industrial success, debuting at number one on the United States Billboard 200 and going triple Platinum in the United States.

Background and Production
Ashlee Simpson had been interested in music for most of her life, but her interest heightened after seeing a live efficiency by singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco. Simpson, who had been acting in television programs and films, was influenced by DiFranco's raw and sincere songwriting and chose to pursue a profession in music. After signing with Geffen Records, she began working on her debut album with manufacturer John Shanks, who had actually formerly dealt with artists such as Michelle Branch, Sheryl Crow, and Avril Lavigne.

The recording of "Autobiography" took place in different studios in Los Angeles between 2003 and 2004. Simpson co-wrote all the tracks on the album, mainly teaming up with Shanks and songwriter Kara DioGuardi. The album's sound is a mix of pop, rock, and punk, with greatly guitar-driven tracks and confessional lyrics, showing Simpson's impacts and her desire to differentiate herself from other pop stars at the time.

Release and Promotion
"Autobiography" was released on July 20, 2004, and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, offering 398,000 copies in its first week. The album's lead single, "Pieces of Me", was launched on May 18, 2004, and ended up being a hit, reaching the top 10 in different nations, including the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

To promote the album, Simpson embarked on a comprehensive media trip that consisted of looks on popular tv programs like "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", "The Late Show with David Letterman", and "Total Request Live". Additionally, she starred in a truth television series titled "The Ashlee Simpson Show" on MTV, which recorded the making of the album and the start of her music career. The program gathered high rankings and further added to the success of the album.

Reception and Legacy
"Autobiography" got combined evaluations from music critics. Some praised Simpson's songwriting abilities and the album's edgy noise, while others criticized its lack of originality and deemed it too similar to other pop-rock acts of the age. In spite of the critiques, the album was a commercial success, eventually offering over 5 million copies worldwide, and solidifying Simpson's place in the music market.

The album's second single, "Shadow", received a more lukewarm response compared to "Pieces of Me", but still handled to chart in the United States and Australia. A third single, "La La", was released in January 2005 and ended up being a moderate hit.

"Autobiography" stays Ashlee Simpson's best-selling album to date and is considered a specifying pop-rock album of the early 2000s. It has actually influenced many artists who followed in her steps, commemorating the power of genuine storytelling and self-expression in music.