I Love LOVE?: A Review

Two years ago when Epic Records first announced Jennifer Lopez‘ new album Love?, JLo’s career was stalling. The album’s original lead single, Louboutins was a huge flop just like the “buzz” single Fresh Out the Oven. Then, her movie The Back Up Plan was widely panned the following year. In fact, her biggest hit during that dark period was when she hit the floor at the American Music Awards:

However with a new record label (Island Def Jam), a fresh career move (American Idol) and a massive worldwide comeback hit (On the Floor), JLo is officially back!

She continues her hot streak, in my opinion, with Love? - her seventh studio album. It’s a fantastic effort and a stunning return to form for this Grammy-nominated artist (although I think I was one of the ten people who actually liked 2007′s Brave).

ON THE FLOOR (feat. Pitbull) (4/5) — This is like JLo’s Spinning Around. It’s deservingly one of the biggest singles of the year so far.

GOOD HIT (3.5/5) — Well well well. The finished version is awesome! Except for her overly autotuned voice. It verges into Rebecca Black territory.

I’M INTO YOU (feat. Lil Wayne)  (4/5) — Love it. Except I don’t like Lil Wayne’s feature, to be honest. I want a solo version of this song.

(WHAT IS) LOVE? (5/5) — Yeah, I’ve given this a five since I’ve been playing this song non-stop for the past fortnight! Probably because I love how they changed its name haha. It’s so dramatic now! What is…LOVE? I’m so glad this song made the final track list because it still sounds as good (if not better) even after a year since its official releaseon The Back Up Plan soundtrack. Plus, it’s no secret that I’ve really been feeling Wynter Gordon this year. I like her original version of this, too.

RUN THE WORLD (4.5/5) — I loved the demo of this song when it leaked. It sounded like some JLo song from the 2000′s. The ones with Ja Rule and LL Cool J. This is classic urban JLo.

PAPI (3/5) — I like it, except I can’t not hear Whine Up by Kat DeLuna in the intro whenever I listen to this. Afterwards, it becomes a standard RedOne track.

UNTIL IT BEATS NO MORE (3.5/5) — Her voice sounds great on this song. An extra half a star for that alone!

ONE LOVE (3/5) — According to Wikipedia this is the only song JLo co-wrote on Love? Yeah, I guess this song is okay…

INVADING MY MIND (3/5) — Honestly, I was dreading listening to this one after the original demo was, as Tamar Braxton would say “a hot mess.com”. Thankfully, the final mix is surprisingly pleasant.

VILLAIN (2.5/5) — Perhaps my least favourite song from this album…so far. Hope its a grower. It sounds like one of those never-ending club songs playing after 1AM on radio stations.

STARTING OVER (3.5/5) — Yeah, it’s cute I guess. I’m obviously running out of things to say.

BONUS TRACKS:

HYPNOTICO (4/5) — This song boasts an all-star line up of celebrity songwriters including RedOne, Lady Gaga, Akon, Claude Kelly and Tami Chynn. It’s a real summer song, which is fitting since that season is coming to America soon. You can listen to Tami’s original version here.

EVERYBODY’S GIRL (3/5) — A bit underwhelming, esepcially after waiting 1 year to hear this in HQ.

CHARGE ME UP (3/5) — V RedOne.

TAKE CARE (3.5/5) — Probably my favourite bonus track. I don’t know why. It’s catchy.

VEN A BAILAR (3/5) — I like this Spanish version, but it’s no Una Noche Mas.

Play my motherfucking song!

OVERALL:

This is a four out of five star album. Pure class, JLo.

Surprisingly, I think I liked her urban-flavoured songs on this album more than the dance ones. Maybe it’s because I’m so tired of electropop in general. Nonetheless, I think this is JLo’s strongest album since JLo more than ten years ago.

POTENTIAL SINGLES (with On The Floor, I’m Into You):

• Run the World, Hypnotico, Papi.

What about you guys? Was Love? worth the 2 year wait?

Related Articles

• Love? No. Like? Maybe. (Opinionated Reviews)
• Single Review: Jennifer Lopez ft. Lil’ Wayne – ‘I’m Into You’ (thegospelaccordingtoeric.wordpress.com)
• TRACK BY TRACK REVIEW: “LOVE?” – JENNIFER LOPEZ (multidimensional-music.net)
• video: jennifer lopez, “im into you” (jeremydante.com)