Teen queen Lohan ready to 'Speak'

Lindsay Lohan, 18, is shown on the cover of the current issue of US magazine 'Entertainment Weekly'. Picture / Reuters

Lindsay Lohan really needs no introduction.

She has starred in a number of movies, filled gossip columns and appeared on countless magazine covers, including Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and the current issues of People and Entertainment Weekly.

Now, after getting her feet wet in the recording studio (she contributed songs to "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" and "Freaky Friday," films in which she starred), Lohan is embarking on a singing career.

Yes, Lohan is the latest to take on the role of actor-turned-singer. Her debut album, "Speak," is out now from Tommy Mottola's nascent Casablanca Records, which is distributed by Universal Records.

"I have always wanted to make a record - ever since I can remember," Lohan told Billboard. "It was all just a matter of timing."

By timing, she was referring to a hectic film schedule and a recent birthday. "When I turned 18, I thought I could dress how I want and sing what I want."

In other words, she added, "My first album HAD to wait until now."

"Speak" is equal parts pop and rock-lite, replete with catchy melodies and some autobiographical lyrics. Lohan is credited on nearly half the songs, alongside A-list songwriters, including Kara DioGuardi, John Shanks, Andreas Carlson and Cory Rooney.

Notwithstanding the two shots of her posing with a guitar, her music fits in neatly between Ashlee Simpson and nemesis Hilary Duff. In a case of unfortunate timing, the liner notes offer heartfelt thanks to boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama, with whom she recently broke up.

The focus track, "Rumors" (a "bonus" cut on the album), failed to receive wide national radio airplay in the US, peaking at No. 23 on Billboard's Mainstream Top 40 chart.

Casablanca is already preparing follow-up track "Over" for top 40 radio. Initial reaction from radio programers has been mixed.

According to Mottola, the former chief of Sony Music, the setup for "Speak" was done in record time.

"We started working on it five months ago," he said. "I never did something so quick in my career. We're still in the process of getting it where it needs to be ... But if we can catch 5 per cent of the 13 million that saw 'Freaky Friday,' we'll be off to a good start."

Mottola fully understands the realities of breaking an artist in today's market.

"While you still need a hit song at the end of the day, the complete story surrounding the artist needs to be more compelling than ever."

But Mottola is a firm believer in Lohan. "She has all the right ingredients," he said.

The label scheduled several US TV appearances for Lohan last week, including a "Good Morning America" stint that prompted speculation that she had been lip-syncing. A label spokeswoman said Lohan and her band played live.

Lohan knows it may take time for people to accept her various facets.

"I am sure people don't expect me to be really singing," she said. "I know they're saying things like, 'Oh, she's just another actress-turned-singer.' But I love exploring other areas in entertainment. I love triple-threats, like Ann-Margret - an actress, dancer and singer."

To be sure, Lohan is also working on a number of films, including "Herbie: Fully Loaded," "Lady Luck" and "Fashionistas."

But she is adamant about not mixing her message. "If I'm singing, it's me, Lindsay," she said. "If I'm acting in a film, it's me playing a part. Onstage, you're seeing the real deal."

- REUTERS/BILLBOARD