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{{About|the album|the song|A Public Affair (song)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox album
| name       = A Public Affair
| type       = studio
| artist     = [[Jessica Simpson]]
| cover      = Publicaffair1.jpg
| border     = yes
| alt        =
| released   = August 26, 2006
| recorded   = Early 2005 – July 14, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jessicasimpson.com/ |title=Jessica Simpson |website=jessicasimpson.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060701225034/http://jessicasimpson.com/ |archive-date=1 July 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| venue      =
| studio     =
* [[Conway Recording Studios|Conway]] (Hollywood, CA)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* [[Henson Recording Studios|Henson]] (Hollywood, CA)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* [[Westlake Recording Studios|Westlake]] (Hollywood, CA)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* The Pool House (Long Island, NY)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* Skyline (New York, NY)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* Bliss Recordings (Hollywood, CA)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* [[Sony Music Studios|Sony Music]] (New York, NY)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* Homesite 13 (Novato, CA)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* [[Mayfair Studios|Mayfair]] (London, England)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* Flyte Tyme (Santa Monica, CA)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* [[The Village Recorder|The Village]] (Los Angeles, CA)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* Battery (New York, NY)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
* [[Criteria Studios|The Hit Factory Criteria]] (Miami, FL)<ref name="ref3">{{cite AV media notes |title=''[[A Public Affair]]'' |others=[[Jessica Simpson]] |date=2006 |type=[[liner notes]] |publisher=[[Epic Records]]}}</ref>
| genre      = {{flatlist|
*[[Pop music|Pop]]
*[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]}}
| length     = {{Duration|m=54|s=26}}
| label      = [[Epic Records|Epic]]
| producer   = {{flatlist|
*[[Lester Mendez]]
*[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis]]
*[[Cory Rooney]]
*[[Dan Shea (producer)|Dan Shea]]
*[[Scott Storch]]
*[[Stargate (production team)|Stargate]]
*[[Sam Watters]]
*[[Louis Biancaniello]]
*[[Greg Kurstin]]
*[[Wally Gagel]]}}
| prev_title = [[ReJoyce: The Christmas Album]]
| prev_year  = 2004
| next_title = [[Do You Know (Jessica Simpson album)|Do You Know]]
| next_year  = 2008
| misc       = {{Singles
 | name        = A Public Affair
 | type        = Studio album
 | single1     = [[A Public Affair (song)|A Public Affair]]
 | single1date = June 29, 2006
 | single2     = [[I Belong to Me]]
 | single2date = September 26, 2006
}}
}}
'''''A Public Affair''''' is the fifth [[studio album]] by [[United States|American]] [[Pop music|pop]] singer [[Jessica Simpson]]. The album was released on August 26, 2006 in the [[United States]] by [[Epic Records]]. The album is Simpson's first studio album following her divorce from [[Nick Lachey]] and her first release under [[Epic Records]], following her departure from [[Columbia Records]].

The album was produced by [[Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis]], [[Cory Rooney]], [[Scott Storch]], [[Stargate (production team)|Stargate]] and [[Lester Mendez]]. Simpson co-wrote nine of the thirteen songs on the album. It received generally mixed reviews from music critics, who complimented its musical diversity from Simpson's previous albums, while criticizing its individuality.

Two singles were released from ''A Public Affair''. The lead single and title track, "[[A Public Affair (song)|A Public Affair]]", became Simpson's sixth top-twenty single in the United States and her third song to reach number fourteen, after "[[With You (Jessica Simpson song)|With You]]" (2003) and "[[These Boots Are Made for Walkin'|These Boots Are Made for Walkin{{'-}}]]" (2005). The song also saw success in the United Kingdom, reaching the top ten in Scotland and Ireland while charting at number twenty on the [[UK singles chart|UK Singles Chart]]. The second and final single, "[[I Belong to Me]]", failed to achieve the success of "A Public Affair", only peaking at number ten on the US [[Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles|Bubbling Under Hot 100]].

The album debuted at number five on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] with first-week sales of 101,000 copies and was certified Gold by the RIAA. It peaked at number six in Canada, where it was also certified Gold. Worldwide, the album generally underperformed, peaking in the top 40 in Australia and Ireland. ''A Public Affair'' has sold 500,000 units in the United States and over one million copies worldwide to date.

==Background==
[[File:Jessica Simpson 2006 (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|150px|Simpson in August 2006]]
Following the release of her fourth studio album ''[[ReJoyce: The Christmas Album]]'' (2004), Simpson began working on the album in late 2004, saying that she was listening to [[Björk]] for inspiration.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vineyard |first1=Jennifer |title=Jessica Simpson Planning Workout Video, Listening To Bjork For Inspiration |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1494327/jessica-simpson-planning-workout-video-listening-to-bjork-for-inspiration/ |publisher=MTV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905002358/http://www.mtv.com/news/1494327/jessica-simpson-planning-workout-video-listening-to-bjork-for-inspiration/ |archive-date=September 5, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Simpson first announced the album on July 29, 2005 in an interview with MTV. The album was initially reported to be titled ''And the Band Played On'', with a release set for November 2005. Simpson said that the record would be her first that she would [[executive producer|executive produce]].<ref name=MTV2>{{Cite web |last=Vineyard |first=Jennifer |date=July 29, 2005 |title=Jessica Simpson Mixes Country Flavor With Club Tracks On Upcoming LP |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2maimd/jessica-simpson-mixes-country-flavor-with-club-tracks-on-upcoming-lp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809054836/https://www.mtv.com/news/2maimd/jessica-simpson-mixes-country-flavor-with-club-tracks-on-upcoming-lp |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |website=[[MTV]]}}</ref> In October 2005, it was reported that the album had been delayed to spring of the following year.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 12, 2005 |title=For The Record: Quick News On Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, Paris Hilton, Biggie And Serj Tankian, AFI & More&nbsp;– News Story &#124; Music, Celebrity, Artist News &#124; MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1511394/20051012/simpson_jessica.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051128055728/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1511394/20051012/simpson_jessica.jhtml |archive-date=November 28, 2005 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |website=[[MTV]] |publisher=}}</ref> On March 28, 2006, Simpson announced that she had signed a new record agreement with [[Epic Records]] and would be departing from [[Columbia Records]] after having been with the label for seven years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zendle |first=Miriam |date=March 3, 2006 |title=Jessica Simpson leaves label |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a30967/jessica-simpson-leaves-label/ |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref> In April 2006, a rep for Simpson confirmed that the album had been delayed again, but was to be released by the end of the year.<ref name="MTV3">{{cite web |last1=Vineyard |first1=Jennifer |title=Jessica Simpson Album Shifts Gears Along With Personal Life |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1527806/jessica-simpson-album-shifts-gears-along-with-personal-life/ |publisher=MTV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603053442/http://www.mtv.com:80/news/1527806/jessica-simpson-album-shifts-gears-along-with-personal-life/ |archive-date=June 3, 2014 |date=April 4, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was reportedly delayed due to her divorce from [[Nick Lachey]], as the pair announced their split in November 2005.<ref name="MTV3"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1053559,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070225082227/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C26334%2C1053559%2C00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 25, 2007 |title=Nick Lachey, Jessica Simpson Split |date=November 25, 2005 |work=People |access-date=August 7, 2008 }}</ref> Simpson continued to work on recording music following their split, and wanted her perspective to reflect in the album, saying: "When you persevere through so much, when you go through so much, you want to show that in your music".<ref name="MTV3"/> Simpson found it difficult to write songs specifically about Lachey, however, and decided to write a "fun" album instead.<ref>{{cite book |last=Simpson |first=Jessica |title=Open Book |date=February 4, 2020 |publisher=[[HarperCollins]] |isbn=9780062899965 |page=180}}</ref>

Simpson worked with [[Janet Jackson]]'s extensive producers [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]] on several songs on ''A Public Affair''.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 28, 2006 |title=Laughing, Acting Or Singing, Jessica Simpson Aims To Entertain And Inspire |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535300/with-music-movies-jessica-simpson-aims-inspire.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222094725/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535300/with-music-movies-jessica-simpson-aims-inspire.jhtml |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |work=[[MTV]]}}</ref> The duo had previously produced Simpson's [[country pop|country-pop]] cover version of "[[These Boots Are Made for Walkin']]" for the soundtrack to ''[[The Dukes of Hazzard (film)|The Dukes of Hazzard]]''; the song was a hit single in 2005,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moss |first1=Corey |title=Jessica Simpson — In A Bikini — To Wash The General Lee In 'Boots' Video |url=http://www.mtv.com:80/news/1502564/jessica-simpson-in-a-bikini-to-wash-the-general-lee-in-boots-video/ |publisher=MTV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309023016/http://www.mtv.com:80/news/1502564/jessica-simpson-in-a-bikini-to-wash-the-general-lee-in-boots-video/ |archive-date=March 9, 2017 |date=May 18, 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> reaching the top 15 in the United States while charting in the top five in Australia and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 23, 2005 |title=Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2005-07-23/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108104054/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2005-07-23/ |archive-date=November 8, 2014 |access-date=July 9, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2005 |title=Single Top 50 |url=https://australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=s&year=2005&date=20051002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012014915/https://australian-charts.com/weekchart.asp?cat=s&year=2005&date=20051002 |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |access-date=July 9, 2024 |website=Australian Charts}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 4, 2005 |title=Official Singles Chart on 4/9/2005 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20050904/7501/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508050012/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20050904/7501/ |archive-date=May 8, 2015 |access-date=July 9, 2024 |website=[[Official Charts]]}}</ref> The song was included as a bonus track on international releases of the album.<ref name="EUed" />

Simpson noted Jackson as an influence on the album, who at the time was also recording at the same studio as Simpson.<ref name="MTV3" /> Simpson said that she took "a Janet Jackson approach" with the ballads on the album, and singled out "Back to You" as a track that reminded her of works by Jackson.<ref name="MTV3" /><ref name="MTV1">{{cite web |last1=Moss |first1=Correy |last2=Cornell |first2=Jeff |date=August 2, 2006 |title=Jessica Simpson Covers Song That Convinced Her To Let Nick Go - Music, Celebrity, Artist News - MTV.com |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1537645/jessica-covers-song-that-helped-her-let-nick-go.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210013636/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1537645/jessica-covers-song-that-helped-her-let-nick-go.jhtml |archive-date=February 10, 2011 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |work=[[MTV]] |publisher=}}</ref> ''[[Slant Magazine]]''<nowiki/>'s Sal Cinquemani regarded Simpson's work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as unexpected, saying their contributions are "surprisingly, country-inspired."<ref name="Slant">{{Cite web |last=Cinquemani |first=Sal |date=August 26, 2006 |title=Review: Jessica Simpson, A Public Affair |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/jessica-simpson-a-public-affair/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424052904/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/jessica-simpson-a-public-affair/ |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |website=[[Slant Magazine]]}}</ref> Simpson said that the duo wanted to focus on country influences, but described the influence as inconspicuous and "like an accent".<ref name="MTV1" /> Producer [[Scott Storch]] worked on producing two songs for the album. The first track, "Fired Up", was reportedly being considered as the album's first single. The second track that Simpson worked on with Storch was titled "Mr. Operator", but the track was ultimately not included on the album.<ref name="MTV2" />

In July 2006, the artwork for ''A Public Affair'' surfaced. The initial cover art for the album showed a "sultry" image of Simpson wearing a strapless dress with her hair down.<ref name=tmzcover/> However, this cover was ultimately switched to a more "casual" image of Simpson wearing a green T-shirt, wearing a ring on her right index finger, and with her hair pulled back.<ref name=tmzcover/><ref>{{cite web |date=August 29, 2006 |title=A Public Affair |url=https://www.amazon.com/Public-Affair-Jessica-Simpson/dp/B000GIXIAK |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509074709/https://www.amazon.com/Public-Affair-Jessica-Simpson/dp/B000GIXIAK |archive-date=May 9, 2007 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |website=[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] |via=}}</ref> Simpson's representative [[Rob Shuter]] explained to [[TMZ (website)|TMZ]] that the original cover was provided to the record label because the final decision on the album's artwork had not yet been made at that time.<ref name=tmzcover>{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2006 |title=Jessica vs. Jessica |url=https://www.tmz.com/2006/07/27/jessica-vs-jessica/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060816165636/https://www.tmz.com/2006/07/27/jessica-vs-jessica/ |archive-date=August 16, 2006 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |website=[[TMZ]]}}</ref>

==Music==
Simpson described ''A Public Affair'' as "a fun album, an eighties radio throwback that was an ode to freedom" and an album that she "genuinely loved".{{sfn|Simpson|2020|p=191, 193}} The album opens with the lead single, "[[A Public Affair (song)|A Public Affair]]", which was compared to Madonna's "[[Holiday (Madonna song)|Holiday]]".<ref name="A Public Affair – Awards">{{cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |title=A Public Affair – Awards |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-public-affair-mw0000779334/awards |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621051407/https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-public-affair-mw0000779334#awards |archive-date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |website=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=}}</ref> The next song, "[[You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)]]" interpolates the chorus from [[Dead or Alive (band)|Dead or Alive]]'s 1984 song of the same name.<ref name="A Public Affair - EW.com">{{cite magazine |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=September 4, 2006 |title=A Public Affair - EW.com |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1516034,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129011825/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1516034,00.html |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Simpson compared the song to "[[Waiting for Tonight]]" by [[Jennifer Lopez]], while MTV compared the song to [[Rihanna]]'s "[[SOS (Rihanna song)|SOS]]", the latter of which samples [[Soft Cell]]'s "[[Tainted Love]]". Simpson and producer Cory Rooney wrote the song's verse lyrics, but were uncredited on the release.<ref name=MTV1 /><ref name="Album notes">{{cite AV media notes |title=''A Public Affair'' |others=Jessica Simpson |date=2006 |type=liner notes |publisher=[[Epic Records]], [[Sony Music Entertainment]]}}</ref> The fourth song, "If You Were Mine" was compared to [[Janet Jackson]]'s "[[If (Janet Jackson song)|If]]" and "[[When I Think of You]]".<ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite magazine |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |date=September 7, 2006 |title=A Public Affair - Album Reviews - Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/a-public-affair-20060907 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731093721/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/a-public-affair-189210/ |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]] |publisher=}}</ref> "Walkin' 'Round in a Circle" samples "[[Dreams (Fleetwood Mac song)|Dreams]]" by [[Fleetwood Mac]]. Simpson said that the "familiar tight rhythm allowed [her] to be a little loser" when structuring the song. She explained: "I wrote about the patterns I fell into, and how fear often keeps me stuck in a circle, where I can't tell the beginning from the end".{{sfn|Simpson|2020|p=206}} "Push Your Tush", a song with country influences,<ref>{{cite web |last=Riihimäki |first=Olli |date=March 28, 2007 |title=Jessica Simpson: A Public Affair |url=http://www.findance.com/arvostelut.php?id=3685 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401213239/http://www.findance.com/arvostelut.php?id=3685 |archive-date=April 1, 2007 |access-date=July 7, 2024 |website=Findance.com |language=Finnish}}</ref> heavily samples the [[Ohio Players]] 1976 song, "[[Who'd She Coo?]]".<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=D. |first=Spence |date=August 31, 2006 |title=Jessica Simpson - A Public Affair |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/01/jessica-simpson-a-public-affair |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224043008/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/01/jessica-simpson-a-public-affair |archive-date=February 24, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> The ninth track, "Back to You", is about Simpson's first boyfriend in high school, which was inspired by her old journal entries.<ref name="MTV3"/>

The penultimate track, "Fired Up", was inspired by a quote from one of Simpson's close friends.<ref name=MTV1 /> Producer Scott Storch compared the track to "[[Dirrty]]", the 2002 single by [[Christina Aguilera]].<ref name="MTV2" /> "[[Living with Ghosts|Let Him Fly]]" is a cover of the song originally recorded by [[Patty Griffin]]. Some music critics believed the cover was in reference to Simpson's divorce from Nick Lachey.<ref name=le>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/3w8c/|title=BBC - Music - Review of Jessica Simpson - A Public Affair|first=Lizzie|last=Ennever}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Simpson's sister, [[Ashlee Simpson]], had introduced her to the song in late 2005.<ref name=MTV1 /><blockquote>"We laid there listening to the song and just cried and cried like babies," Jessica recalled. "In a lot of ways, my sister really gave me the strength to pull through this really hard time. And it was just lying there and being with her that got me through it. I knew everything would be OK. The song is about how sometimes you just have to know when to let something go. And that was that moment. And I had to sing it."</blockquote>

Simpson later said "not a single song" on the album was about Lachey, and that the cover was not directed at him. While filming her role in ''[[The Dukes of Hazzard (film)|The Dukes of Hazzard]]'' (2005), she had developed feelings for her co-star [[Johnny Knoxville]], and she said that her recording of the song was her way of assuring herself that she needed to let go of these feelings.{{sfn|Simpson|2020|p=191}} The bonus track and second single "[[I Belong to Me]]" was written by [[Diane Warren]], who had previously written Simpson's 2003 single "[[Sweetest Sin]]". Warren described the song as "one of the closer songs to me, because I feel that. I don't need someone to complete me. I complete myself."<ref name="NerveWarren">{{cite web |last=Cohen |first=Arianne |date=2006 |title=I Belong To Me|url= http://www.nerve.com/screeningroom/music/dianewarren/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061111192025/http://www.nerve.com/screeningroom/music/dianewarren/|archive-date=November 11, 2006 |access-date=July 23, 2024 |website=Nerve}}</ref>

==Promotion==
===Live performances===
[[File:Signed Maxim magazine jessica simpson (cropped).jpg|right|thumb|130px|Simpson holding a signed ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'' copy featuring her on the cover in August 2006]]
Following the album's release, Simpson embarked on a promotional tour and appeared on several television shows to publicize ''A Public Affair''. However, Simpson suffered from a broken blood vessel in her throat prior to several scheduled live performances.{{sfn|Simpson|2020|p=193}} She was scheduled to perform on the ''[[Late Show With David Letterman]]'' on August 29, 2006, but canceled the appearance. The following day, she made an appearance on [[MTV]]'s ''[[Total Request Live]]'' where she did not perform but introduced music videos. The same day, [[Yahoo!]] held a release party for the album at [[The Roxy (New York City)|The Roxy]] in [[New York City]], where Simpson told reporters "My voice is completely gone. The album is all part of who I am right now. I wish I could sing it for them right now, but there's no way."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-08-30 |title=A Silent Simpson Parties On |url=https://www.tmz.com/2006/08/30/a-silent-simpson-parties-on/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=TMZ |language=en}}</ref>

Her condition improved by the following morning, when she appeared on [[NBC]]'s ''[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]'' show, performing "[[I Belong to Me]]" and "[[With You (Jessica Simpson song)|With You]]". After her voice cracked during a high note in the latter song, she paused and said, "All right, I tried that one," before finishing the performance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-25 |title=Jessica Simpson Tries to Sing With Injured Vocal Chord |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/jessica-simpson-tries-to-sing-with-injured-vocal-chord |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref> She explained: "I couldn’t even count on my voice, but [my fans] got me through. 'I’m sorry,' I told them over and over again. I was apologizing about my voice, but so much more. I was so sorry that I had let them down."{{sfn|Simpson|2020|p=193}} On September 4, 2006, MTV aired the television special ''Jessica Simpson: A Public Affair'', which included performances of "I Belong to Me", "Let Him Fly", "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)", and "A Public Affair".<ref>{{cite AV media
 | title = Jessica Simpson: A Public Affair
 | type = Television production
 | publisher = MTV
 | date = September 4, 2006
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 4, 2006 |title=Jessica Simpson Gets Emotional in MTV Special |url=http://telepixtvcgi.warnerbros.com/v2/news/0906/04/3/text.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009224123/http://telepixtvcgi.warnerbros.com/v2/news/0906/04/3/text.html |archive-date=October 9, 2007 |website=Extra}}</ref> The following day, Simpson appeared on [[The View (talk show)|''The View'']], performing "Let Him Fly" and "I Belong to Me".<ref>{{Cite episode |title=The View: September 5, 2006 |series=The View |network=ABC |date=September 5, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-08-25 |title=ABC's The View going high-def September 5 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006-08-24-abcs-the-view-going-high-def-september-5.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref> On September 6, 2006, Simpson performed "A Public Affair" and "Fired Up" on ''[[The Early Show]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2006 |title=Jessica Simpson: I 'Love Too Much' |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jessica-simpson-i-love-too-much/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060906192356/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/06/earlyshow/leisure/music/main1975648.shtml |archive-date=September 6, 2006 |website=CBS}}</ref>

===Singles===
"[[A Public Affair (song)|A Public Affair]]" was released as the album's lead single on 29 June 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=Remember 2006? Here Are the Year's 100 Best Pop Songs |url=http://top40.about.com/od/bestandworstof2006/ss/top100songs2006_5.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921122415/http://top40.about.com/od/bestandworstof2006/ss/top100songs2006_5.htm |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |website=[[About.com]]}}</ref> The song was favorably likened to [[Janet Jackson]] for its "breathy vocals" and "sweet melody".<ref name="Slant" /> The music video features appearances by [[Christina Applegate]], [[Christina Milian]], [[Eva Longoria]], [[Maria Menounos]], [[Andy Dick]] and [[Ryan Seacrest]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2006 |title=Nervous Simpson Debuts Video On Minnillo's Show |url=https://www.contactmusic.com/jessica-simpson/news/nervous-simpson-debuts-video-on-minnillos-show_1002980 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116081550/https://www.contactmusic.com/jessica-simpson/news/nervous-simpson-debuts-video-on-minnillos-show_1002980 |archive-date=January 16, 2016 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |website=[[contactmusic.com]]}}</ref> In the United States, the single debuted at number 39 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], on the issue dated July 15, 2006.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=June 7, 2006 |title=Furtado Remains No. 1 With 'Promiscuous' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/furtado-remains-no-1-with-promiscuous-57918/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426130458/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/furtado-remains-no-1-with-promiscuous-57918/ |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> On August 12, 2006, it peaked at number 14 on the chart.<ref name="Billboardbook">{{cite magazine |date=August 12, 2006 |title=Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lw0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA80 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=[[Nielsen Company|Nielsen Business Media, Inc]] |page=80 |volume=118 |issue=32 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref> The single became Simpson's sixth top 20 single in the US and her third song to reach number, 14 tied with "[[With You (Jessica Simpson song)|With You]]" (2004) and "[[These Boots Are Made for Walkin'#Jessica Simpson version|These Boots Are Made for Walkin{{'-}}]]" (2005).<ref name=":1">{{cite magazine |date= |title=Jessica Simpson {{!}} Biography, Music & News {{!}} Billboard |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=jessica simpson|chart=Hot 100}} |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121095017/https://www.billboard.com/artist/jessica-simpson/chart-history/hot-100/ |archive-date=November 21, 2021 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Billboard}}</ref> The single was certified Gold by the [[RIAA]] for selling 500,000 copies on July 20, 2007.<ref name="RIAA.com">{{cite web |date=July 20, 2007 |title=Gold & Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Jessica+simpson&ti=a+public+affair&lab=&genre=&format=Single&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924153900/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=with%20you&artist=jessica%20simpson&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |accessdate=6 July 2024 |website=[[RIAA]] |publisher=}}</ref>

On August 9, 2006, Simpson announced on her official website that she wanted her fans to choose the second single from ''A Public Affair''. She provided six choices alongside samples of each song: "If You Were Mine", "The Lover in Me", "B.O.Y.", "I Don't Want to Care", "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" and "[[I Belong to Me]]".<ref>{{cite news |date=August 11, 2006 |title=For The Record: Quick News On Jessica Simpson, Beyonce, Notorious B.I.G., Tego Calderon, Harry Potter & More |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1538412/20060811/simpson_jessica.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060828020631/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1538412/20060811/simpson_jessica.jhtml |archive-date=August 28, 2006 |accessdate=July 6, 2024 |work= |publisher=[[MTV]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jessica Simpson: Song Poll |url=https://jessicasimpson.com/APublicAffair/songpoll.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060821215445/http://jessicasimpson.com/APublicAffair/songpoll.html |archive-date=August 21, 2006 |access-date=July 6, 2024}}</ref> "I Belong to Me" was released as the album's second and final single on September 26, 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=CHR - Available for Airplay |url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239#2006 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101141712/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239 |archive-date=November 1, 2009 |accessdate=July 6, 2024 |work=FMQB |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=September 7, 2006 |title=For The Record: Quick News On Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Kevin Federline, Jessica Simpson & More |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1540370/20060907/lohan_lindsay.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224234807/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1540370/20060907/lohan_lindsay.jhtml |archive-date=February 24, 2007 |accessdate=July 6, 2024 |work= |publisher=[[MTV]]}}</ref> The song was initially only included on the [[Walmart]] release of ''A Public Affair'' as a bonus track, a decision which Sal Cinquemani of ''Slant'' called "a coup for the retail giant and a big fuck-you to competitors and unknowing fans who pick up the album anywhere else."<ref name=Slant/> The song was amended to future releases of the album, and those who had already purchased the album were offered the track as a free download.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Taylor |first=Chuck |author-link=Chuck Taylor (music journalist) |title=I Belong To Me |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/reviews/single_review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003122611 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225224035/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/reviews/single_review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003122611 |archive-date=December 25, 2007 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2006 |title=New Releases: Jessica Simpson, Method Man, Tego Calderon, Pete Yorn, Too Short, Bob Dylan & More |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1539627/new-releases-jessica-simpson-method-man-tego-calderon-pete-yorn-too-short-bob-dylan-more/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024154223/http://www.mtv.com/news/1539627/new-releases-jessica-simpson-method-man-tego-calderon-pete-yorn-too-short-bob-dylan-more/ |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |website=MTV}}</ref> The single peaked at number ten on the ''Billboard'' [[Bubbling Under Hot 100]] chart.<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine |date= |title=Bubbling Under Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/bubbling-under-hot-100-singles/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126194652/https://www.billboard.com/charts/bubbling-under-hot-100-singles/2006-11-04/ |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

Prior to the release of ''A Public Affair'', Simpson expressed that she wanted "[[You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)#Jessica Simpson version|You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)]]" chosen as its second single, but her management was concerned that it was "too much of a club track".<ref name="MTV1" /> Despite not being released as a single, the song peaked at number 95 on the ''Billboard'' [[Pop 100]] chart and at 21 on the ''Billboard'' [[Bubbling Under Hot 100]] chart on the issue dated September 23, 2006.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 23, 2006 |title=Billboard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xg0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA82 |access-date=9 July 2024 |magazine=Billboard |page=82 |volume=118 |issue=38}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=23 September 2006 |title=Bubbling Under Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/bubbling-under-hot-100-singles/2006-09-23/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124213628/https://www.billboard.com/charts/bubbling-under-hot-100-singles/2006-09-23/ |archive-date=January 24, 2022 |access-date=July 9, 2024 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=}}</ref> Following the release of ''A Public Affair'', Simpson worked with singer and then-boyfriend [[John Mayer]] on a reworking of "Walkin' Round in a Circle" for a potential single release, but Simpson was uncomfortable with the recording process and it was never completed.{{sfn|Simpson|2020|p=206-207}}

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = [[Dotdash Meredith|About.com]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref name=About/>
| rev2 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev2Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=":4"/>
| rev3 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
| rev3Score = C<ref name="EW">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2006/09/04/public-affair-2/|title=A Public Affair|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=October 11, 2013|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129011825/https://ew.com/article/2006/09/04/public-affair-2/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[IGN]]''
| rev4Score = 5.7/10<ref name=":0" />
| rev5 = ''[[musicOMH]]''
| rev5score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/jessica-simpson-a-public-affair|title=Jessica Simpson – A Public Affair|website=[[musicOMH]]|last=Barnes|first=Mike|date=12 February 2007|access-date=21 March 2025}}</ref> 
| rev6 = ''[[New York Post]]''
| rev6Score = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name=NYPost>{{cite news|date=August 29, 2006 |url=https://nypost.com/2006/08/29/affair-to-remember-2/|first1=Dan |last1=Aquilante |title='Affair' To Remember|magazine=[[New York Post]]}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev7Score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|date=September 6, 2006 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/a-public-affair-20060907|first1=Rob |last1=Sheffield |title=A Public Affair|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[Slant Magazine]]''
| rev8Score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref name="Slant"/>
| rev9 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
| rev9Score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name=Guardian>{{cite news |last1=MacPherson |first1=Alex |title=Review: Jessica Simpson, A Public Affair |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/feb/09/shopping4 |work=The Guardian |date=February 8, 2007}}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[[Yahoo! Music]]''
| rev10Score = 6/10<ref name=Yahoo!>{{cite web |last1=Gennoe |first1=Dan |title= Yahoo! Music Review: Jessica Simpson - 'A Public Affair'|url= http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/070222/33/2136w.html |archive-date=May 17, 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080517103401/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/070222/33/2136w.html|url-status=dead |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |date=February 12, 2007}}</ref>
}}''A Public Affair'' received mixed reviews from music critics. The album was both praised and criticized for similarities to previous hits from the [[1970s in music|1970s]] and [[1980s in music|1980s]]; several songs on the album were compared to works by [[Janet Jackson]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Kakora |first=Megan |date=16 March 2007 |title=Jessica Simpson - A Public Affair |url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/music/albumreviews/Jessica-Simpson-A-Public-Affair-20081201 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222141150/http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/AlbumReviews/Jessica-Simpson-A-Public-Affair-20081201 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |access-date=6 July 2024 |work=Channel 24 |publisher=}}</ref> A number of critics regarded the album as her best work.<ref name="Slant" /><ref name=Yahoo!/><ref name=":4" />

In a positive review, [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] from [[AllMusic]] described ''A Public Affair'' as a "party album, pure and simple". Although Erlewine felt the album was inconsistent, he noted that "a good portion of [the album] is indeed pure cheerful fun" and called it her strongest and most entertaining album.<ref name=":4">{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r849668}}</ref> Bill Lamb from [[About.com]] also felt the album was inconsistent, but described its final five songs as "genuine songs that are worth hearing".<ref name=About>{{cite web |date=2009-11-03 |title=Jessica Simpson&nbsp;– A Public Affair: Review of Jessica Simpson's album 'A Public Affair'&nbsp;– About.com |url=http://top40.about.com/od/albums/fr/jsimpsonpaffair.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605000428/http://top40.about.com/od/albums/fr/jsimpsonpaffair.htm |archive-date=2011-06-05 |access-date=2010-04-07 |publisher=Top40.about.com}}</ref> Sal Cinquemani of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' categorized ''A Public Affair'' as "shallow", but also named it her "best [album] to date" with themes of "underrated nostalgia".<ref name="Slant" /> Spence D. from ''[[IGN]]'' felt that the album failed to establish Simpson as having a unique identity, saying she "seems to be spending all of her time trying to sound like other people".<ref name=":0" />

Lizzie Ennever from the [[BBC]] was critical of Simpson's vocal performance on the album, saying "you get the feeling that she might not even make it through the initial rounds of ''[[American Idol]]''".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/3w8c/|title=BBC - Music - Review of Jessica Simpson - A Public Affair|first=Lizzie|last=Ennever}}</ref> Erlewine felt that Simpson's voice was "suspiciously buried in the mix throughout" the album.<ref name="A Public Affair – Awards" /> Dan Aquilante from the ''[[New York Post]]'' praised the production on the album, saying that the variety in the album's "upbeat and propulsive songs" was utilized to showcase Simpson's voice. He felt that her vocal delivery was "generic" with a "lack of a clear-cut vocal trademark", but concluded that "Simpson sounds excited to be singing again".<ref name=NYPost/> Spence D. from ''IGN'' praised Simpson's vocal delivery on "Let Him Fly", saying the song showcased Simpson "crooning in a twangy resonance that shows that she can actually sing".<ref name=":0" />

==Commercial performance==
The album debuted at number five on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], selling 101,000 copies in its first week.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mayfield |first=Geoff |date=16 September 2006 |title=Dylan Stands Tall; Simpson Fades Despite Fanfare |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BQ4EAAAAMBAJ |access-date=7 July 2024 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |page=57 |volume=118 |issue=37}}</ref> By February 2009, the album had sold 300,000 copies in the United States.<ref name=Billboard2009>{{cite magazine|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=February 20, 2009|url=http://login.vnuemedia.com/bbbiz/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003947916 |title=Ask Billboard - A Little Bit Country|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710064235/http://login.vnuemedia.com/bbbiz/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003947916|archive-date=July 10, 2012|accessdate=June 25, 2022|url-status=dead }}</ref> On September 29, 2006, ''A Public Affair'' was certified [[RIAA certification|Gold]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA), denoting 500,000 in shipments.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gold & Platinum: Jessica Simpson |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Jessica+simpson |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813004326/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Jessica+simpson |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |access-date=June 25, 2022 |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]}}</ref>

In Canada, the album debuted at number six, marking Simpson's highest position on the [[Canadian Albums Chart]] and was later certified Gold for 50,000 copies sold.<ref name=BillboardCanada/><ref name=Canada/> ''A Public Affair'' also reached the top forty in Ireland and Australia.<ref name=IrishCharts/><ref name= AUSCharts/> To date, the album has sold one million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |last=Webber |first=Stephanie |date=6 March 2015 |title=Jessica Simpson Turns Down Huge Book Deal -- to Record New Album! |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/jessica-simpson-turns-down-huge-book-deal-to-record-new-album-201563 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122101908/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/jessica-simpson-turns-down-huge-book-deal-to-record-new-album-201563/ |archive-date=22 November 2022 |access-date=6 July 2024 |website=Us Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sager |first=Jessica |date=28 December 2021 |title=From Music to Merch, Find Out All About Jessica Simpson's Net Worth—And Whether She's a Bona Fide Billionaire |url=https://parade.com/1306225/jessicasager/jessica-simpson-net-worth/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228204812/https://parade.com/1306225/jessicasager/jessica-simpson-net-worth/ |archive-date=28 December 2021 |access-date=6 July 2024 |website=Parade}}</ref>

==Track listing==
{{Track listing
| headline      = ''A Public Affair'' {{nobold|&ndash; North American and Australian standard edition}}<ref>{{cite AV media
 | title = Jessica Simpson – A Public Affair
 | type = CD
 | publisher = Epic
 | id = 82876 83215 2
}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media
 | title = Jessica Simpson – A Public Affair 
 | edition = Australian
 | type = CD
 | publisher = Epic, Sony BMG Music Entertainment
 | id = 82876 83215 2
}}</ref>
| extra_column  = Producer(s)
| total_length  = 50:38
| title1        = [[A Public Affair (song)|A Public Affair]]
| writer1       = {{flatlist|
*Jessica Simpson
*[[Johntá Austin]]
*[[Greg Kurstin]]
*[[Sam Watters]]
*[[Louis Biancaniello]]
*[[Ashford & Simpson|Nickolas Ashford]]
*[[Ashford & Simpson|Valerie Simpson]]
}}
| extra1        = [[Lester Mendez]]
| length1       = 3:21
| title2        = [[You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)#Jessica Simpson version|You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)]]
| writer2       = {{flat list|
*[[Pete Burns]]
*[[Dead or Alive (band)|Stephen Coy]]
*[[Dead or Alive (band)|Michael Percy]]
*[[Dead or Alive (band)|Timothy Lever]]
}}
| extra2        = [[Cory Rooney]]
| length2       = 3:49
| title3        = B.O.Y.
| writer3       = {{flat list|
*[[Blondfire|Erica Driscoll]]
*[[Wally Gagel]]
*[[Ric Ocasek]]
}}
| extra3        = {{flat list|
*Gagel
*[[Wax Ltd|Xandy Barry]]{{ref|b|[b]}}
}}
| length3       = 3:22
| title4        = If You Were Mine
| writer4       = {{flat list|
*Watters
*Biancaniello
*Kurstin
*[[Tamyra Gray]]
*Janet Sewell
}}
| extra4        = {{flat list|
*Watters
*Biancaniello
*Kurstin
}}
| length4       = 3:17
| title5        = Walkin' 'Round in a Circle
| writer5       = {{flat list|
*J. Simpson
*Austin
*[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|James Harris III]]
*[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Terry Lewis]]
*[[Stevie Nicks]]
}}
| extra5        = [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis]]
| length5       = 4:40
| title6        = The Lover in Me
| writer6       = {{flat list|
*J. Simpson
*Austin
*Watters
*Biancaniello
*Gray
*Candice Childress
}}
| extra6        = Mendez
| length6       = 3:41
| title7        = Swing with Me
| writer7       = {{flat list|
*[[Louis Prima]]
*J. Simpson
*Rooney
*[[Dan Shea (producer)|Dan Shea]]
*Cacee Cobb
*Erin Alexander
}}
| extra7        = {{flat list|
*Rooney
*Shea
}}
| length7       = 3:25
| title8        = Push Your Tush
| writer8       = {{flat list|
*J. Simpson
*Harris III
*Lewis
*[[Lo-Key?|Tony Tolbert]]
*[[Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner|Leroy Bonner]]
*[[Billy Beck (musician)|William Beck]]
*[[James Williams (musician)|James Williams]]
*[[Ohio Players|Marvin Pierce]]
*[[Ohio Players|Marshall Jones]]
*[[Ohio Players|Ralph Middlebrooks]]
*[[Ohio Players|Clarence Satchell]]
}}
| extra8        = Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
| length8       = 4:48
| title9        = Back to You
| writer9       = {{flat list|
*J. Simpson
*Harris III
*Lewis
}}
| extra9        = Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
| length9       = 4:11
| title10       = Between You & I
| writer10      = {{flat list|
*J. Simpson
*Rooney
}}
| extra10       = {{flat list|
*Rooney
*Shea
}}
| length10      = 4:58
| title11       = I Don't Want to Care
| writer11      = {{flat list|
*J. Simpson
*[[Stargate (production team)|Mikkel Eriksen]]
*[[Stargate (production team)|Tor Hermansen]]
*[[Makeba Riddick]]
*[[Espen Lind]]
*[[Espionage (production team)|Amund Bjørklund]]
*Magnus Beite
*Geir Hvidsten
}}
| extra11       = [[Stargate (production team)|Stargate]]
| length11      = 3:57
| title12       = Fired Up
| writer12      = {{flat list|
*J. Simpson
*[[Scott Storch]]
*Rooney
}}
| extra12       = Storch
| length12      = 3:58
| title13       = Let Him Fly
| writer13      = [[Patty Griffin]]
| extra13       = Mendez
| length13      = 3:11
}}

{{Track listing
| extra_column  = Producer(s)
| headline      = ''A Public Affair'' {{nobold|&ndash; [[Walmart]], reissue, and worldwide bonus track}}<ref name=EUed /><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Taylor |first=Chuck |author-link=Chuck Taylor (music journalist) |title=I Belong To Me |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/reviews/single_review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003122611 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225224035/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/reviews/single_review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003122611 |archive-date=25 December 2007 |access-date=July 6, 2024 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>
| total_length  = 54:23
| title14       = [[I Belong to Me]]
| writer14      = [[Diane Warren]]
| extra14       = Stargate
| length14      = 3:40
}}

{{Track listing
| extra_column  = Producer(s)
| headline      = ''A Public Affair'' {{nobold|&ndash; Japanese edition bonus tracks}}<ref>{{cite AV media
 | title = Jessica Simpson – A Public Affair
 | edition = Japanese
 | type = CD
 | publisher = Epic
 | id = EICP 664
}}</ref>
| total_length  = 63:45
| title15       = A Public Affair
| note15        = Karaoke Version
| writer15      = {{flatlist|
*J. Simpson
*Austin
*Kurstin
*Watters
*Biancaniello
*Ashford
*V. Simpson}}
| extra15       = Mendez
| length15      = 3:24
| title16       = A Public Affair
| note16        = Extended Mix
| writer16      = {{flatlist|
*J. Simpson
*Austin
*Kurstin
*Watters
*Biancaniello
*Ashford
*V. Simpson}}
| extra16       = Mendez
| length16      = 5:48
}}

{{Track listing
| extra_column  = Producer(s)
| headline      = ''A Public Affair'' {{nobold|&ndash; United States [[iTunes Store]] and international digital edition bonus track}}<ref name=usitunes>{{cite web |title=A Public Affair – Jessica Simpson |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-public-affair/id310901664 |website=iTunes |publisher=Apple |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430193953/http://itunes.apple.com:80/us/album/a-public-affair/id310901664 |archive-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=unfit}}</ref>
| total_length  = 58:08
| title15       = A Public Affair
| note15        = Cass&Dubs Remix
| writer15      = {{flatlist|
*J. Simpson
*Austin
*Kurstin
*Watters
*Biancaniello
*Ashford
*V. Simpson}}
| extra15       = {{flatlist|
*Mendez
*Cass&Dubs{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length15      = 3:15
}}

{{Track listing
| extra_column  = Producer(s)
| headline      = ''A Public Affair'' {{nobold|&ndash;  European edition and international digital reissue bonus track}}<ref name=EUed>{{cite AV media
 | title = Jessica Simpson – A Public Affair 
 | edition = European
 | type = CD
 | publisher = Epic
 | id = 88697 05959 2
}}</ref>
| total_length  = 58:22
| title15       = [[These Boots Are Made for Walkin'#Jessica Simpson version|These Boots Are Made for Walkin{{'-}}]]
| writer15      = {{flatlist|
*[[Lee Hazlewood]]
*Simpson{{ref|b|[b]}}}}
| extra15       = Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
| length15      = 3:59
}}
{{Track listing
| extra_column  = Producer(s)
| headline      = ''A Public Affair'' {{nobold|&ndash; International digital reissue bonus tracks}}<ref>{{cite web | title= A Public Affair | website=Amazon Music | url=https://music.amazon.com.mx/albums/B073JSQDZW|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713021437/https://music.amazon.com.mx/albums/B073JSQDZW|archive-date=July 13, 2024|language=portuguese| ref={{sfnref | music.amazon.com.mx}} | access-date=July 13, 2024}}</ref>
| total_length  = 67:26
| title16       = A Public Affair
| note16        = Cass&Dubs Remix
| writer16      = {{flatlist|
*J. Simpson
*Austin
*Kurstin
*Watters
*Biancaniello
*Ashford
*V. Simpson}}
| extra16       = {{flatlist|
*Mendez
*Cass&Dubs{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length16      = 3:15
| title17       = A Public Affair
| note17        = Extended Mix
| writer17      = {{flatlist|
*J. Simpson
*Austin
*Kurstin
*Watters
*Biancaniello
*Ashford
*V. Simpson}}
| extra17       = Mendez
| length17      = 5:48
}}
{{Track listing
| extra_column  = Director(s)
| total_length  = 21:35
| headline      = ''A Public Affair'' {{nobold|&ndash; [[Best Buy]] edition (bonus DVD)}}<ref>{{cite AV media
 | title = Jessica Simpson – A Public Affair 
 | edition = Best Buy
 | type = CD, DVD
 | publisher = Epic
 | id = 82876 88856 2
}}</ref>
| title1        = A Public Affair
| note1         = Making of the Video
| extra1        = Benjamin Hurvitz
| length1       = 21:35
}}

'''Notes'''
* {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}}signifies a remixer
* {{sup|{{note|b|[b]}}}}signifies an additional producer

'''Additional tracks'''
* The [[Circuit City]] edition includes the extended mix of "A Public Affair" as a bonus track.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Jessica Simpson - A Public Affair |date= |type=CD |edition=Circuit City |id=00273}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A Public Affair [Circuit City Exclusive] |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/a-public-affair-circuit-city-exclusive--mr0001784730 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719172945/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/a-public-affair-circuit-city-exclusive--mr0001784730 |archive-date=July 19, 2024 |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=[[Allmusic]]}}</ref>
* The United States iTunes and European CD editions include the music video for "A Public Affair" (4:06).<ref name=usitunes/><ref name=EUed/>

'''Sample credits<ref name="Album notes" />'''
*"A Public Affair" contains an interpolation of [[Diana Ross]]'s "[[Ain't No Mountain High Enough]]".
*"B.O.Y." contains a sample of [[The Cars]]' "[[Just What I Needed]]".
*"Walkin' 'Round in a Circle" contains an interpolation of [[Fleetwood Mac]]'s "[[Dreams (Fleetwood Mac song)|Dreams]]".
*"Swing with Me" is an adaptation of [[Louis Prima]]'s "[[Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)]]".
*"Push Your Tush" contains a sample of the [[Ohio Players]]' "[[Who'd She Coo?]]".

==Personnel==
Credits for ''A Public Affair'' adapted from [[AllMusic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-public-affair-mw0000779334/credits|title=A Public Affair – Jessica Simpson – Credits|publisher=AllMusic}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* Ron Allaire &ndash; engineer
* Chris August &ndash; backing vocals
* Xandy Barry &ndash; producer
* Magnus Beite &ndash; keyboards
* Louis Biancaniello &ndash; keyboards, mixing, producer, programming
* Jerry Brown &ndash; drums
* Ravaughn Brown &ndash; backing vocals
* Sherree Ford Brown &ndash; backing vocals
* Orlando Calzada &ndash; engineer
* Vince Cherico &ndash; drums
* Cacee Cobb &ndash; backing vocals
* Ian Cross &ndash; engineer, mixing
* Barry Danielian &ndash; trumpet
* Mikkel S. Eriksen &ndash; engineer, instrumentation, vocal producer
* [[Wally Gagel]] &ndash; engineer, instrumentation, mixing, producer
* [[Siedah Garrett]] &ndash; backing vocals, vocal arrangement
* Steve Geuting &ndash; assistant engineer
* Serban Ghenea &ndash; mixing
* Sharlotte Gibson &ndash; backing vocals
* Conrad Golding &ndash; engineer
* Tamyra Gray &ndash; backing vocals
* Keith Gretlein &ndash; assistant engineer
* [[Niki Haris]] – backing vocals
* Dorian Holly &ndash; backing vocals
* Paul Jackson, Jr. &ndash; guitar
* Jimmy Jam &ndash; keyboards, producer
* [[Justin King (guitarist)|Justin King]] &ndash; guitar
* Greg Kurstin &ndash; guitar, keyboards, producer, programming
* Dan Kurtz &ndash; bass
* Abe Laboriel Jr. &ndash; drums
* Evan Lamberg &ndash; A&R
* Terry Lewis &ndash; producer
* Espen Lind &ndash; keyboards
* David Andrew Mann &ndash; tenor saxophone
* Matt Marrin &ndash; engineer, mixing
* Farra Mathews &ndash; A&R
* Chris Megert &ndash; vocal arrangement
* Ozzie Melendez &ndash; trombone
* Vlado Meller &ndash; mastering
* Lester Mendez &ndash; arranger, beats, Moog synthesizer, piano, producer
* Jessica Paster &ndash; wardrobe
* Ken Paves &ndash; hair stylist
* Dave Pensado &ndash; mixing
* Rafael Padilla &ndash; percussion
* Brett Ratner &ndash; photography
* Eric Rennaker &ndash; assistant engineer
* Makeba Riddick &ndash; backing vocals
* Tim Roberts &ndash; mixing assistant
* Reuben Rodriguez &ndash; bass
* Cory Rooney &ndash; drum programming, keyboards, producer, vocal producer
* Laurie Rosenwald &ndash; cover typeset
* [[The Avila Brothers|Bobby Ross Avila]] &ndash; bass
* Andrew Rugg &ndash; engineer
* Dan Shea &ndash; keyboards, producer
* Jessica Simpson &ndash; vocals, executive producer
* Joe Simpson &ndash; executive producer, management
* Scott Storch &ndash; producer
* Phil Tan &ndash; mixing
* [[Mike Terry (recording engineer)|Mike Terry]] &ndash; engineer
* Tony Tolbert &ndash; backing vocals
* Valente Torrez &ndash; assistant engineer
* David LeVita &ndash; guitar
* [[Peter Wade Keusch|Peter Wade]] &ndash; engineer
* Brian Warwick &ndash; assistant engineer
* Sam Watters &ndash; mixing, producer
* David E. Williams &ndash; guitar
* Joe Wohlmuth &ndash; engineer
* Lyle Workman &ndash; guitar
* James "Big Jim" Wright &ndash; keyboards
* Joe Zook &ndash; mixing
{{div col end}}

==Charts==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"|Chart (2006–07)
! scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|33|artist=Jessica Simpson|album=A Public Affair|rowheader=true|refname=AUSCharts|accessdate=March 6, 2012}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|6|artist=Jessica Simpson|refname=BillboardCanada|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Ireland2|32|artist=Jessica Simpson|album=A Public Affair|refname=IrishCharts|rowheader=true}}
|-
!scope="row"|Japanese Albums ([[Oricon Albums Chart|Oricon]])<ref name="jap">{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/81706/rank/album/|title=ジェシカ・シンプソンのランキング|language=ja|publisher=[[Oricon]]|access-date=January 6, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828161508/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/81706/rank/album/|archive-date=August 28, 2017}}</ref>
|align="center"|63
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|76|date=20070218|rowheader=true|accessdate=August 22, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|UK|65|artist=Jessica Simpson|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|5|artist=Jessica Simpson|rowheader=true}}
|-
! scope="row"|US [[Digital Albums ]](''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 16, 2006 |title=Albums: Top Digital |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BQ4EAAAAMBAJ |access-date=August 15, 2023 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |page=72 |volume=118 |issue=37}}</ref>
|align="center"| 3
|-
! scope="row"|US [[Top Internet Albums]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 16, 2006 |title=Albums: Top Internet |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BQ4EAAAAMBAJ |access-date=August 15, 2023 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |page=72 |volume=118 |issue=37 |number=}}</ref>
| 2
|}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Jessica Simpson|title=A Public Affair|region=Canada|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2006|refname="Canada"|accessdate=November 4, 2016}}
{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Jessica Simpson|title=A Public Affair|region=United States|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=2009|relyear=2006|refname="US"|accessdate=November 4, 2016}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=yes}}

==Release history==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
! Region
! Date
! Format
! Label
! Catalog
! Ref.
|-
! scope="row"| Australia
| August 26, 2006
| rowspan="6"| [[Compact disc|CD]]
| rowspan="2"| [[Sony BMG Music Entertainment|Sony BMG]]
| rowspan="2"| 82876832152
| {{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}
|-
! scope="row"| Canada
| rowspan="2"| August 29, 2006
| {{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}
|-
! scope="row"| United States
| [[Epic Records|Epic]]
| 88697001742
| <ref>{{cite web |date=29 August 2006 |title=A Public Affair |url=https://www.amazon.com/Public-Affair-Jessica-Simpson/dp/B000GIXIAK |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070329222601/https://www.amazon.com/Public-Affair-Jessica-Simpson/dp/B000GIXIAK |archive-date=March 29, 2007 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |via=Amazon}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Japan
| September 27, 2006
| Sony BMG
| EICP 664
| <ref>{{cite web |date=27 August 2006 |title=A Public Affair |url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/Public-Affair-Jessica-Simpson/dp/B000GIXIAK/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813004334/https://www.amazon.co.jp/Public-Affair-Jessica-Simpson/dp/B000GIXIAK |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |website=Amazon |language=Japanese }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
| February 12, 2007
| [[RCA Label Group|RCA]]
| rowspan="1"| 88697059592
| <ref>{{Cite news |date=February 10, 2007 |title=Music Week |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2007/Music-Week-2007-02-10.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231055617/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2007/Music-Week-2007-02-10.pdf |archive-date=December 31, 2021 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |page=40}}</ref>
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Jessica Simpson}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Public Affair, A}}
[[Category:2006 albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Greg Kurstin]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Scott Storch]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Stargate]]
[[Category:Epic Records albums]]
[[Category:Jessica Simpson albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Cory Rooney]]