This Is Me... Then
| This Is Me... Then | ||||
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| Studio album by Jennifer Lopez | ||||
| Released | November 25, 2002 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 47:31 | |||
| Label | Epic | |||
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| Jennifer Lopez chronology | ||||
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| Singles from This Is Me... Then | ||||
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| Professional ratings | |
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| Aggregate scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 52/100 |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   |
| Billboard | (positive) |
| Entertainment Weekly | B |
| The Guardian | |
| Q | |
| Rolling Stone | |
| Slant |
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| Stylus Magazine | F |
| The Village Voice | (unfavorable) |
| Yahoo! Music UK |   |
This Is Me... Then is the third studio album by American entertainer Jennifer Lopez. It was released on November 25, 2002, by Epic Records. Prior to its release, Lopez began a high-profile relationship with director and actor Ben Affleck and a media circus ensued. Her relationship with Affleck served as her main inspiration for the album, which is dedicated to him. Initially scheduled to be released the following year, This Is Me... Then's release date was quickly pushed forward after its lead single, the notorious "Jenny from the Block", was leaked online.
For the album's recording, Lopez once again recruited Cory Rooney, Troy Oliver and Dan Shea, all of whom she had worked with on her previous albums. She decided to shift away from a pure dance-pop to more of a contemporary R&B and soul sound, influenced by the soul music she grew up listening to. The record's throwback material was integrated with mainstream hip-hop and pop music. During its production, Lopez was influenced by the works of Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder among others. This Is Me... Then received mixed reviews from music critics. Some praised its musical direction, deeming it her strongest album to date, whilst others criticized its production and Lopez's vocal performance. The album went on to achieve commercial success, reaching number two in the United States where it has sold 2.6 million copies. To date, the album has sold 7 million copies worldwide.
The album's lead single, "Jenny from the Block" featuring Styles P and Jadakiss of The LOX, became a worldwide hit, peaking at three in the United States. However, its release was followed by the notoriety of its music video, which featured Affleck. The single has since been used as a nickname for Lopez in the media, known as one of her signature songs. The album's second single "All I Have" featuring rapper LL Cool J was also a hit, peaking at number one in the United States. "I'm Glad", the third single, performed moderately. The single's music video was met with critical acclaim, but caused controversy for recreating scenes from the 1983 film Flashdance. Sony and Lopez were sued over this, but the lawsuit was dismissed. This Is Me... Then spawned a fourth single entitled "Baby I Love U!" which failed to chart in most regions.
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