Jessica Simpson talks about the writing of “Come on Over” on Myspace on the following video clip. She said it was a fun song to write, because it really just came from girl talk. She was sitting with two other female writers, and they all started talking about love and missing their men. Jessica talked about Tony, and how she “wanted to kiss that smile” that was on his face.” (Which is a line from the chorus.)

Jess feels that the song is infectious and easy to learn, and that’s one reason it has become such a big hit. She says every woman can relate to a song like this because everyone has been apart from someone special. Here’s the rest of her interview:

Jessica Simpson has a lot to be proud of these days. She’s got a new #1 album and by all accounts has made the transition into country music successfully. But the thing Jessica is most proud of is having Tony Romo as her boyfriend.

Jess tells People magazine that “Tony is a great quarterback, but he’s a better boyfriend” and “I’m seriously proud of myself for letting him into my life.”

She also said “Through all the chaos and torment and everything I go through, I can lay in his arms and finally rest.” Then she went on to talk about farting in bed. Again.

Chaos?…. okay, I’m down with that one. Torment, however, what the heck is she tormented about?

Besides all that, does anyone else besides me cringe when she talks about Tony? Because to me it’s the TMI about Nick all over again. I’m totally happy that she’s found her guy (if indeed she’s saying she has) but I think she needs to keep some things to herself in order to make them special for just her and Tony. The way she goes on and on about love makes her seem like an immature school girl and probably only serves to get Tony some flack from his teammates.

Jessica Simpson lent her voice to the 5th Annual Nina’s Night Out in Las Vegas last week to help raise money for The Rape Crisis Center. She told one source, “It’s important to make a stand for women’s rights. If I can get up there and be any inspiration to women, I am blessed to have that opportunity.”

Here’s some great pictures and video from that event.

Have you purchased Jessica Simpson’s debut country album, Do You Know?

It seems to me as if critics have been harsher on Jessica’s new album than perhaps her fans are. Recently I’ve read reviews like these:

Jon Caramancia of the New York Times gave the album 2 1/2 stars and said:

“Ignore that this album was made by Simpson, and it’s still utterly competent. Acknowledge that — especially given her history of making unmemorable pop songs — and it almost qualifies as an accomplishment. Almost.”

Monica Cady from LiveDaily said:

“Do You Know” is a sweet, easy-moving collection of songs that never really conjure up any strong emotions. While Simpson has certainly mastered the art of singing, she may need to spend a little more time in Nashville to get some genuine country spirit into her music.”

She also said, “Do You Know,” forgoes rich storytelling and genuine heart in exchange for pop-driven, nondescript vocal showcases.”

Rolling Stone gave Do You Know three out of five stars, and said “digging into her country roots for Do You Know is the most strong-footed move that Jessica Simpson — or her ever-present dad-ager, Joe — has ever made.”

Entertainment Weekly gave Jess a C+, saying:

“…while it’s nice to hear her pipes free of breathless pop production, it’s a shame she ran with such bland, emotionally self-indulgent material for Do You Know. And though teaming up with frequent Carrie Underwood songwriter Hillary Lindsey for five tracks was a savvy move, we already have a Carrie Underwood, honey…and she probably turned these songs down.”

The more I read these reviews, the more I see a theme. Reviewers seem to refer back to Jess’ pop roots, making a transition to country something that will take more than a record or two. I see a couple references, which in the light of the “Real Girls Eat Meet” whoopla could mean people are blaming Jess for that made up little rivalry, and I see some reviewers that just don’t seem to believe Jess is in country for the long haul.

Jessica has done a remarkable job with pre-album interviews and appearances, though. Here’s a typical interview she’s done, where she talks about the new album, the recording process, and whether her crossover effort will be a success:

Her fans, however, may make all these somewhat reviews a mute point. While some are complaining that Jessica’s pop background is coming through a little too much on Do You Know, other fans may think it’s a good thing. That she hasn’t “strayed” too much from what people have already loved about her music in the past. I’m curious to hear from her fans. Have you purchased Do You Know? And if so, what do you think?

Jessica Simpson’s trip to New York last week was a successful one. She did tons of appearances, and with the exception of a couple “ooops” moments she really gave her new album Do You Know a boost in the publicity front. Here she is leaving her New York hotel and heading home.

Images used with permission from splashnewsonline.com.

Jessica Simpson was on the The View this week, and talked about her new album, her boyfriend Tony Romo, and all her various products. The View ladies were really gushing over her, and when she sat down Joy Behar told her she was the “Jane Mansfield” of today. Jess didn’t seem to know who that was really, but it was a compliment (if an odd one.)

Jess talked about making the record, being emotional, and clears up some common misconceptions about her. She also did a true and false segment with Barbara Walters, where Barbara asked her if she had changed her email and voicemail so old boyfriends couldn’t contact her (true), if she was moving in with Tony Romo (Jess said “no comment”), and if she was currently pregnant (she said no.)

Barbara also asked her why she talks so much about being in love, and Jessica said she just kind of blabbed on and on in the interview and it was supposed to be about her new album and instead she ended up talking about Tony.

Jess also admitted that she hasn’t really bought her sister Ashlee anything for the new baby yet! For shame! What is she waiting for? Sheesh.

The View ladies discussed her shoes (they all seem to be a fan of the Jessica Simpson brand), her perfume, and what would make her walk away from “all this.” Jess said the products give her the financial support where she can make music and not have to worry about making money at it.

Another open and honest interview. Take a listen:

Images used with permission from splashnewsonline.com.

Jessica is doing all kinds of interviews these days about her new album. In this interview with E!, she talks about writing “Your My Sunday” for boyfriend Tony Romo. She also says the writers of the album used parts of her journal entries to help craft some of the songs so they were made more personal to her.

When asked about Tony’s singing skills, she laughed. She said “they’re working on it.” (We all know Tony has a really bad voice.) She also said she’ll be at Tony’s games even if she has to wear a disguise.

Jessica Simpson was on the GAC (Great American Country) show “On the Streets” recently talking about her new album. She said the album is mostly about love (love lost, love gained) and that her favorite song is the title track because she gets to sing it with Dolly Parton (who also wrote it.)

She also gave an interview with CMT recently, where she talked about being grateful for the chance to sing again, this time in a country genre. The one thing that struck me is that she said for the first three songs of every performance now she’s trying to win over the audience and get their approval. Some critics have said that’s one thing they don’t care for in her performance, but I guess I can see why she does it. She’s bounced around in a lot of different genres and really needs to convince country people that she’s not going to do it again.

I just mentioned that Jessica Simpson’s album Do You Know dropped today, and naturally that means I want to give a copy to one lucky reader!

(You didn’t think I’d forget about you all during this very happy event, did you?)

From everything I’ve heard about the record, it has some genuine hits. Even if you’re not a country fan, Jessica’s voice sounds amazing on many of these tracks and I think you’ll enjoy it. To preview some of the songs, head on over to the previous post.

If you’d like to win, leave a comment on this post by Thursday, September 25th. I’ll choose a winner at random and announce the lucky guy or gal the next day. Good luck!

I was listening to my local radio show, Bob and Brian this morning, which I’ve done for oh…. ten or fifteen years or so. And on Friday’s they have music expert Gary Graff on.

Gary always has great opinions and information on stuff happening, so my ears perked up at the mention of Jessica Simpson playing the Grand Ole Opry with Loretta Lynn tonight. Gary said Jessica had indeed been booed at a couple of her concerts, but that the Country Thunder booing was most likely about the fact she told a bunch of Wisconsinites (and Packer fans) that the Dallas Cowboys rock.

She needs to stop talking about Tony Romo during her stage performances. At least for awhile. She should just present herself and her new record and leave it at that.

Anyways, Gary Graff did say Jessica was “being smart about” breaking into country, in the sense that she was doing the smaller county fairs and getting some major duets with people like Dolly Parton. And now with this Opry appearance, that should certainly help the sales of her record.

If you’d like to see it, the Opry airs lives on GAC at 8:00 p.m. CST tonight. I’ll be tuning in and hope you will, too.

Image used with permission from Newscom.