Pop-rock singer Ashlee Simpson (23) has gathered a lot of hype around her junior album entitled, “Bittersweet World.” Following the success of two top charting records, “Autobiography” and “I Am Me”, Simpson has since made a transition from pop-rock to a more eighties driven dance record. With top notch producers such as Kenna, Chad Hugo and Timbaland behind the boards, it is no wonder why the first single off the album “Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)” has successfully captivated the entire essence of record.


The second single off the album compliments a different aspect of Simpson. The “I’m not over you” break up ballad-- “Little Miss Obsessive”-- features guest vocals from Plain White T’s vocalist, Tom Higgenson, adding a nice harmonic touch and sincere depth of the pains of a break-up. The theme in Simpson’s new found genre seems to be, surprise. Continuously this singer/songwriter intrigues the listener with different aspects of her personality, something that she has never quite revealed before. Sparking laughter with the song, “Hot Stuff,” shows Simpson’s artist versatility—she is not just limited to a singer but she is also a very good actress.


No album would be complete without a little lash to the public. Simpson makes a claim that, “you don’t let me breathe who I am” with rock distortion in the song, “What I’ve Become,” that is undeniably aimed at the paparazzi.


“Rule Breaker” and “Rag Doll” are still filled with the (s)punk and attitude that Simpson became known for back in the days of “Autobiography” and “I Am Me.” She remains true to herself even through her experiment of sound.


It seems to be a reoccurring trait in all of Simpson’s albums—ending with a ballad that shows vocal improvement and maturity. In this particular album, she ends with a song entitled, “Never Dream Alone.” It’s a nice touch that slows down the dance party. With hints of orchestra strings and piano, Simpson’s rawness is captivating making it an eloquent ending to a “Bittersweet World.”


For a first time at “off the hook beats”, Simpson has a good flow and conquers diversity in all aspects of music. This record is, defiantly without a question, a let-your-hair-down album.