“This is not the girl you used to know,” are the first lyrics heard on the new Jennifer Lopez album, A.K.A., which raises the question, who is she?

Lopez’s eighth album is a sign of the times. A formula of light synths and similar drum patterns litter many tracks on this album, fitting in with the EDM trend which has taken over the radio.

The production on the first single “I Luh Ya Papi” gives the feeling of being on a roller coaster a listener simply won’t want to be on. This is followed up with “Acting Like That” where Lopez throws her attitude all over the song. You’ll be wondering why Lopez is acting like that. On the next track “Emotions” Lopez is belting out “someone took my emotions,” from what seems to be about 20 feet from the microphone. The track is decent until synths are added in at the end.

Strings drive the Latin-influenced “Let It Be Me” and Lopez finally has the chance to show off her vocal talent, which she doesn’t hesitate to do. Unfortunately she can’t continue this trend with the rest of the album. The album’s closer “Booty” featuring Pitbull, is clearly intended to be played in the clubs, but comes off sounding like a B-side track for an LMFAO single.

Rappers are sprinkled onto this album at random times. T.I., Iggy Azalea and French Montana all add forgettable verses. Rick Ross throws in one of his typical verses about money, but instead of adding anything, it sticks out like a rhino in a flamingo exhibit at a zoo. The 36-minute album doesn’t have that international club hit like “On The Floor” from her last album. With sugary choruses aimed for radio, a few rappers and topped with a Latin style track, Lopez is actually still the Jenny from the block we all know.

On Repeat: Let It Be Me, First Love // Production 3 // Lyrics 2 // Vocals 2 // Creativity 1 // Overall 2

Matthew Anness