Jessica Simpson goes country on new album

By LINDSEY KASTNING

After two years of fighting to move on from love gone sour, Jessica Simpson has placed her pop vocal days on the shelf.

With the release of her new album “Do You Know,” Simpson is now trying to expand into the country music world.

On the album, Simpson uses the familiar title “Come On Over,” but the song is nothing like country singing sensation Shania Twain. However, the song holds true to Simpson’s cute and upbeat personality.

“Leave your dishes in the sink/ leave your laundry on the floor / and just come on over,” are cute lyrics that only Simpson could make sound passionate.

Through the track “Remember That,” Simpson does hold close to the mature sound of Carrie Underwood, but Simpson still seems unable to fully shake the pop-star vocals.

She does redeem herself in the following track, “Pray Out Loud,” as she belts out a tune that sounds like a comforting southern lullaby. It is definitely a song Reba McEntire would be proud of as Simpson clings to McEntire’s way of singing to the heart through calming vocal strains.

One of the worst tracks on the album is “Sipping on History.” It’s disappointing that Simpson even attempts to match the profound style of instrumentalism and vocals that June Carter Cash performed with. The song is no blast from the past, but the concept of attributing such a legendary artist is a kind gesture.

Of all the tracks, “Still Beautiful” holds the deepest message, but sounds like a knock-off of Martina McBride’s tune “This One’s for the Girls.” Jessica does manage to sound similar to McBride on this track as she speaks about true beauty and holding on to who you are when the world tells you that you are no longer beautiful.

To end the album with a bang, the title track features Dolly Parton and really holds tight to the heartfelt southern twang. As Parton’s and Simpson’s voices combine, there is strength in the sound that neither could find on their own. While Parton’s voice has faded from what it once was, the duet proves that both women work well as part of a team. It is the one track on the album where Jessica finally manages to pull off the true country voice.

While Simpson’s voice does not consistently maintain the true tonal sounds of a great country artist, the album is enjoyable.

Should Simpson stick to her pop-star roots? Time will tell.