Jesse McCartney, All Grown Up

When you grow up as a child actor and become a teen heartthrob as a singer, it can be hard to get people to stop looking at you as a kid, even when your driver's license proves otherwise.

But Jesse McCartney may have solved this dilemma with the release of his latest album, "Departure." First off, he's now making sexy R&B music a la Justin Timberlake, a change in direction for the singer who once fronted the boy band Dream Street and who was better known for pop. And as if to drive the point home that he's all grown up, the video for his first single, "Leavin'," was a risque clip that featured him cavorting on a bed with a barely dressed model, as he showed some skin too. Certainly not the Disney-friendly fare he produced just a few years ago.

So far, it may be paying off. "Departure" has been well received by critics, and he's upped his reputation as a serious musician by co-writing Leona Lewis' No. 1 hit "Bleeding Love."

At 21, McCartney feels his teen idol days are long behind him, and is ready to explore a new adult phase of his career - and he discussed it with The Associated Press.

AP: Did this album feel risky?

McCartney: Going into this album I certainly knew there was going to be some shock value. As soon as it was released we felt it too. But in a good way. It was actually really positive. The fans have been extremely positive so far throughout this journey. You know, musically I definitely took a risk; I took a chance. I wanted to do something new. But it was also something that I knew I was comfortable with and so I'm really happy. I'm happy with the way things went and the sort of progression that I've made.

AP: Do you worry what your long time teen fans will think?

McCartney: I'm not really worried about the fans. I think that they've always been there. They've been loyal from the beginning. ... We've kind of almost grown up together. So it's worked out and at the same time, any fan that wants to be a fan, I'm all about it.

AP: What happened in your life that got you to the point where you could make this album?

McCartney: Well, for me it was just about growing and accepting the growth and stepping out into the world on my own. I turned 21 recently and I'm living on my own now. I feel like I've assumed a little bit more responsibility in my life the last couple years. I feel like I've opened a new chapter and it's certainly made for great songwriting and being in the studio and being able to talk about that, being able to talk about my travels and my relationship with women and being in and out of relationships and dating - those things I think make for good songwriting and I think is accessible for my fans and I think it gives them a little piece of me and I think it's something that they care to hear about.

AP: Leona Lewis - have you met her yet?

McCartney: I finally met Leona. I live in Los Angeles and my buddy calls me and there's a spot right down the street, this bar and he goes, "Leona's down here having some drinks with her girlfriends," so I jumped in my car and I raced down there because I hate formal introductions. They're just so awkward and I'm already socially awkward sometimes ... so I just went down there and I walked up and as soon I walked up, she came up and gave me a big hug. She's an absolute sweetheart. She's incredibly sweet and we had a drink; we started talking. And, man, what a way to debut. She really just killed that song and brought it to life.

AP: Are you tired of being compared to Justin Timberlake?

McCartney: It's a common comparison. I admire Justin. I admire his body of work. I think he's done a good job with coming out of the boy band and working his way into a solo career that is now massive and he's adored by all and he's very talented so it's a great comparison. ... It's also pretty easy to do because there's not a whole lot of white boys doing contemporary R&B rhythmic music and there's really no one else to fall back on as far as comparisons. I've gotten Robin Thicke as well, which I love. I'm a huge fan of his, so that's cool too. I think the one thing that we all share - the three of us - is that we all love R&B.

AP: Did Disney ban your music video from airing on the Disney Channel? Do you care?

McCartney: Disney has always been so supportive of my career. I'll just say that. They're one of the reasons I have a career. They launched (the single) "Beautiful Soul" before I was signed. They were supporters were early on. And I think they've come to terms with the fact that every artist, every person, grows up. There's a natural progression and you have to take those baby steps. And though this record may not be for them I've certainly done all I can to sort of make it compatible for both Disney radio and Top 40. You know, I want to keep everyone happy but at the same time I also have to be confident with what I'm putting out and be secure with it.

By Dana Schimmel