JESSICA SIMPSON: NASHVILLE CANYON, PT. 1

SCORE: 69/100

Jessica's country side shows some promise, but there is substance to be desired with her newest project.

Jessica Simpson's latest EP is something I was excited for, but I was met by an unexpectedly harsh country sound that I don't feel suits her as well as some of her sweeter pop works that she has done through her career. Her "country girl" image is in full swing on this EP in particular, and her vocals are quite strong alongside the loud production. There are immediately some clear mixing issues - with the instrumentals being way too loud and causing the overall soundscape to be murky.

'Nashville Canyon' isn't Jessica's best work by any means, but it's a solid return for the star. Her sound is appealing and palatable, with some aspects feeling like they leave room for more content - the EP leaves room for the eventual second issuing of the EP (and hopeful album in the near future) to lead stronger than this one does.

It's approachable country without a doubt - but it manages to be good for what it is. Surprisingly enough, there isn't much that would make me want to come back to this EP despite my love for Jessica - but this EP isn't the style that suits her. It feels like a lot of the other more radio-esque country that's been coming out lately with a bit more flair to keep it afloat, but it's lacking real distinction in some cases.

Pop is clearly Jessica's strong suit, with the pure-country sound of 'Nashville Canyon' not being near as enthralling as her previous projects. When she has a sound that works for her, she shines, but there is some room for improvement to be found throughout the compositions on this EP.

The first three tracks are quite forgettable in particular, with Jessica's sound not feeling very much like "her", and the tracks feeling like something you would hear on the radio while flipping through different country stations. There isn't much distinction between her and other country artists that have come out in recent times - but her vocals are very crisp. The last two tracks leave more substance behind as they were the obvious singles for the EP - with both of them standing out from the rest of the tracks that feel more like filler to pack in with the project.

Even the stronger songs manage to be some of her weakest overall content, and this EP manages to fall under being "good" without being great. There aren't a lot of standout moments or qualities within the project as a whole, but Jessica's vocal performances keep the project interesting enough.


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