by Jennifer Lopez, often referred to as J.Lo, is one of the most successful entertainers of all time. Over the course of her 30-year career, she has sold over 80 million records globally, establishing herself as the biggest selling Latin artist of all time. She is known worldwide for her film and television roles, as well as her chart-topping songs that have dominated radio play lists and dance floors. Some of her most iconic hits include “If You Had My Love,” “Jenny from the Block,” “On the Floor,” and “Waiting for Tonight.” However, amidst her many multi-platinum albums and box office successes, Jennifer Lopez has also released several underrated songs that often get overlooked. While they may not have reached the commercial heights of her signature hits, these lesser-known tracks are no less talented or enjoyable. In this article, we will take a deeper look at 10 of Jennifer Lopez’s most underrated songs that deserve more recognition.
Ain’t It Funny (Remix) (feat. Ja Rule) (2002)
The remix of “Ain’t It Funny” featured on J.Lo’s multi-platinum album “This Is Me…Then” was a sassy and playful track that showed off her vocal range and personality. Produced by Cory Rooney and Cory Bold, the song finds Lopez reflecting on a past relationship and questioning why things didn’t work out as expected. The inclusion of Ja Rule added an extra layer of rap flavoring to the track. While it didn’t reach the commercial heights of album singles like “Jenny from the Block,” the remix of “Ain’t It Funny” demonstrated Lopez’s ability to command any genre of music with confidence and style. The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a perfect song to put you in a good mood.
Feelin’ So Good (2000)
Taken from her debut studio album “On the 6,” “Feelin’ So Good” was one of Lopez’s earlier dance-pop tracks. Produced by Cory Rooney, Dash, and Dante Santiago, the disco-inspired song has a contagious rhythm and energy that is impossible not to dance to. The lyrics find Lopez expressing confidence in herself and joy in simply feeling good. While it wasn’t released as a single, the song’s uptempo beat and catchy melodic hook make it a fan favorite. It showed that even in the early stages of her career, Lopez had a knack for crafting songs perfectly suited for the dance floor. With its throwback disco influences and J.Lo’s charismatic delivery, “Feelin’ So Good” is the ultimate feel-good track.
Cariño (2017)
Nearly two decades into her career, Lopez proved she could still deliver a seductive hit with “Cariño.” The Spanish language song featured fellow Latin star Wisin and was released as part of Lopez’s tenth studio album “Amor, Amor, Amor.” A slow-burning bachata track, “Cariño” finds Lopez delivering breathy and intimate vocals over gentle guitar strings. She trades verses with Wisin’s smooth rap segments. While not as commercially successful as other singles from the album, “Cariño” showed off Lopez’s continued mastery of Latin music. The sensual rhythm and chemistry between her and Wisin makes it an ideal song for a romantic night.
No Llores (featuring Marc Anthony) (1999)
In the late 90s, Lopez was just starting to make her mark in the music industry when she teamed up with then-husband Marc Anthony for the Spanish language ballad “No Llores.” Featured on her debut album “On the 6,” the emotional song finds Lopez and Anthony exchanging vocal runs as they sing of comforting a loved one who is crying. Their powerful yet tender vocals intertwine beautifully over an orchestral arrangement. “No Llores” highlighted the musical chemistry between Lopez and Anthony that would later help cement their status as Latin music icons. Though not an official single, the moving love song is considered one of Lopez’s most beautifully sung tracks.
Que Hiciste (2007)
Off Lopez’s fifth studio album “Como Ama una Mujer,” “Que Hiciste” saw the star fully embracing her Latin roots with a catchy Spanglish track. Produced by Estéfano and Luny Tunes, the mid-tempo pop song finds Lopez confidently wondering what her ex did to lose her love. The mixture of Spanish and English lyrics gave the song crossover appeal while still allowing Lopez to celebrate her cultural background. “Que Hiciste” was a modest commercial success and helped introduce Lopez to a new generation of Latin music fans around the world. Its blend of pop and urban influences along with J.Lo’s charismatic delivery make it an addictive listen.
If You Say So (2002)
Taken from her album “This Is Me…Then,” “If You Say So” is a beautiful mid-tempo love song that showed off Lopez’s vocal prowess. Over gentle piano melodies and strings, she delivers emotive vocals declaring her commitment to her partner. Produced by Cory Rooney, Dash, and Dante Santiago, the romantic lyrics are accompanied by a sweeping yet understated arrangement. While not released as a single, “If You Say So” stands out as one of Lopez’s most purely sung tracks that highlights her ability to convey raw emotion through music. Its declaration of devotion makes it perfect for intimate listening.
Waiting for Tonight (1999)
Off her debut album “On the 6,” “Waiting for Tonight” established Lopez as a force to be reckoned with in the pop world. A high-energy dance track produced by Rodney Jerkins, the song became one of her signature hits known for its infectious hook and club-ready beat. However, overshadowed by the mammoth success of “If You Had My Love,” “Waiting for Tonight” is often forgotten as one of Lopez’s defining early songs. Its lyrics about living for the weekend and dancing the night away still hold up as the ultimate party anthem. With its pulsing rhythm and J.Lo’s charismatic vocals, “Waiting for Tonight” deserves recognition as one of her most joyous and iconic songs.
Alive (2000)
While “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” received major radio play from Lopez’s “On the 6” album, the inspirational ballad “Alive” is often overlooked. Produced by Cory Rooney, Dash, and Dante Santiago, the emotive song finds Lopez encouraging listeners to never give up on their dreams and ambitions. Her powerful yet vulnerable vocals are accompanied by an understated yet swelling arrangement. “Alive” highlighted Lopez’s ability to convey raw emotion and strength through song at the start of her career. Its uplifting message of perseverance makes it as relevant today as it was over 20 years ago.
Gotta Be You (2014)
Taken from her eighth studio album “A.K.A.,” “Gotta Be You” saw Lopez delivering one of her most purely sung performances on record. Over a simple piano melody, she showcases the full range of her vocals on the soulful love ballad. Produced by DJ Mustard, “Gotta Be You” stands out for its stripped-back yet emotive quality that allows Lopez’s powerful voice to shine through. While not a major commercial success upon the album’s release, the song has grown into a fan favorite ballad that highlights Lopez’s vocal talents. Its heartfelt lyrics make it perfect for intimate listening.
Love Makes Me Wanna Sing (2017)
Released as part of her ninth studio album “Amor, Amor, Amor,” “Love Makes Me Wanna Sing” saw Lopez return to her Latin roots with a feel-good track. The upbeat dance song finds Lopez in a celebratory mood, expressing how being in love inspires her to sing. Produced by David Sánchez and Estéfano, “Love Makes Me Wanna Sing” combines Lopez’s signature pop sound with Latin influences like salsa-inspired percussion. Its joyous lyrics and contagious rhythm make it the ideal song to lift one’s spirits. While not a major commercial single, the track showed Lopez still had plenty of upbeat anthems left to share with the world.
Throughout her decades-spanning career, Jennifer Lopez has cemented her status as one of the most successful entertainers of all time. While many know her for signature hits, she has also released a treasure trove of underrated songs that deserve more recognition. These lesser-known tracks showcase not only her evolution as an artist over the years but also her mastery of different genres from Latin pop to dance-floor-ready anthems. Even two decades into her career, Lopez continues to deliver passionate performances and infectious songs that have endured the test of time. With her charismatic stage presence and vocal talents, it’s easy to see why she remains one of the most popular artists in the world.
