Jennifer Lopez has always been a beacon of talent in the entertainment industry as an actress, singer, and dancer. When I heard about her new single “This Time Around,” I was pretty excited. However, upon listening to the song, I was met with a mix of satisfaction and disappointment, noting a lack in lyrical depth and story.
Let’s start with the good. The sound and beat of “This Time Around” immediately caught my attention. It is fast-paced, lively, and carries a wooden xylophone-like sound that really stands out. It created a jungle-like atmosphere, a sense of beauty that can only be found in nature. Each note felt earthy and light, as if it was coming from a hollow tree. As a self-proclaimed J-Lo fan, my anticipation for this song was sky-high. J-Lo has proven that she has flow, and this song was no exception in highlighting some of her musical capabilities.
However, it is with a heavy heart that I must confess that “This Time Around” did not quite hit the mark for me. To be honest, this song felt like a miss due to its lyrics and vocal execution. The lyrics of the song came across as boring and repetitive, lacking the depth or catchiness that often makes her music enjoyable. It felt as if the song was striving to say something profound but ended up meandering without much direction and with that, using vulgar words to describe a breakup scenario that is way too common in pop music. Also, J-Lo’s vocal approach in this song was hideous. There was an attempt at a high-pitched, almost whining voice that seemed forced and out of character. This vocal style did not complement the song or showcase J-Lo’s vocal strengths. Instead, it distracted me from the engaging beat and unique sound.
In summary, while “This Time Around” shines in its unique sound, it falls short in delivering the lyrical depth and vocals we all know she is capable of. My expectations were high, perhaps too high, leading to a sense of disappointment in what could have been an amazing song. With that being said, despite my critiques, my admiration for J-Lo remains untarnished, and I eagerly await her next song. Hopefully, this time around, it will be better.