On February 16, 2024, Jennifer Lopez (also known as J.Lo) released her ninth studio album. This Is Me… Now, an album heavily inspired by Lopez’s recent marriage of Ben Affleck, marks her first studio album in ten years and serves as a sequel to her 2002 record This Is Me… Then, which also centers around the actor and filmmaker. The album’s release coincided with Lopez’s film of the same name, about the whirlwind of public relationships that she has had over the years.
This is Me… Now is a combination of pop and R&B that fans of J.Lo have come to know and love, with a chill and lowkey beat establishing each track. The album paints a dramatic story, but sometimes it feels underwhelming, as though she focused too hard on recreating her older sound. Still, it’s an impressive feat for someone at the grand age of 54 to balance acting, singing, dancing, and business. My favorite tracks are “This is Me… Now”, “Can’t Get Enough”, and “Dear Ben, Pt. II.” The album received mixed reviews, garnering a 57/100 on Metacritic. If you enjoy Rihanna, Shakira, or Usher, this album may be up your alley.