Ashlee Simpson

Bittersweet World

Geffen

Deidra Lunardon (CHARTattack)

04/22/2008 3:49pm

Even Ashlee Simpson's engagement to and rumoured pregnancy with Fall Out Boy rocker Pete Wentz can't save her miserable "music" career. Her third record, Bittersweet World, is just that — bittersweet. The intro track and first single "Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)" seems somewhat promising. While its lyrics lack any depth or thought, its infectious beat makes it hard to resist. Many of the over-produced songs depict her relationship with the tattoo-covered Wentz and how she's daddy's little girl. "Hot Stuff" stands out for all the wrong reasons. It's about how she thinks she's hot, which may play to dance party tweens in the 'burbs, but won't earn her any cred. The mess ends with the piano-driven "Never Dream Alone," which seems heartfelt, but is so generically written that it makes no impact. Simpson apparently produced and co-wrote every track on this album, which counts for something, I guess. But to charge actual money for this is a crime. Sorry Ash, three strikes and you're out.