Jessica Takes A "Holiday"?

Madonna might be more than a little surprised when she hears the title track and first single off of Jessica Simpson's new album "A Public Affair."

The single appears to bear a striking resemblance to Madonna's 1983 hit "Holiday."  In fact, the songs sounds eerily similar.

From the synth-pop beat to the jangly guitars in the beginning, to the eight-note motifs in the verses to the choruses that begin on an A and the use of the same key (B-minor), the two songs are so similar that, in a highly unscientific poll, every person to whom TMZ played "A Public Affair" identified it as "Holiday."   Will Jellybean Benitez (who produced the original) be getting royalties for this? 

TMZ called a rep for Madonna, but as of yet our calls have not been returned. As for Jessica, her rep tells TMZ "It is a fun summer single and comparing to retro Madonna is flattering!"

But don't trust our ears: You be the judge. Listen to Jessica's "A Public Affair" and Madonna's "Holiday" to compare.



Reader Comments

(Page 34 of 34) Previous 15 Comments

496. They even manage to get in a little "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" near the end. Something about that is brilliant. "Holiday" and its writers need to be credited, but any record that can fuse "Holiday" with "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" - and add a hooky chorus of its own in between - ain't the work of amateurs. This album is the work of some major hook-meisters (what we liked about teen pop to begin with).

Posted at 2:02PM on Aug 28th 2006 by Fishcough

497. It more closely resembles an even older disco song. I'm thinking Kool and the Gang or something, in which case both ladies were unoriginal.

Posted at 12:48PM on Sep 4th 2006 by Voltage

498. Earth Wind and Fire. That's what I meant.

Posted at 12:56PM on Sep 4th 2006 by Voltage

Previous 15 Comments