Bittersweet World
by Ashlee Simpson
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Apr 22, 2008
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Bittersweet World is the first time that she has made a record that lives up to her happily empty persona, something that's truly fun junk.
  2. The Guardian
    80
    The prevailing impression is that she has grown up and lightened up, the earnest, angsty moods replaced by an exuberant fusion of crunchy 1980s rock and noughties pop.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Bittersweet brims with polished--and similarly Gwen-esque--hooks and pretty melodies.
  5. The New York Times
    70
    She’s shameless enough to mimic Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, Madonna and 1980s hits from Toni Basil, Tom Tom Club and Missing Persons. The shamelessness pays off in songs with crisp beats, teen-seeking choruses and cheerfully obvious lyrics.
  6. Billboard
    70
    Bittersweet World is a party worth attending, but not much is missed if your invite got lost in the mail.
  7. Boston Globe
    70
    Simpson has always been the most appealingly self-aware of her pop-tart peers, and for the most part, she works wisely within her simple, spunky skill set.
  8. The Boston Phoenix
    63
    Fans and detractors alike get exactly what they expect with bratty rockers like 'Outta My Head' and 'Rulebreaker,' but things seem to “get real” a bit with a more-introspective (if you can call it that) track like 'Murder (I Get Away With).'

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Most Discussed Album of 2008
76
#76 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 66
  3. Negative: 19 out of 66
  1. matthewmirliani
    Sep 10, 2022
    9
    We need to revisit this album. It came a year after Timbaland dominated the pop scene with Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake (2006-2007),We need to revisit this album. It came a year after Timbaland dominated the pop scene with Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake (2006-2007), but it can very much be regarded as the younger cousin of Furtado’s Loose. The 80’s references, the spectacular opening number, the strength of Timbaland’s production - this was a well-made pop album. While it doesn’t end as strongly as it begins (though the closing track is pleasant), tracks 1-8 are as strong as any pop album from this era. “Boys,” “Rule Breaker,” “No Time for Tears,” “Ragdoll,” “What I’ve Become” - all gems.… Full Review »
  2. BabyJane
    Mar 18, 2015
    8
    Track by track review:
    1. Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya) 10/10
    2. Boys 10/10 3. Rule Breaker 10/10 4. No Time for Tears 10/10 5. Little Miss    Track by track review:
    1. Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya) 10/10
    2. Boys 10/10
    3. Rule Breaker 10/10
    4. No Time for Tears 10/10
    5. Little Miss Obsessive 10/10
    6. Ragdoll 10/10
    7. Bittersweet World 10/10
    8. What I've Become 10/10
    9. Hot Stuff 2.5/10
    10. Murder 5/10
    11. Never Dream Alone 9.5/10

    Highlights: No Time for Tears, Boys
    Potential singles: Never Dream Alone, Boys    … Full Review »
  3. DavidIsOverHere
    Jun 7, 2011
    8
    One incident on lip-syncing and people are still hung up over it... seriously people, that was 7 years ago, I don't she she has lip-sycned ever since.
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