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The younger Simpson is no longer living in her sister’s shadow. With her personal life making headlines for the right reasons, and her music career soaring, things for Ashlee are bittersweet. Ashlee’s rebellious nature and refusal to be the person people think she should be, has allowed her to create an album worth listening to. Fans will be delighted with the mix of attitude and vulnerability that is Bittersweet World.
The album’s first single, Outta My Head, has an infectious chorus and an amazing concept video which puts Ashlee in a fantasy world. The title track is a stand out, with the clicking beat and vocal style giving off an old school jazz vibe. Ashlee’s vocals shine on the slower tracks Little Miss Obsessive and No Time For Tears, with Boys and What I’ve Become sure to get your feet moving. Stating the obvious in Rulebreaker, this track is a little over zealous and Hot Stuff is more talking than singing. Younger fans will love Ashlee’s outspoken attitude on these tracks but they are a bit immature. Stripped back to just a piano, strings and vocals, Never Dream Alone beautifully reveals Ashlee’s vulnerability with every inflection heard in this honest performance.
Fans will be happy about the inclusion of the bonus track Invisible, Ashlee’s power single from 2006, previously unreleased on an album. Standout tracks include Ragdoll, No Time For Tears and Bittersweet World, making it clear why Hot Stuff and Murder are towards the end of the track list.
Showing Ashlee’s growth from her previous releases, Autobiography and I Am Me, Bittersweet World is the perfect blend of melodic pop and girl power attitude that is sure to please fans, old and new. The future is bright for Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, who will never be living in a shadow again.
Review by Alexandra Hartshorn |
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