Customer Reviews

This is Me... Then

5 star:		(177)
4 star:		(90)
3 star:		(72)
2 star:		(77)
1 star:		(223)

 

 

With this CD, it becomes even more apparent that Jennifer Lopez is not only a victim of the corporate machine, but a victim of her own creation. Given the number of producers on each track, you'd think it'd be possible to come up with one song that isn't simplistic and bad. Well, that premise would be wrong.

She is still unsure of what direction to take musically and that makes her come across as some sort of artistic mish-mosh as she tries a bit of this and a bit of that. Add to this the fact she still doesn't use her voice properly (she needs to take it down a notch).

"Jenny from the Block" is a hypocritical tank of a song and yet it does have a nice background beat. It's a shame she didn't more with the lyrics. No one's buying the "don't be fooled by the rocks that I got". Instead, what she should have done was added lyrics in which she's got the heart of the Bronx and the bling of success.

Horrible. Just absolutely horrible.

I know people who search for this cd are probably all fans of Jlo already, hoping to see a bunch of positive reviews supporting their favorite artist. Once they see the title of my review and the negative words that go with it, I'm certain it won't be voted very popular. However, that's not why I'm writing this review. I'm writing it as a warning to let all of the fans know that this cd is BORING. Straight up boring. If I could underline the word boring, I would in a heartbeat.

Every song on this cd is slow. Now when you think of slow songs, you think of Mariah or Whitney or Celine or even Janet, but certainly not Jlo. First of all, her vocals have to be weakest vocals in the business. Even with modern day technology, she still sounds a step below mediocre. There's a reason she doesn't tour and it's not because she's making hit movies. Lets be .. REAL. So Ms. Soon To Be Mrs. Affleck should stay away from the ballads. Far away. Now, after all of the ballads are taken off of this cd, what you're left with is one song, Jenny From The Block.

This song, which I really like because of it's infectious beats, in reality has to be the tackiest song of the year. Jlo, who prances around Hollywood like God wants us to all know that she's real and has stayed true to her roots. Uh Huh. I don't know too many people "from the block" who ride around in limos, wear dresses more expensive than the places they grew up in and switch husbands more often than most people change the tires on their cars. The best version of Jenny From The Block is the one without the rap, but what is on the cd is the version with the rap; which, of course, is her way of distracting people from the two seconds worth of thought that was actually put into this song. Which is about a second more than what was put into the entire cd.

I really do like most of Jlo's music, but not this cd. Not at all. Sadly, Jlo is starting to take herself seriously and frankly, no one else does.

This has got to be the worst album of 2002!!! Whereas in her previous releases, 3 or 4 of the tracks were bearable to listen, this one has even the first single, Jenny From Da Block a nightmare to the ears. I can't believe I really bought it. Jennifer Lopez should stick to acting or dancing or whatever fits her but singing is definitely not her speciality. Oh and I almost forgot, Dear Ben is probably her worst song ever. Um, let me rephrase it, probably the worst song ever. So corny, so bad. Go buy Mariah Carey's "Charmbracelet" instead or i don't know, but take my advice and stay away from this poison.

I was anticipating hearing all the songs on this CD after I heard Jenny from the Block. Most of the songs on this CD are mushy and good for cuddling with the man next to the fireplace. But if you're looking for a CD filled with rhythm, beat and fun stuff to dance to, keep looking...

I dont even want to waste my time writing this, but i really loved that first single (Jenny from the block) this album is trash, J-Lo can't sing, and she needs to stick to acting. I should have just bought the single. DO NOT BUY THIS.

Let me start by saying that I was an average Jennifer Lopez fan about two months ago. I've always had an interest in her singles, even when they went too hip-hop (though I think my young age prevented me from appreciating those singles).

Maybe it is the relationship (my first serious one ever) I'm in , watching the MTV2 & MTV Hits Jennifer Lopez marathon of videos & interviews that led up to the release of her newest outing "Rebirth" & basically revisiting Jennifer's music that caused me to go out & purchase all of her albums.

Out of the five, this probably ranks as my personal favorite. It just really came at a certain time in my life & spoke to me I guess you could say. There is a romantic vulnerablity about the entire album. From her sampling of late 70's & early 80's love, dance, & hip-hop gems such as "Juicy Fruit", "You Are Everything", "P.S.K. What Does It Mean?" to name a few, to the ironically honest (if not always original) lyrical wording of her feelings, to the washed out moodiness of the CD booklet's photography.

But the tool that actually really surprised me, was Jennifer's voice itself. While most have (unfairly) jumped on her for her 'limited' voice; Ms. Lopez actually shows growth, warmth, range, softness, yet assertiveness whilst singing. Never has she sounded so confident, yet at the same time really I guess what she tries to stress as 'real'. For a pop star Jennifer has a more than average voice, in reality I see her as this generation's Paula Abdul.

Musically the soundscapes work from an urban setting & blend into lovely pop balladry ("The One"), funky anthems ("Jenny From the Block"), & great mid-tempo moments that work as a ballad or something that you could just sit & bob your head to ("All I Have").

Lyrically, this record isn't saying anything that hasn't been said before, but it is being said in a way that everyone could relate to...& I think that that is the true purpose of music: unity in a common theme. This theme follows the trail of lovers' who fall deeply in love & sometimes fall painfully out of love. The uncertainty, the knowing, the warm glow of romance, & every feeling between that has been experienced in any burgeoning or the most saged romance is expressed here.

I guess what I am trying to say is, is that if you were to buy one Jennifer Lopez album, this would be the one. While it a bit more 'low-key' than her previous efforts or new effort, it is definitely an album upon repeated listens that will sink in & really affect you.

Another album in a pop music market that bites big time. In no way should you buy "Charmbrcelet", you will be be disappointed you wasted your money. On both albums, there is nothing but dead air. Where is the soul, the depth, the deeper meaning!? For great Pop music, look to Australia, Europe & Central America & the Carribean for better music. Get musicv from real latina vocalists like Judy Torres, Nayobe, Breada K. Starr, Tina B, Cynthia, Safire, & Alisha.

Seriously speaking... I have her first album.. not bad had some nice songs.. but this one is a waste of time and money.. the songs are all sappy, JLO is one of the most overrated celebrities out there.... and she seriously thinks she can sing. I've heard her live and she can't carry a tune.. I had a friend let me borrow it first before I even went and bought it.. She needs to get over herself.. too bad for who ever spent the [money] on it. I recommend better albums out there like Charmbracelet from Mariah Carey & Norah Jones Come with Me. Who I feel are true artitst.. in every sense of the word. They write their songs, produce, etc...

One feels obliged, in all fairness, to point out that not everything about this album is bad. I have to concede that the photos in the booklet really are very nice. As for the content of the disc itself - that's another matter. Okay, we all knew that dear Jenny couldn't sing, but that didn't prevent us from enjoying some of her earlier, uptempo fluff. On this album, though, she seems to be suffering from the misguided notion that she can sing and she's put out an album full of bland ballads to try and show it. What it does confirm, is that despite the fact that the melodic range required in the songs is miniscule, her voice is as tinny and little as we all knew already. Couple that with embarrassing 8th grade lyrics and by-the-numbers, dull arrangements and this is certifiably DOA.

Its simple and straight forward,the babe can't sing.No skills,plus,she can't kill a track the way mary j.blige,Tamia,Mariah carey,Alicia keys,Deborah cox&Amerie do.She can't hit hgh notes and she sells because of her body