Jennifer Lopez, the global superstar and icon, has released her ninth studio album, This Is Me… Now, on February 16, 2024. The album, which is her first solo project in ten years, since A.K.A. (2014), is a musical celebration of her love for her husband, Ben Affleck, whom she reunited with and married in 2022, after their previous engagement ended in 2004.
This Is Me… Now is a sequel to Lopez’s third studio album, This Is Me… Then (2002), which was dedicated to Affleck at the time and featured songs like “Dear Ben” and “Jenny from the Block”. The new album, which is written and executive produced by Lopez and Rogét Chahayed, along with Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman and Hit-Boy, explores the themes of love, healing, and happiness, as Lopez reflects on her journey with Affleck and how they found each other again after two decades.
The album consists of 12 tracks, including the lead single “Can’t Get Enough”, a catchy pop song that expresses Lopez’s desire and passion for Affleck, and the second single “Rebound”, a sultry R&B track that features Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA and addresses the rumors and criticism that surrounded their relationship. Other highlights include “To Be Yours”, a soulful ballad that features vocals from legendary singer Chaka Khan, “Dear Ben, Pt. II”, a sequel to the original song that updates Affleck on Lopez’s life and feelings, and “This Is Me… Now”, the title track and closing song that declares Lopez’s happiness and gratitude for her husband.
The album is accompanied by a film of the same name, which is a “musical experience” that combines visuals for all the songs with a fictionalized narrative, loosely based on Lopez’s love life with Affleck and her trials as a serial romantic. The film, which is co-written by Lopez, Affleck, Dave Meyers, and Chris Shafer, and directed by Meyers, features a cast of celebrity friends and peers, such as Fat Joe, Trevor Noah, Jane Fonda, Post Malone, Keke Palmer, and Sofia Vergara, among others. The film is available to stream on Apple TV+ and in select theaters.
Lopez’s This Is Me… Now is a testament to her enduring talent, charisma, and influence, as well as a tribute to her true love, Ben Affleck. The album and the film are both heartfelt and captivating, and showcase Lopez’s versatility and vulnerability as an artist and a person.