"El Anillo" by Jennifer Lopez - Single Review

   DISCLAIMER: Ashamed to admit I am not as well-versed in Spanish as I should be.

   Though most have slept on previous Por Primera Vez-associated singles -- both "Ni Tu Ni Yo" and "Amor Amor Amor" had great crossover potential, how dare you?! -- singer/dancer/actress Jennifer Lopez is not giving up on promotion for her upcoming second Spanish-language album. Ninth overall.

   For the third official taste of the anticipated project, Lopez amps up the energy, and expectations, for "El Anillo" ("The Ring" in English), an uptempo dance-tinged track rumored to be directed at current beau Alex Rodriguez. As the entertainer admits to making herself absolutely perfect for a current lover, to even being available and adventurous in the bedroom, he still has reservations about making the relationship permanent. Why?

   "El Anillo" will get lost in translation for some. Unfortunate. But for the Latin community, lyrical content of knowing one's worth and demanding some form of recognition and appreciation will resonate. While her delivery comes off as demanding, it's done so with a mix of class and sass. Naysayers have criticized Lopez in the past for thin vocal abilities, but in her comfort zone, she handles the fiery material with fierce, controlled conviction and diva-like attitude.

   The infectious production goes hard, differs vastly from the almost ballad-like approach to previous album singles, but thankfully remains in the background for support, as it should. Instead, most attention will be paid on the underlying meaning and Lopez's straightforward approach. "Oh, tú sabes que yo tengo lo que no tienen otras, cuando muevo mi cuerpo, el tuyo se alborota, las mujere' sabemos lo que nos toca, si quieren todo eso, que nos pongan la roca," she asserts on the golden bridge, a rally cry for her fellow woman.

  Finding the right balance of sensuality, playfulness and toughness works wonders for the new "El Anillo". However, it's the edge that should take top billing. Lopez has not crafted as sharp a dancefloor banger since "Ain't Your Mama" in 2016. The blend of sincerity grounded in real life and slight anger adds to the release's originality, creating a space where the artist thrives. As one of the hardest working women in show business, it should not be this difficult to get a man to commit.

   Along with the radio-ready release, the accompanying music video dripping in gold, should add to its potential chart success. "El Anillo" finds Lopez living extravagantly in a distant castle, exuding beauty and power. Ensuring her lover knows that he plays only a supporting role, the artist demonstrates her dominance with intricate, seductive dance routines and impeccable costumes -- the white dreadlocks are breathtaking. Overall, the entire package is literal perfection.