Jessica Simpson to make country album

Popstar Jessica Simpson has journeyed to Nashville to record a country album.

The singer is currently writing songs for her follow up to 2006's A Public Affair LP - due to be released at some point in 2008 - with a team of Nashville songwriters.

She told Billboard: "I am a country girl. I grew up in Texas, and country music was what I listened to. I always wanted to make a country album, but I wanted to wait until the time was right.

"Nashville is a very warm city. The people are friendly and kind. There is a sense of community, which thrives on music. There is no animosity... only respect for one another's talent."

Simpson scored her biggest UK hit to date with a country-influenced version of Nancy Sinatra's 'These Boots Are Made For Walkin', which reached number four in September 2005.