Reality Check for Jessica Simpson
Let's see. First Jessica Simpson was just Jessica Simpson. The major mega super pop star. Then she had a reality series. Then she played Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard. Then she was a hair care tycoon, handbag designer, ProActiv spokesperson, and (gasp!) country singer. And now, another reality series? She's bouncing all over the place. Sometime next year she will be hosting The Price of Beauty on MTV. It sounds like a combination beauty/fashion magazine and an excuse for Simpson to travel the world. She will talk with everyday international women and check out their fashions and beauty routines. And maybe pick up a few tips she will share with viewers along the way. If the show takes her down to, say, Puerto Rico, I think her next stop is inevitable: She will come home and make a Latin pop record.
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Katy says:
Pretty cool post. I just found your site and wanted to say
that I’ve really liked browsing your blog posts. In any case
I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you post again soon!
JH says:
I assume this show is targeted towards teenage girls and girls in their twenties, or so. As a girl in her early twenties, I’m personally looking forward to this show. Everyday girls are pressured by media and glammed women to look perfect, no matter what it takes. Despite any criticism given to Jessica, this show should inspire girls to feel comfortable as who they are. It’s about time someone in the media uses their fame to send a positive message.
gayle says:
She cannot find her place!!!!
casey says:
just another sad attempt at keeping her name in the tabloids. when will she realize nobody cares about her or what she supposedly thinks (if she even has a thought in that space between her ears).
Redmaz says:
She’s a Pop Culture Celebrity, and fits in with that type of Country Music perfectly. Bottom line is she’s really no different than the rest of the young blondes dominating this genre. TS, CU JH, KP. Assembly line music for the masses.
Harmonious Monk a.k.a Southern Buddah says:
I see through the forest… She’s very passionate, sexy and vibrant. There’s a bigger picture here. She has a plan. This is just the next step into the future.
She’s going to do what she wants regardless of the public opinions. I can guarantee… you’ll all be watching her, regardless of her ever-changing style, intentions or visions… it’s entertainment.
BTW. I thought the POP Country CD was great. Probably your strongest creative move to date… Lead, don’t follow.
amy says:
i love jessica and can’t wait to see this show. i’ve missed her on tv..
kayefun says:
I’m really glad this ‘venue’ opened up for Jessica Simpson and wish her the best having success with it!
B.W. LaRoy says:
GOTTA LOVE HER!
S says:
Maybe Taylor Swift’s dad can adopted her. Then he can buy her a music career.
Chris N. says:
I’m starting to think Redmaz just dislikes blondes in general.
countryiscool says:
Nah Chris, just blonde pop country. I’m sure there MUST be a blonde Americana/Roots singer somewhere.
solongsowrong says:
Most Americana females are more interested in showing the Roots of their music, than trying to hiding the roots of their natural hair color.
But yes, they’re out there. Alison Krauss immediately comes to mind.
Redmaz says:
So…does that mean you may be interested in checking out some new female Americana/Roots singers/songwriters? here’s a few for you(oh…and they’re blonde too) I think it’s way over due for Sara Hamilton to come out with a new CD. Have you heard her? You can check a few of her tunes from her debut CD “Call My Name” on her myspace page. She’s a wonderful country singer/songwriter. Then of course there’s Sunny Sweeney (Country Music’s Sweetheart). I dare anyone to say she ain’t Country! You can check out Sunny’s myspace page too. I also wanted to mention Holly Williams. She is the half sister of Hank Williams III. She has a brand new CD out. Check them out, and let me know what you think. Thanks.
countryiscool says:
Were you directing your comments to ME Red? I have checked out the Americana channel on TV, don’t remember who was blonde or not, pay little attention to that. I remember liking MOST of what I heard.
Redmaz says:
I’m directing this to anyone with a sense of adventure, and are willing to listen with an open mind to all of todays music. Are you familiar with Sara Hamilton, Sunny Sweeney, and Holly Williams? Who are some of your favorite Americana/Roots artists? Just curious to what else you’re listening to. thanks
countryiscool says:
Sorry, I’m not familiar enough with names right now being a nubie to the Americana station. I only know the names from some of the blogs but I well could have heard them. I will have to pay more attention to specific artists, and will bear in mind the ones you mentioned here. Thanks Red!
wilhelmina says:
I thought Jessica’s “country” album was good. If it is good enough for Dolly Parton, it is good enough for me!
carmen says:
“If the show takes her down to, say, Puerto Rico, I think her next stop is inevitable: She will come home and make a Latin pop record”.
funny!! LOL!!..:)
Oh jessica,jessica…
by the way she is not like taylor or carrie someone mentioned that “LOL” HAHA…NOT TRUE!
1. carrie can sing her butt off like no other, she can sell a record like no other she wins awards shes respected and she is going places in her career..her place in country music is solid plus she can sing did i say that already?
2. taylor can write her own music which always goes to #1, she can play an instrument, she may not be the best singer but she is respected in her own right.
julianne h. and kellie p. are more like in jessica’s category only difference is they come off real and not fake county wannabe’s like jessica.
anonymous says:
CMT doesn’t like Jessica but they have no problem using her for action on there site when they need some activity.
Interesting you have many of these young blondes out there doing creative things & thats lal ok. There branching into different areas but the minute Jessica does she is not dealing with reality. What a laugh & so hypocritical don’t you think. Jessica has been in this game a lot longer than any of these women & seeing as Coutry & music in general is ever evloving the catagorys change all the time. Your not going to seriously tell me that the new country blondes are true country are you. LOL Please now that is not dealing with reality. lol funny how some are allowed to doa little rock & roll & some heavy metal & its all so wonderful & to be accepted but just don’t let Jessica branch out & live her life. If she was all the bad she wouldn’t be where she is folks & if you want to talk real you better start with Jessica. there is not a friggin fake bone in her body she is putting out who she is.
Sue says:
No different? Fits perfectly???? LOL EARTH to Redmaz: You couldn’t be more wrong. If JS fits country why isn’t she still there? Because she doesn’t. Country fans didn’t like and didn’t buy JS album and that’s why it flopped. She’s also a bad performer and even forgets her own lyrics. JS doesn’t fit country music, period. She’s an average bubblegum pop singer and reality TV star who tried to go country because she was no longer doing well in pop. She flopped in country because she didn’t make a good enough album while the others you named are doing very well because they made far better albums. That’s why they were nominated for and won awards. In fact all the women made better albums than JS. I find it insulting to all women that you stereotyped “young blondes.” TS, CU, JH, and KP are very talented. JS isn’t in the same league or even the same planet. Next she will try Americana/roots and I’m sure she fits perfectly there with her deep dark roots and “blonde” hair. LOL
Sue says:
carmen says:
julianne h. and kellie p. are more like in jessica’s category only difference is they come off real and not fake county wannabe’s like jessica.
The differences are that julianne h. and kellie p. can sing, dance, write, make and sell albums, perform concerts, and win awards and JS can’t. Not in the same category at all, not even the same planet.
Redmaz says:
To Sue…You seem to be a bit confused as to what Pop Music is. Pop is not an individual genre of music, it’s an industry consisting of many genres, including Country with mass appeal to the masses that is overproduced and overplayed. Pop Music attempt to resonate with a large segment of it’s target demographics. Are you seriously trying to tell me that JS, TS, CU, KP, JH do NOT fit into this Pop industry? My statement has nothing to do with your or my personal preference in music or artists. This is what is called Basic Music Fundamentals. Surely you’re not suggesting any of these girls belong in Americana/Roots Music with Sara Hamilton, Sunny Sweeney, or Holly Williams are you? Have you took the time to listen to their music?
crystal says:
This show is nothing new. I have already seen shows about different cultures and beauty. I’m sorry, but this has been done to death and does not interest me. I can see this on the Learning and Discovery channels. I have also seen shows on how girls pressure themselves to look beautiful, nothing new there. Besides, I doubt Jessica will try anything that requires real work, when it comes to other cultures. I think she will be doing alot of que card reading.
hotelmotel says:
Sue says, —
The differences are that julianne h. and kellie p. can sing, dance, write, make and sell albums, perform concerts, and win awards and JS can’t. Not in the same category at all, not even the same planet.
Really? Julianne h and Kellie Pickler can “sell albums” and JS can’t? Simpson has released albums that went 3x platinum and 2x platinum. Kellie Pickler doesn’t have a platinum album. Neither does Hough.
There are more Simpson albums sold than Hough and Pickler albums, combined.
julianne says:
why is carrie underwoood being placed in the same category as jessica simpson…i am so confused on that.
carrie has an amazing vocal range she sings like an angel she is very talented, she has an awesome successfull career not to mention her awards, endorsements, record sales, you name it she has it going on…
jessica has a failed pop career, she’s a reality tv star, country pop failed her,failed actress, the only thing she has going for her is her collection..shes been in the bizz for 10 years now and she still cant define herself in music, and 10 years later and she still cant pull off what carrie has done in the 4years.
seriously people carrie and jessica do not belong in the same league, carrie surpasses her in every aspect.
carrie is a wonderful country-pop artist, shes writing and she has grown everytime she tours, the sky is the limit for her and the best thing is whether you like her not people respect her, cant say the same for jessica.
julianne says:
the problem w/jessica is that she’s all over the place one minute she doing pop,the next country,now a reality show, it seems she doesnt fit anywhere and no one takes her seriously because they think of her as a pretty dum blonde with big boobs and she’s just a pretty face to look at and someone to laugh about because of the stupid things that come out of her mouth. no one takes her music serious, she’s not that bad vocally she isnt as bad as britney but she isnt as good as christina either shes mediocre and her records dont sell especially her acting that has to stop. when jessica’s looks fade then she will fade, her career is not good enough for anyone to take her seriously and she definitely is not as talented as her competition out there in the country pop world…she may sing better then taylor but lets face it taylor is the better musician, carrie will put her to shame, miranda is awesome, leann is crazy amazing, and julianne and kellie sound similiar but they work hard and at least they dont forget lyrics…is jessica the next shania or martina…”hell to the no”…shes more like a one hit wonder who hasnt gone away yet.
Redmaz says:
So julianne, you commented on everyone except Sara, Sunny, and Holly. Why is that? I was wondering what point you are trying to make? This really has nothing to do with your, mine or anyone’s personal preference. This is about basic music fundamentals. I’m not sure if you really understand what Pop music is either, and it’s obvious you have no idea what Roots music is, So what are you representing here? Simpson and Underwood are both Pop Culture celebrities. I don’t see how anyone can argue that fact. Whether you personally like one more than the other, at this point is insignificant.
hotelmotel says:
julianne - you say “no one takes her (Simpson’s) music serious”
I assume by “no one” you mean “you.” But if you can’t take Simpson’s music serious, how can you take Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift or Martina McBride’s music serious?
Simpsons pop-country album from 2008 was right down the middle top forty country radio fare. Not that different from any of the other acts on pop country radio right now.
The songs were written by Nashville mainstays such as Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Rachel Proctor, and others. The music and production were quite similar to that on other Nashville albums aimed at the mainstream. The only difference might be Simpson’s voice - but Simpon’s vocals, while not impressive, surely aren’t considerably worse than Shania Twain’s, Taylor Swift’s or Kellie Pickler’s or many other acts.
If you can’t take Jessica Simpson’s pop country album seriously then I don’t think you can take seriously 99% of the stuff on top 40 country radio (which is fine - most of it isn’t worth taking seriously, but then again, no need to single Simpson out as especially egregious).
Sue says:
hotelmotel says:
Simpson has released albums that went 3x platinum and 2x platinum.
Sure JS has those sales and how many years ago was that? Her last bubblegum pop album sold just 300,000. What happened? Can’t is present tense. I thought we were discussing JS venture into country music and I’m talking about now and more recently, not 10 years ago. Album sales have fallen drastically since the early 2000s and Pickler’s debut sold almost a million with none of the huge airplay JS had for her average pop songs. JS songs have had more and Pickler’s less airplay than deserved. Pop is bigger and less demanding of talent than country and anyone can make it big in pop and rap for awhile even if they can’t sing or write. Google “Jessica Simpson payola.” Don’t you find it strange that she sold millions of albums but has no real nominations or music awards?
Country fans are more demanding of talent. Hough’s debut sold 3 times JS and Pickler’s sold 3 times Hough’s. Pickler’s sophomore album is on the Billboard country top 25 at 8,000 a week and she has 2 gold singles. KP, TS, CU, and JH pop crossover songs are 100 times better than the best pop songs JS recorded. The song Pickler and Swift wrote is gold and the #6 selling country song.
Most of the newer country artists even the best don’t have platinum albums and except for Taylor and Carrie the women can’t get the airplay needed to sell a million. If you name all of the new country artists with platinum albums the past 5 years it’s going to be a very short list.
What does selling 5 million pop albums have to do with JS not making it in country? Her country album is weak and sold less than 100,000 or thereabouts and she’s no longer with a Nashville label. Her heart and talent were never in country music. She’s at the bottom of the pop to country cross over heap and Darius Rucker is at the top. I’m not bashing JS just telling it like it is and she’s doing well in other areas outside of country music.
Sue says:
Redmaz says:
Pop Music attempt to resonate with a large segment of it’s target demographics. Are you seriously trying to tell me that JS, TS, CU, KP, JH do NOT fit into this Pop industry?
You seem to have a little rage against the machine going on there. Good music is good music whether it’s pop, roots or whatever. I don’t have a problem with their music being popular. TS said she doesn’t write music with a particular demographic in mind she just writes what she thinks and same goes for the others.
Redmaz says:
So julianne, you commented on everyone except Sara, Sunny, and Holly. Why is that?
Maybe because it’s off topic, JS wasn’t trying to go Americana or roots and you lumped her in with TS, KP, JH, and CU. If you can’t tell the difference between JS songs and the others perhaps you need better listening skills. I hear it loud and clear.
Sue says:
hotelmotel says:
I assume by “no one” you mean “you.” But if you can’t take Simpson’s music serious, how can you take Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift or Martina McBride’s music serious?
Let’s see, because they are more talented, they sing better, some write great songs or play guitar, they record better songs and perform top notch concerts, sell out arenas and win awards. They are more focused on the music than talking about who they are dating.
The only difference might be Simpson’s voice - but Simpon’s vocals, while not impressive, surely aren’t considerably worse than Shania Twain’s, Taylor Swift’s or Kellie Pickler’s or many other acts.
You’re right, Simpson deserved CMA and ACM best new artist and female vocalist of the year nominations. What were they thinking????
If you can’t take Jessica Simpson’s pop country album seriously then I don’t think you can take seriously 99% of the stuff on top 40 country radio (which is fine - most of it isn’t worth taking seriously, but then again, no need to single Simpson out as especially egregious).
JS was the worst on top 40 country radio. Many songs are 100 times better.
Redmaz says:
Once again “sue” I’m not talking about good music or bad music. That’s a personal preference. Yes I have quite a bit of rage against the machine. In case you didn’t know. I’m an advocate for Americana/Roots music. I don’t have a problem with anyones music being popular either. However there is a big difference between Pop music, and music that is popular. Adam Hood’s CD has been on the charts for 106 weeks, Ryan Bingham, 88 weeks, Kathy Mattea, 67 weeks, Justin Townes Earle 63 weeks. That sounds popular to me. How many times have you heard this music on Mainstream Pop radio?
As far as lumping JS in with TS, CU,KP, JH. I didn’t do that. The industry did, and I agree. These are all Pop acts.
Once again you used the term Pop as an individual genre by saying “She’s at the bottom of the pop to country cross over heap and Darius Rucker at the top” That makes no sense. Are you saying these Pop acts moved over to Roots Country or Pop Country? You “sue” are out of your league here. Educate yourself and learn to diffenciate between Pop and Roots Music. If you are interested in learning…I will help. Thanks
hotelmotel says:
Sue - if you had said “Jessica Simpson’s pop country single was unimpressive,” I would agree. But I don’t think her single “Come on Over” was in any significant way “worse” than the Shania song “Come on Over” or Pickler’s “Things that Never Cross A Man’s Mind” or at least half the stuff currently on radio.
I’m in no way claiming that Simpson makes good music; but then again, I don’t see it as much worse than most of the pop country coming out of Nashville right now.
Also I strongly disagree that “Country fans are more demanding of talent” if by “country fans” you mean top 40 country radio fans. After all, many people who listen to top 40 country radio also listen to AC stations and even to pop rap station.
And in any case, the stuff played on top 40 country radio is hardly significantly better than the stuff played on other kinds of pop stations.
solongsowrong says:
Sue, your views of what constitutes Pop Music is so distorted, I’m not sure you’ll ever understand what Red and hotel are trying to tell you. As you’ve been told, they aren’t the ones who have lumped Simpson with the Mainstream Country crowd. That is where the industry has placed her. It doesn’t really matter how high or low it charted, or how much someone likes it or not. her music was played on commercial radio, right along with TS, CU, KP, & JH.
I listen to many genres of Country music. Simpson’s music wasn’t played on Texas or Red Dirt Country radio. She wasn’t played on any Bluegrass stations I listen to. I didn’t see where any of her music qualified for True Country, Alt. Country, or Western Swing…. nope, Roots/Americana Country ignored her music completely.
Whether you can tell the difference between Simpson’s music, and the rest of the top forty crowd is irrelevant, because it sounds more like THAT style of Country, than it does any of the Roots genres. It was placed right where…. by definition…. it belongs. You’re not arguing with us, you’re arguing with the industry.
Very little of what is played on commercial radio, is the music that excites me, so personally, I don’t care if someone considers her music good, bad or whatever. Liking it or not is personal preference, and by no means, not liking it doesn’t automatically put it in a category of not belonging where the industry placed it.
julianne says:
i think its funny how her pop career failed her, then she decided to do a tv reality v show “newlyweds”,then she gives pop another go and she failed, then she tries to re-invent herself and promises everyone and anyone that will listen that shes country and country is where her heart is and shes here to stay,then it doesnt work out for her “shocker” and she fails once again, then she goes back to reality tv…”it’s like jessica who are you”..she jumps from one thing to the next like a ping pong ball…she doesnt finish what she starts…shes a failure and reality tv is all she knows how to do.
BNA says:
I just feel bad for the poor girl! She has made her money, now she just needs to give it up. I like her, but her being considered a “failure” is not fair for her!