Well this opinion is a bit harsh. In listing the “Crappiest Albums of 2008″ they picture both Do You Know and Bittersweet World right at the top.

I know neither album sold as well as their previous releases, but still. The worst? I don’t think so.

First of all, Jessica’s first single “Come on Over” was a hit. The trouble was that it was the only hit off of the album. The article says this about the album, “Jessica Simpson’s stinker, Do You Know, dropped off the face of the earth (aka the Billboard Top 100) in only six weeks.”

Ouch!

Little sister Ashlee didn’t get any more kudos either. They said of Bittersweet World, “as toxic as her sister’s album, the effects of its radiation cloud will be felt for generations.” However, the album did sell over 50,000 in the first weekend alone.

Besides that, I genuinely liked the music of Bittersweet World. Must be that 80s thing, but I really did enjoy the music. Who could get “Outta My Head” out of their head? Not me.

Did you guys purchase either Jessica or Ashlee’s albums this year? If so, what did you think?

Image: Bauer-Griffin

Ever since Jessica Simpson has gone country, she has worn some of the most ridiculous outfits on stage!

Take this get up that she had on at the San Manuel Bingo and Casino the night before last.

Image credit: splashnewsonline.com.

Is that a bandana? A tablecloth?

Jessica Simpson has a very nice interview over at CMT in which they talk to her about things like the songwriting process, her crossover to country, and even food. Jess is a southern girl who likes to chow! She said some of her favorites in Nashville are “Radius 10’s tater tots and chicken and shrimp and grits, and Mafiaoza’s fried appetizers.”

Jess comes across very sweet and down-to-earth. Check out the entire interview here.

Congratulations to Rashell, who is the winner of Jessica Simpson’s new country album, Do You Know!

Now THAT’S the way to start a weekend!

Rashell said, “I love jessica, shes so independent. I would love to win a copy of her cd.”

Thanks to everyone who entered our contest. We’ll have another giveaway starting later today, so be sure to check back.

Image used with permission from splashnewsonline.com.

Jessica Simpson did an interview with Country 102.5 studios recently and talked with Carolyn Kruse about her new CD “Do You Know.” She chatted about her Grand Ole Opry debut, her acting career, and she also joked about the People Magazine cover that said, “How I Found Love.” And it just wouldn’t be an interview without talking about Tony Romo either!

The great part about this interview for Jessica fans is that she sings a couple songs from her new album. In this clip she sings “Pray Out Loud” live. You’ll also get a glimpse of Jess’s dog Daisy who sits right on the table in front of her.

I thought Jessica sounded great, didn’t you? In this clip she sings “You’re My Sunday,” the song she wrote for her man Tony.

Jessica Simpson performed at the L.A. County Fair in Pomona last night, and her little sister Ashlee was in attendance to cheer her on. Ashlee came with Pete Wentz, of course, and by all the accounts the two had a fabulous time. Here’s some photos of Ashlee and Pete snapping shots for Jess’s scrapbook.

And more great photos from Jessica’s performance.

And some video:

It’s official! Jessica Simpson’s first country album, Do You Know, is a hit. It debuted at #1 on the country charts and sold 65,000 copies its first week, according to MSNBC. Her single “Come on Over” went as high at 18th on the charts.

Here’s the scoop directly from MSNBC:

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 did an interview the other night on the show GAC Nights. They interviewed her about her album, life, and music. The interviewer was very charming and engaging, so it was easy for Jessica to open up. (Not that she needs any help in that department!)

She starts out talking about her transition to country music, and how she’s relaxed yet excited about making this new record. She said this time she didn’t make a record to sell copies or make money, but because that’s what “her heart needed to do.” Here’s more of the first part of her interview:

In the second part of the interview, she starts by talking about making Do You Know with Dolly Parton. Then the interview transitions to talk about her Christian background, and wanting to be a Christian artist. She chats about life and why things happen the way they do, and also about her “the man she’s in love with right now” and writing a single about him. Enjoy the second part of the interview:

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.