'J to Tha Blow'

J to Tha L-O: The Remixes\nJennifer Lopez\nEpic Records\nI really don't know why I was excited when I first read that J-Lo would be releasing a "remix album." I suppose it was because I was expecting to hear "I'm Real" with Ja Rule, which I admit I liked when it first came out. After listening to "I'm Real" on repeat two times, I got over it and over J-Lo.\nJ to Tha L-O starts out with the RJ Schoolyard Mix of "Love Don't Cost a Thing," featuring rapper Fat Joe. Lopez's voice is accented over the fast and steady techno beat, the technical vocal effects enhancing her typically bland sound.\n"Ain't It Funny," J-Lo's second remix with Ja Rule sounds nothing like the original track off her self-titled album. Her "chanty" vocal style fits in with Ja Rule's rap banter making the piece groove ever so slightly.\nFinally, the expected highlight of the album, "I'm Real" with Ja Rule. The track, like "Ain't It Funny," sounds nothing like the original. Listening to the song I am reminded of her live performance with Ja Rule at the 2001 MTV Music Video Awards where she was so flat I couldn't help but cringe. All the more proof that it is the technology that makes certain pop singers sound good or at least tolerable.\nThe Metro Remix of "Walking On Sunshine" sounds like something that might resemble the old song of the same title, but alas, it was something of J-Lo's own creation. The Dark Child Master Mix of "If You Had My Love" off her first album On the 6 slows down the track with a slow set of drum beats, mixing in some hushed rap and some techno voice inflections. \n"Feelin' So Good" remixed by Bad Boy and featuring ex-boyfriend P. Diddy sounds better with the rap than it does with J-Lo's weak vocals. Also featured on the album are remixes of "Play," and "Let's Get Loud," as well as Hex Hector's mix of "Waiting For Tonight." \nI guess it is worth mentioning that a new, non-remixed ballad, "Alive," from her upcoming film "Enough" is featured. While poignant, the song's message about feeling lucky to be alive is just ever so cliché. Lopez's voice refuses to carry and she comes out sounding soft and strained. \nI offer some constructive criticism: J-Lo, honey…you played Selena in a movie, you aren't Selena in real life. Stick to acting. \n

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