A.K.A.
by Jennifer Lopez
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2014
Metascore
45

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
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  1. Billboard.com
    Jun 17, 2014
    78
    With some hits and misses, A.K.A. journeys through some predictable refrains with a handful of prospective triumphs.
  2. AllMusic
    Jun 16, 2014
    60
    When the scale tips too heavily toward rhythm--as it does on "Booty" and "I Luh Ya Papi"--the productions don't do Lopez many favors, burying her in their thrum.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Jun 13, 2014
    60
    The album features more guest rappers than even her 2002 remix album, and the standout "Acting Like That," featuring the always reliable Iggy Azalea, is handily the hardest beat she's ever bought. Unfortunately, A.K.A. also includes a slew of midtempo ballads whose soaring hooks and slick production are wasted on Lopez's reedy voice.
  5. Spin
    Jun 18, 2014
    50
    Much of A.K.A. is still mawkish, midtempo melodrama that does too much to accentuate J. Lo's tunelessness.
  6. Boston Globe
    Jun 17, 2014
    50
    There is one half of a solid album in A.K.A., Jennifer Lopez’s first new release in three years.
  7. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Jun 17, 2014
    40
    A.K.A. finds J.Lo throwing anything she can at the wall to see what sticks.
  8. Rolling Stone
    Jun 17, 2014
    40
    Beyond summer-anthem contender "I Luh Ya Papi," Lopez supplements flat production from names like RoccStar with forgettable verses from rappers like T.I.
  9. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 16, 2014
    40
    Anybody who heard 2011's Love? won't find much new here, forgettable EDM-by-numbers floor-fillers jostling with marginally more inspired ballads.
  10. PopMatters
    Jul 29, 2014
    30
    A poor album due to poor production and song writing, poor sales and poor vocal delivery.
  11. Entertainment Weekly
    Jun 11, 2014
    25
    The songwriting is lazy ("I feel good," she coos, "'cause I don't feel bad." Logic!). The double entendres don't make sense (is "Troubeaux" what they call trouble in Bordeaux?). And the guest stars, including Nas, Rick Ross, and Iggy Azalea, are so much more engaging than their hostess that Lopez sounds like she's been relegated to playing the hook girl on her own album.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2014
22
#22 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 374 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 268 out of 374
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 374
  3. Negative: 77 out of 374
  1. uli
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    Her most Inspirational album since the best one this is me ... then. I'm bowing down to the most inspiring, hardworking and accomplishedHer most Inspirational album since the best one this is me ... then. I'm bowing down to the most inspiring, hardworking and accomplished women i know. its a masterpiece in this trashy pop industry.… Full Review »
  2. NonConformist
    Jun 17, 2014
    9
    Can we all just get over ourselves and just stop bashing JLO. Acknowledge the fact that this is her best album ever since "This isCan we all just get over ourselves and just stop bashing JLO. Acknowledge the fact that this is her best album ever since "This is me....Then". I mean sure the lyrics aren't her all-time best and her voice is quite auto-tuned, but I am so satisfied with her return to the R&B she was known for. The songs are so catchy and so much better than the ones from "Love?". This album is probably the summer album I was waiting for all along; something I can blast in my car with all the windows down. The problem with JLO's music and music in general is the fact that people let the actions of the musician influence their opinion greatly. Music is music and although the person making it aims to define herself/himself in a particular way, you shouldn't let that get in the way of how you perceive and enjoy the music. JLO has created something fun and immensely entertaining, and that's what music should be about. This is an epic album.… Full Review »
  3. FabSegovia
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    After the EDM experience with "LOVE?" album, Jennifer Lopez returns to her urban roots on "A.K.A.". Differently of her previous studio work,After the EDM experience with "LOVE?" album, Jennifer Lopez returns to her urban roots on "A.K.A.". Differently of her previous studio work, "A.K.A." presents a mature Lopez in a sophisticated and modern sound. Despite songs as "Emotions" and "Never Satisfed", that would fit better in a deluxe edition of the album, "A.K.A." has all the necessary elements to please her fans and public. The titled track opens the record in a infectious beat while Lopez sings followed by T.I.s verse, showing a Jenny from the Block who fans and people wanted back. The record also represents great and well produced R&B jams as"Acting Like That" and "Worry no More", along with summer-ish pop pleasures as "So Good" and "Expertease". The highlighs are due to "Let It Be Me", a kind of spanish guitar and latin influenced ballad with a beautiful melodie and vocals never explored before from Lopez; "Troubeaux", a track which reminds the great hip hop classics from 90s full of quality and a great old sample behind it; and "TENS", where a totally difrferent J-Lo offers a gay-oriented club banger and promising dance hit. On her 10th album, Lopez definitely joins a bit of all her past works, in a surprising pleasant music journey.… Full Review »
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