4.) J To Tha L-O! The Remixes
(February 2002)
The Set-Up
After only two albums, doesn’t it seem a little too early to release a remix album? But Jennifer knew what she was doing. This album had just the right amount of songs, and it wasn’t all bass-pumping techno jams (which I do love), but more of an eclectic mix of techno, hip-hop, and urban pop remixes of Jennifer’s singles up to that point.
The Play-by-Play
First up is “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” (RJ Schoolyard Mix) featuring Fat Joe, a solid opener that sounds quite familiar (since it was used as her dance break for the original music video). The first official single “Ain’t It Funny” (Murder Remix) featuring Ja Rule and Cadillac Tah busts out of the gate with a dramatic change from the original version from her last album. There are no signs of any Latin flavor. It’s all straight up Hip-Hop, and it’s all thanks to Murder Inc. for helping her get this kind of cred. “I’m Gonna Be Alright” (Track Masters Remix) featuring 50 Cent isn’t that much of a change from the original on her J.Lo album, but it does give more of a Hip-Hop than Pop feel. “I’m Real” (Murder Remix) featuring Ja Rule follows up as one of the remixes that started it all. It was catchy, inventive, and a far cry from the original single. Technically it’s a single from her re-released J.Lo album, but it fits better with this mix of reinventions. Afterwards, the sound gets switched up into a tropical dance party with “Walking on Sunshine” (Metro Remix). I didn’t think it was possible that my favorite song from her last album could get any better, but the Latin dance flavor creates a whole different vibe. Next up is “If You Had My Love” (Dark Child Master Mix). It doesn’t offer too much change from the original, but it’s catchy and special in its own way. “Feelin’ So Good” (Bad Boy Remix) featuring P. Diddy and G. Dep actually fails to move anything inside me. It actually makes the song sound worse (and that’s one of the highlights from her debut). After that comes “Let’s Get Loud” (Pablo Flores Remix) which does a great job of sounding different from the original, but it manages to keep the same kind of Latin style that made the original so memorable. “Play” (Sack International Remix) isn’t one of the highlights on this album, but it’s a pretty solid attempt at a reinvention from the original. To close out the album comes her signature remix, “Waiting For Tonight” (Hex’s Momentous Radio Mix), a thumping show stopper filled with high energy and special moments that carries out from beginning to end. But then along comes the random song of the bunch, a very forgettable ballad from her movie Enough, “Alive”, co-written by her then-husband Cris Judd. It highlights the weakness in her voice with singing slower-paced songs, and boy does it drag on and on! But luckily it doesn’t stop the love I have for the whole album in general.
The Point
Jennifer was successful in reinventing herself (as well as her hit singles). She managed to highlight her upbeat dance style with Latin flare while also creating a clever Hip-Hop sound with Pop lyrics. Overall, the album is solid from start to almost-finish (minus the ballad).
The Essentials
I would put the remix of “I’m Real” as one of the highlights, but technically it was first released on her J.Lo album (so we’ll hold off on that one). So instead, let’s bask in the greatness of the “Ain’t It Funny” (Murder Remix).
Following that is the genius remix of “Walking On Sunshine”.
And who can forget about her classic, “Waiting For Tonight”…the one that started it all!
*But rather than show the official music video, I figured I'd treat you all to her hilarious appearance on Will & Grace! (Oh man, how I miss this show...)
