Jessica Simpson wins over country listeners

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When Jessica Simpson announced plans to go country after her last pop album flopped, there was a collective eye roll in Nashville.

To some skeptics, it appeared to be a calculated move to follow in the footsteps of other pop stars who have found success by crossing over to country radio. After lackluster album sales, acting disappointments and bad press over her high-profile romances, Simpson certainly needed a boost.

But "Come On Over," Simpson's debut single from her upcoming country album, is not only winning over those same skeptics, it's gaining ground on country radio. A flirtatious, steel guitar-laced slice of pop country, the song has cracked the top 20 on Billboard's country singles chart.

The single was co-produced by John Shanks, who's also worked with Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch and Melissa Etheridge.

John Hart, a Nashville-based marketing researcher, says the song appeals to young, active listeners who are more likely to call radio stations and attend concerts and events.

"I don't think people were anticipating the song to be that good," said John Paul, program director at KUPL in Portland, Ore.

"It's a good song regardless of who sings it, but having her sing it — whether you like her or hate her, everybody knows who Jessica Simpson is," he said. "And I think there's a lot of credibility that she co-wrote the song."

Country fans have seen a steady parade of artists from outside the genre. The Eagles, John Mellencamp and Bon Jovi made inroads, and Simpson is currently joined on the upper half of the chart by Jewel and Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker.

Simpson, 27, comes to country after her last pop album was a commercial and critical failure — it sold just 299,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The country album "Do You Know" is due Sept. 9. The title track was written by Dolly Parton, who sings background vocals.

"She's done what a lot of newcomers and established stars have done by putting out fun, up-tempo, put-the-top-down-and-cruise type songs," remarked David Scarlett, senior editor of Country Weekly magazine.

"It's a great way to introduce herself. I think country audiences will be receptive based on the music they hear. If they like what they hear, they're going to embrace her. And so far, she's done very well."