So I've just seen and heard the new Janet song and video which was just premiered on Channel 4 (UK).

Before it came on, I turned to my brother and described exactly what it would be like, and I was spot on. Whispered vocals, some slow to mid-tempo drum-machined r&b music, a token rapper, a video with bright colours and bright lights shining straight into their eyes/shades. On everything I was spot on, it was pretty poor and unimaginative. Whatever happened to the breakthrough videos, amazing dancing, belting out funk/rock/pop songs? I used to really like Janet from Control through Rhythm Nation upto Velvet Rope. About that time is when she stopped singing and started whispering, or more accurately, breathing her lyrics. Her voice just sounds so timid now.

And Nelly, gee, a rapper thinking for himself? No, follow the herd, gold tooth, check, huge gold knecklace, check, tattoos, check, showing off your 6-pack, check, etc etc.

My review? Disappointingly predictable. Take some risks Janet!

Janet is capable of so much more, her albums Control through Velvet Rope proving such. I think she's really trying to play her cards right to remain safe just to ensure commercial success.
When i heard she was working with Jermaine Dupri, i just sensed this would be the direction she took.
I think this single is weak when put up against Janet's back catalogue, though i suppose it's nice for radio.

metalorange said:

I gotta agree with you...I was very dissapointed when I heard the song, saw the video....

I miss every new Janet record being a huge 'event'...she's come back after couple years with a new point of view and something to say....since ALL FOR YOU she has been everso redundant and even the album covers for AFT, Damita, 20YO all are very similar (Janet in a sex kitten-y pose and super airbrushed smile). From CONROL to VELVET she was groundbreaking and the world took notice...she's seems so non-significant anymore...sad....hope the second single (which is supposed to be THE Janet dance track we've been waiting for) is alot better.

peace

I like it at first but after a few listenings, I wasn't feeling the song afterall. I agreed with those that Janet is playing a bit too safe on this one.


But anyway Janet why you are doing that, I will be continue to listen to your albums from 1982 to 1998, your groundbreaking and greatest years imho. I am still going to keep my ears open for her second single which I heard too it supposed to be more of a dancable tune.

metalorange said:

You're right, of course, but very generous. If someone had handed me the package I would've given it back and said I've already got three of the same thing.

I am dissapointed too.

The only REAL recording success she's ever had is with Jimmy and Terry as producers. She needs to get them back. Hopefully they won't rely as heavily on samples as they have in the past.

jayaredee said:

I think JD wanted to release COM first to get her back on the radio. It is doing well on urban radio. The next single is suppose to be a hot dance track. Early rumors/reports have revealed that 20 Y.O. will be a very danceable record and won't disappoint her dance fans. Virgin seems to be doing a "slow and steady wins the race" approach.

I have to agree that JJ's new video is so predictable. Sure, she looks great as always, but it's typical and boring. How many different outfits can one person wear in the same video?? The song sounds like every other JJ song. I feel sorry for her because she hasn't done anything interesting in years and she could if she really wanted to. Instead, she'd rather sell records to the mainstream pop fans. If money and attention were not her main focus, she could do something great!

Posing on the cover of Vibe is so Janet too. Nothing new there!

kisscamille said:

Yeah that was pretty predicatable wasn't it? Janet has a great body, but she should really be a little more creative with her image. She's been doing the naked thing since the dawn of the new millenium and she still hasn't managed to create a better photo than the "Janet"/Rolling Stone cover while being naked.