Simpson And Lachey Return To Music

NEWLYWEDS stars Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey are both recording new albums after taking time out to make movies and star in the reality TV show.

The IRRESISTIBLE singer has recently finished filming The Dukes of Hazzard big screen re-make with JOHNNY KNOXVILLE - and she's currently working on songs for the film's soundtrack, including a duet with co-star Willie Nelson.

The 24-year-old says, "I haven't done that yet, but we will be doing something. I was just in the studio with Jimmy Jam and TERRY LEWIS recording the single. I can't wait for people to hear it... I can't give away any of my new secrets."

Former 98 DEGREES singer Lachey is working on the follow up to his debut solo album SOULO in a custom-built studio at the couple's luxurious home.

He says, "It's definitely not gonna be the straight-ahead pop ballad thing that people have been used to hearing from me. I'm trying to mix it up a little bit. Part of the beauty of music is experimentation and kind of finding yourself and your direction.

"That's what I've been doing the past few months - writing and singing and 'demoing' and getting back to the kind of musical frame of mind and what it is that I really want to do."