Spring '08 LPs From Madonna, Coldplay, The Roots, Mudcrutch, Elvis Costello : Rolling Stone

Ashlee Simpson

Bittersweet World 4/22

"It could be a good summer record," says Simpson, reflecting on her bubblegummy, beat-driven third album. "It's a record to listen to when the girls are getting ready to go out." With help from producers including Timbaland, Kenna and Chad Hugo, Simpson ditched her guitar-pop approach this time around in favor of a danceable sound influenced by Eighties acts, from Missing Persons to Siouxsie and the Banshees. "It was just exploring something new," she says. "Who knows what direction I'll go next?"