Irresistible (Jessica Simpson Song)

Irresistible (Jessica Simpson Song)

"Irresistible" is a song by American recording artist Jessica Simpson that Sony Music released on April 12, 2001, as the lead single from her second studio album of the same name. Its title and concept were proposed by singer-songwriter Pamela Sheyne, while Arnthor Birgisson, an acquaintance of Sony chief executive officer Tommy Mottola, and his partner Anders Bagge developed the melody and co-wrote the verses with Sheyne. The lyrics are more sexually suggestive than Simpson's previous songs.

The song, composed in the key of C major, is a mid-tempo R&B number with dance-pop and funk influences. Instruments featured in the song include strings, synthesizers, percussion, and acoustic piano. The lyrics center on the tension between a young woman's sexual desires and her inhibitions. A So So Def remix of the piece features Lil' Bow Wow and Jermaine Dupri, and incorporates samples of Kool & the Gang's "Jungle Boogie" (1973).

The accompanying music video, directed by Simon Brand, has a James Bond theme and features scenes of Simpson dressed as a spy. A music video for the So So Def remix was also filmed, featuring appearances by Dupri and Lil' Bow Wow inter-cut with scenes of Simpson. She performed the song as part of the set list of her DreamChaser Tour (2001) and Reality Tour (2004). The single was also promoted with live performances on various televised appearances and the MTV Total Request Live Tour (2001). "Irresistible" was featured on the Disney Channel Original Series Lizzie McGuire (2001).

Critics gave "Irresistible" mostly negative reviews noting the similarity to Pink's "There You Go" (2000). Although a few praised the song for its theme and production, most criticized Simpson's singing style, the sexual nature of the song's lyrics, and the over-use of digital sound enhancers. The song reached number eleven on the UK Singles Chart and number fifteen on the United States Billboard Hot 100, while peaking within the top twenty in nine other countries. Despite not charting within the top twenty in Australia, it was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of more than 35,000 copies within the country. The song ranked on the Billboard Hot 100 and Australian year-end charts at numbers sixty-three and fifty, respectively.