The Main Idea:
After a string of Latin-infused dance pop albums, Jennifer Lopez returned with her most soulful effort to date: This Is Me... Then. The album is full of personal lyrics, smooth R&B grooves, and Jennifer's best vocals to date (though they're still not anything to write home about). In my opinion, this is J. Lo's best album to date, though the slower, more soulful sound may alienate some fans who are used to her danceable hip-hop smashes and remixes. Still, This Is Me... Then, Jennifer's third album of all-new material, was among the best records of 2002. It promises to be her most timeless album as well.

Song-By-Song Breakdown:
1. STILL - I get a real 80's vibe coming from this one, mostly because of the old-school production accentuated by the prominent bass guitar. This is my favorite song on the album because it has the most R&B influences. The only setback is that Jennifer's voice sounds a bit pitchy, and she strains to hit those high notes that you and I both know she'll never reach - 5/5

2. LOVING YOU - This one samples the same song as Notorious BIG's "Juicy Fruit," so you'll immediately recognize the intro. It has a very light, airy sound to it; it's the perfect song to blast in your car during the summer. The chorus is very catchy: "After all that we've been through/I find myself still loving you/But I think we need to take the time to get it right." I really love the background vocals on this song - 4/5

3. I'M GLAD - This is the most radio-friendly song on the album; it has a good, if slightly annoying, beat and a catchy chorus. Jennifer's voice doesn't sound at its best, though; she gets drowned out by all of the background vocalists once again. Maybe if she would actually sing her own background vocals, this wouldn't happen (hint, hint). It's still a good dance song with commendable production - 4/5

4. THE ONE - This is one of my favorite songs on the album. It has a cute, upbeat production, and I especially like the way the vocals are arranged. The melody can get a bit annoying, though, as well as Jennifer's sometimes screechy vocals. The lyrics are also very cheesy, but, hey, what do you expect from someone who claims to be in love with one of the most sought-after men in the world? - 4/5

5. DEAR BEN - Another sappy love song, though this one has some really smooth beats. Jennifer's voice sounds so sweet and emotive, I almost cried the first time I heard it! It's definitely her most convincing delivery yet. The lyrics are very lovey dovey as well: "I think God made you for me/A mix of passionate and fidelity/Baby you're so complete." A very sweet and pretty ballad - 5/5

6. ALL I HAVE - This song and the next are the two most unique songs on the record. I think J. Lo was trying to recreate "I'm Real," except she replaced Ja Rule with LL Cool J, and it doesn't flow as well. Their voices just don't mesh well together, and the mid-tempo beat of this one is rather boring. Still, it's a good choice for a single because it's very catchy - 3/5

7. JENNY FROM THE BLOCK - This is the most hip-hop song on the album, due largely in part to the guest raps from Jadakiss and Styles of The Lox. It has some really good, solid beats and a catchy chorus, but answer me this one question: How does growing up in the suburbs, going to a private Catholic school, and working in a legal office make you "from the block"? That's my only issue with this song - 4/5

8. AGAIN - This song has a great string and piano opening with simple fingersnaps. Jennifer's voice sounds really innocent and soft on this mellow love song. Production-wise, this is the best song on the record because it's very simple and elegant. I still think Jen's vocals are the highlight, though; she sounds unusually strong and carries the verses well - 5/5

9. YOU BELONG TO ME - Most if the reviews I've read of this song have been nothing short of scathing, but I think it's one of the best on the disc. I've never heard Carly Simon's original version, but I definitely love this one. The vocals and instruments are arranged well, and Jennifer, once again, sounds uncharacteristically strong. A very good, upbeat effort - 5/5

10. I'VE BEEN THINKIN' - J. Lo works with a live band on this one, and, though it doesn't sound half-bad, it's just not the right vibe for her. The lyrics are kind of confusing, too, though her voice pulls them off well. I like the mellow arrangement of this track, though it blends in with the rest of the album too much. It's still a good song, however - 3/5

11. BABY I LOVE U - Baby I love this song would be more like it. This one has a cool jazzy feel to it and is obviously drum-driven, thanks to Omar Hakim, though it also puts a lot of emphasis on the bass. It has a simple, catchy chorus, which is always a must-have: "Baby I love you/Baby I need you/I gotta have you/Can't be without you." A great mid-tempo song and one of the best on the record - 4/5

12. THE ONE (version 2) - Not much needs to be said about this bonus track. It's pretty much the same as the original version, except some of the lyrics are tweaked and the production is a bit different. If you liked the original version, you'll love this new one - 4/5

The Big Picture:
You can tell that Jennifer really took some time at making This Is Me... Then because it has a very polished, complete sound that is missing on her other albums. The lyrics are deeply personal, even if they are a bit corny, and even her vocals sound better than ever. This album was a definite attempt at real R&B, and it's a great one. The instrumentals and vocals are arranged in a smooth, soulful way and are complimented by great production from Cory Rooney, Dan Shea, and others. There isn't any real dance song on this record, and, for once, that's refreshing. Jennifer is trying her hand at a new sound, and it's actually working for her.

If you don't wanna hear the musings of a woman who is apparently very in love, This Is Me... Then is not the album for you, because that is clearly what this record is all about: love. Being in love, falling out of love, every kind of love you can imagine. In my opinion, this is one of the best love albums to come out in a long time. J. Lo has finally attempted to make a real artistic record, rather than one you can just shake your booty to. Yes, Jennifer has finally stepped out and declared herself as a real musical artist. So what if she can't sing? Madonna and Janet Jackson can't sing, but everybody loves them! Anyway, even if you don't like her, you have to respect what Jennifer Lopez at least tried to do on this album, and that is make it her own. Her own lyrics, her own sound. This Is Me... Then marks a new chapter in the future (?) Mrs. Affleck's life. A chapter where she takes control and finally makes the music she wants to make.

And just a quick caution: we all know Bennifer is gonna break up soon, so don't get used to this new sound, okay?

Final Notes:
Average Song Rating: 4.167
Best Song(s): "Still," "Again," and "You Belong To Me"
Worst Song(s): "All I Have" and "I've Been Thinkin'"

How Would I Rate This Record's...
Vocals? 3 1/2 stars
Lyrics? 3 1/2 stars
Production? 4 stars
Timelessness? 2 stars
Artistry? 4 stars

Also Recommended:
Janet Jackson - Janet
Aaliyah - Age Ain't Nothing But A Number
Mariah Carey - Charmbracelet

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Romancing