Jessica Simpson country album

Jessica Simpson is in the early stages of recording a country album in Nashville, a project slated for a 2008 release via Columbia Records.

Simpson said she had always wanted to make a country album, but was waiting until the right time.

"I think there is a strength in female country artists," Simpson said, citing Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Faith Hill and Reba McEntire as some of her inspirations.