“Bittersweet World” – Ashlee Simpson

Rating: 3/10

Ashlee Simpson’s third album, “Bittersweet World,” fails to sound bittersweet, and instead, just sounds… well, sweet. The ’80s are alive and well throughout the album, mixing electronica with repetitive, two-dimensional lyrics.

“Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)” sounds like a cheerleading squad joining forces with Ace of Base. Thank the music gods for the title, or there wouldn’t be much indication of what she’s singing about.

“Boys” comes next, along with a striking visual of Simpson skipping through a mall with a handful of shopping bags comes to mind. This album would make a great gift for a 14 or 15-year-old cousin. It’ll fit their musical maturity level, yet it won’t be heard blaring from any angst-filled bedroom doors in the gift-giver’s house.

If that track wasn’t indicative of whom this album would best suit, “Rule Breaker” is number three. Lyrics like “I just wanna color outside the lines” and “Some say I’m a black sheep / because I like to sleep late” make one feel like Charles Manson. If that’s breaking the rules, then the world is seriously screwed.

The album fails to resonate with listeners of all ages. Simpson sings of wanting to stay true to herself – definitely a lifelong pursuit – yet falls short of writing strong lyrics.

Repetition and electronica worked in the ’80s, and people still enjoy the era’s music for said reason. However, Simpson is writing for today’s audience, and they’ve heard it before.

The album’s first single, “Little Miss Obsessive,” is reminiscent of Britney Spears’ early days. The pained, yet innocent break-up anthem, is always a sure-shot with pop stars. It’s the first song on the album that seems to have a purpose, even if it’s a naive one. While it still exhibits the same “poppy” repetition as the rest of the album, at least there’s some variety.

The album’s title track takes an unexpected dive into what sounds like jazz, but the lyrics still lack passion.

The song, like the rest of the album, is too upbeat to reflect a bittersweet world.

It’s uncertain what kind of world Simpson’s singing about. If the world depicted in the album is truly bittersweet, she’s living somewhere between author Judy Blume and “Doug.”

Whatever it is, it sounds like a cakewalk.