Ashlee Simpson is back, as plastic as ever
Ashlee Simpson, Jessica's lip-syncing little sister, returns with her third album, Bitttersweet World, in stores today. Like her previous two releases, the new CD is transparent and very trend-conscious. Simpson also tweaks her persona, something she has done with each album. As suggested on Bittersweet World's cover shot, where Simpson sports a red hoody, the singer is going for a more rebellious look. Thanks to cosmetic surgery, she doesn't look as gawky as she did on the covers of her last albums. But still, everything about this moody-rebel-girl makeover reeks of artificiality.
And the same is true about the music. Simpson's colorless voice adds absolutely nothing to the admittedly catchy tracks, which recycle just about every trend heard on mainstream pop radio. You get faux punk, lightweight R&B workouts and, of course, fizzy teen-pop concoctions. Simpson bites huge chunks out of other people's styles, namely Gwen Stefani and Rihanna.
She was smart to surround herself with sought-after producers, including pop newcomer Santogold and Chad Hugo of the Neptunes. But because Simpson's voice is so lacking in character, none of the 11 songs on Bittersweet World ever takes off.
(Photo by Evan Agostini / Associated Press)
Comments
Ashlee is a no-talent like her sister. Their freako dad is just trying to make a buck off of them and their boobs.
Posted by: Joe | April 22, 2008 1:02 PM
You are ery critical and have no clue what makes decent music
Posted by: shelly jones | April 22, 2008 2:53 PM
Ashlee just performed on Dancing With the Stars tonight... I thought her voice was lush, and full of melody, rhythm and fun. The band was right on point and sounded great. No problem if she sounds a little like Gwen; there is nothing harsh about her execution, it is more inviting and soothing than anything Stefani has sung. I found Ashlee's sound and performance to be very uplifting!
Posted by: Nan | April 23, 2008 12:37 AM
Do you guys get off to bashing Her...jeez give her a break i think shes awsome...and her dad is awsome for supporting and being there for both of them...some people dont even have a father at all so just because there lucky doesnt mean you have to be jealous of them there both beautiful and successful...and so what if ashlee got a little nose job...people get that stuff done all the time..so guys just because you dont like them and whatever you think keep that [deleted] to yourselfs.. you know there real people (not plastic) and if i heard people say stuff like that it would really hurt my feelings so think a little harder next time when you put stuff like that on the internet..your guys have nothing better to do with your time get a freaking life!
Posted by: Crystal James | April 23, 2008 3:00 PM
i LOVE Ashlee's new album it is so great i love "little miss obsessive" it rocks!
Ashlee
Posted by: Ashlee | April 23, 2008 3:43 PM
This article is very harsh and wrong. I've seen her in concert and she puts on an amazing show and has pulled through despite all the rumors and bashing from heartless writers like you. Just because she is wearing a red hoody also does not reflect on her ability or talent as an artist. It's just a hoody. Get over yourself and stop trying to overanalyize her album cover clothing. Her new album is catchy, raw, and fun!
Posted by: bonnie | April 24, 2008 5:00 AM
Way to harsh!!
ashlee is amzaing!!!!!!!!
you dont know what your talking about!!!
Posted by: sam | April 24, 2008 1:45 PM
I completely agree with the review. Ashlee makes lacklustre music and contributes nothing to the already lame music of today.
And she's fake on top of that and has no clue who she is.
Posted by: Liz | April 24, 2008 5:29 PM
I agree w/ the very first comment. And NO ONE compares to Gwen Stefani. Except maybe Madonna, and Marilyn Monroe (obviously). And if you have something to say about her last album, HELLOOOO she was more devoted to her newly born BABYYY helloooooo???? Good mother > career.
Posted by: Gwen Fan | May 12, 2008 3:07 AM