Album Review: Ashlee Simpson "Bittersweet World"

Being the MTV reality sister-of-a-star that she is, Ashlee Simpson is out to truly define herself on her third effort Bittersweet World, which strays from the comfortable pop/rock sound of her first two outings. Jessica is no longer the 'Newlywed' star she once was, so Ashlee doesn't have to be the rebellious answer to her sister's girl-next-door image any longer. Ashlee is ready to make the music she wants to make ... & it certainly makes for an interesting listen.

I'm not gonna lie: I really like Ashlee's first two albums, so the idea that she would mess with a formula that was working wasn't my ideal situation at first, but I became open to the idea. For anyone who has heard Simpson's first single off her new project, "Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)," the difference is obvious. I must say that I liked the quirkiness of her new sound when the single hit--& especially so because I respected Ashlee for it. If that's the music she wants to make, more power to her because it becomes evident, looking back, that she was in need of a bit of a change musically, considering she had gone about as far as she could go with the old sound. With Bittersweet World, the new sound works too, as the album gets rolling strong with one of its better & more radio-friendly cuts, "Boys."

It's not all rainbows & butterflies, however, with "Rule Breaker" & "Little Miss Obsessive," the album's Tom Higginson (of the Plain White T's)-assisted second single (of sorts). While I can't blame her for the written material, the songs are more obnoxious than enjoyable; Ashlee just seems to be trying too hard at times. However, "No Time For Tears"--a track that is sandwiched between the two aforementioned cuts--is rather good ... &, interestingly enough, resembles Simpson's old material more than most of the other songs. The thankfully lovable funkiness does reappear in "Ragdoll" & continues in the title track "Bittersweet World," which--dare I say it--even features some interesting (in a good way) vocals. My favorite cut on the album is "What I've Become"--the other song which features a resemblance to her earlier material, but provides a nice mesh of the two sounds. It offers a dynamic of sorts, unfortunately, to my least favorite song: "Hot Stuff." Ashlee, please don't rap. Please.

A song some may be familiar with--in some form or another--is "Murder," which features Izza Kizza. In its finalized version, this track offers one of the better examples of why Ashlee's new sound works. An Ashlee Simpson song that incorporates hip-hop? By all means, it shouldn't work--but it does. "Murder" is a refreshing offering from a creative (yes, I said it!) artist. I also must say: Ashlee Simpson has got to be the best person at ending albums. "Never Dream Alone" is a very nice ballad that leaves the listener entranced & wanting more.

Bittersweet World is a tricky one. When its bad, it makes the listener wonder if Ashlee's critics are right, but when its good, its really, really good--especially for anyone willing to give it a shot. The good definitely outways the bad in both quality & quantity. Here's to yet another artist overlooked by way too many for no real reason whatsoever.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars