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PrintableOfftheWall said: JANET-XONE
the full bio is below, the part in bold is the part that wasn't printed the first time. talks about some of the new songs, enjoy! A Passion for Discipline Sitting across from a roaring fireplace one winter afternoon in Vail, Janet is curled up on a dark leather couch as she discusses the unlikely topic of Discipline, the title of her new album. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling window, long graceful branches of towering trees are heavy with snow. In the distance, a lift carries skiers up an imposing mountain awash in white. Janet’s wearing a midnight-black sweat suit, her hair pulled back to the nape of her neck. Her body language is relaxed and her eyes are smiling. She’s trim, and also a little hoarse, having just fought off a cold. The whisper-quiet texture of her voice adds to the intimacy of the conversation. “Discipline has been much on my mind,” she says. “It’s the idea that unifies the songs on this record. As a concept, and even a lifestyle, discipline goes extremely deep. It can be applied to so much about ourselves. In my case, I see it as one of defining aspects of my character. Discipline was there for me from the start. But it was not until this record that I began to understand its full meaning. “In putting Discipline out front-- as both the title of the album and title of a song about sexual surrender--I wanted to announce that I was venturing into new creative waters. That meant working with producers like Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins, and Ne-Yo, whose songs spoke to the immediacy of my emotions. Like all my records, this one, whether intentional or not, has autobiographical roots. It’s difficult for me to work any other way. I don’t feel it, if I don’t believe it, I can’t sing it. “So Discipline, as a storyline, begins in my childhood which someone could see as a classic study in discipline. Discipline was part of a family culture that I absorbed. I was born with it. “I also believe that discipline has given me the confidence to jump out of the nest. When L.A. Reid, Chairman of Island Def Jam, and I discussed co-executive producing this record, we both agreed that the feeling had to be adventuresome and fresh. I was interested in exploring musical scenarios—some exotic, many erotic, but all deeply emotional. I wanted to push the envelope. And I’m glad that `Discipline,’ both as a song and an album, does just that. “`Feedback,’ a Rodney Jerkins production, is a different metaphor that also explores sexual tension. It’s a provocative conversation that invites openness in an area where so many of us are closed off. The same could be said for Rodney’s “Roller Coaster,” a musical ride that reflects that up and downs of romantic/physical agitation and excitement.” When asked how her concept of discipline has changed over the years, Janet reaches for her mug of hot tea, takes a sip and pauses several seconds before replying. “Well, I guess if I go back to the beginning I see a little girl, 10-years-old, who’s appearing on `Good Times’ and sets her own alarm clock to wake up at 5:30 AM in order to be at work by 7. Then I think about a 15-year-old starting to make records. For the next 25 years, she makes an album every two or three years without fail. Going a little deeper, she learns that the music most connected to her heart has a rhythmic and harmonic complexity that requires work. That means hours and hours trying to compose lyrics and melodies that ring true; hours and hours in the studio layering the vocals that contain the different voices she hears inside her head. Then, of course, the months she spends planning and executing world tours, one after another.” And does that artist see discipline as a burden? “No, I see it as a blessing,” Janet is quick to say. “As a child, I took it for granted. That’s who I was. As a teenager, I wanted to sing and dance. I realized that required concentration. I wanted to reach people, and I had the good sense to see that couldn’t happen if my skills weren’t crafted with precision. But as I came to adulthood, I was hard on myself. Discipline is one thing; perfectionism is another. Perfectionism is a kind of punishment. It leads to permanent dissatisfaction and heartbreak. It’s wonderful to strive for excellence, but demanding perfection only leads to heartache and frustration. It took me years to learn that difficult lesson. But in finally learning it, I now see discipline in a new light.” The light of the winter sun breaks through the grey sky and floods the room. Janet gets up and finds a copy of “Can’t Be Good,” a song written and produced for her by Ne-Yo, who also did “Discipline.” She slips it into the CD player. The sensuous groove stops the conversation; it’s all heavenly harmonies and sweet romantic ambivalence. “The ambivalence and the discipline are in conflict,” says Janet when the song stops. “I can relate to the story. In fact, I can imagine myself in the story. After a long relationship that ends in pain, I turn to my old friend, discipline. I discipline myself not to get involved, not to be vulnerable, not to fall in love. My discipline protects me from any more hurt. My discipline keeps me on track. But here comes someone who’s so real and right that, as the song says, `This can’t be good.’ So discipline really isn’t discipline. It’s just self-protection and fear of being hurt. It’s resistance. Thankfully, the heat of pure passion melts the resistance. And the result is free-flowing love.” “Listen to `Letchu Go,’” Janet continues. “It was written and produced by Jermaine. When I read the lyrics by Jermaine and Johnta Austin, I couldn’t help but cry. The more I thought about the story, the more I saw how it reveals another aspect of positive discipline, especially as it relates to relationships. The song says that we can’t stop trying just because we hit rough times. It’s not too late; we can’t give up on our fate; we can’t let go of that discipline that allows us to work through problems and find a way to the wonders that come with open and honest love. “The album expresses what I need to express at this moment of my life,” she says. “It says that discipline, rather than being a problem, can bring pleasure. Discipline is a key to freedom. Discipline allows me—allows all of us—to focus. And the focus must be on thoughts and feelings that nourish our physical and spiritual lives. “Funny, but my first big album also had a one-word title—Control. I was naïve in thinking that I could control every aspect of my life. The only one who really has control is God. But it took discipline—the discipline of thought, the discipline of action, the discipline of creating music—to make me see that. Finally, discipline has to do with faith. I have faith that a gentle but steady discipline will let me continue to grow as an artist and a woman.” This makes me a little uneasy! I can already tell Jermaine is waaay to involved (it's not just one track) and that this might be a mess that makes "20 YO" truly look like "Control". I like "Feedback", but if it's the best song on the album, I'm done with Janet. | |
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VinnyM27 said: OfftheWall said: JANET-XONE
the full bio is below, the part in bold is the part that wasn't printed the first time. talks about some of the new songs, enjoy! A Passion for Discipline Sitting across from a roaring fireplace one winter afternoon in Vail, Janet is curled up on a dark leather couch as she discusses the unlikely topic of Discipline, the title of her new album. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling window, long graceful branches of towering trees are heavy with snow. In the distance, a lift carries skiers up an imposing mountain awash in white. Janet’s wearing a midnight-black sweat suit, her hair pulled back to the nape of her neck. Her body language is relaxed and her eyes are smiling. She’s trim, and also a little hoarse, having just fought off a cold. The whisper-quiet texture of her voice adds to the intimacy of the conversation. “Discipline has been much on my mind,” she says. “It’s the idea that unifies the songs on this record. As a concept, and even a lifestyle, discipline goes extremely deep. It can be applied to so much about ourselves. In my case, I see it as one of defining aspects of my character. Discipline was there for me from the start. But it was not until this record that I began to understand its full meaning. “In putting Discipline out front-- as both the title of the album and title of a song about sexual surrender--I wanted to announce that I was venturing into new creative waters. That meant working with producers like Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins, and Ne-Yo, whose songs spoke to the immediacy of my emotions. Like all my records, this one, whether intentional or not, has autobiographical roots. It’s difficult for me to work any other way. I don’t feel it, if I don’t believe it, I can’t sing it. “So Discipline, as a storyline, begins in my childhood which someone could see as a classic study in discipline. Discipline was part of a family culture that I absorbed. I was born with it. “I also believe that discipline has given me the confidence to jump out of the nest. When L.A. Reid, Chairman of Island Def Jam, and I discussed co-executive producing this record, we both agreed that the feeling had to be adventuresome and fresh. I was interested in exploring musical scenarios—some exotic, many erotic, but all deeply emotional. I wanted to push the envelope. And I’m glad that `Discipline,’ both as a song and an album, does just that. “`Feedback,’ a Rodney Jerkins production, is a different metaphor that also explores sexual tension. It’s a provocative conversation that invites openness in an area where so many of us are closed off. The same could be said for Rodney’s “Roller Coaster,” a musical ride that reflects that up and downs of romantic/physical agitation and excitement.” When asked how her concept of discipline has changed over the years, Janet reaches for her mug of hot tea, takes a sip and pauses several seconds before replying. “Well, I guess if I go back to the beginning I see a little girl, 10-years-old, who’s appearing on `Good Times’ and sets her own alarm clock to wake up at 5:30 AM in order to be at work by 7. Then I think about a 15-year-old starting to make records. For the next 25 years, she makes an album every two or three years without fail. Going a little deeper, she learns that the music most connected to her heart has a rhythmic and harmonic complexity that requires work. That means hours and hours trying to compose lyrics and melodies that ring true; hours and hours in the studio layering the vocals that contain the different voices she hears inside her head. Then, of course, the months she spends planning and executing world tours, one after another.” And does that artist see discipline as a burden? “No, I see it as a blessing,” Janet is quick to say. “As a child, I took it for granted. That’s who I was. As a teenager, I wanted to sing and dance. I realized that required concentration. I wanted to reach people, and I had the good sense to see that couldn’t happen if my skills weren’t crafted with precision. But as I came to adulthood, I was hard on myself. Discipline is one thing; perfectionism is another. Perfectionism is a kind of punishment. It leads to permanent dissatisfaction and heartbreak. It’s wonderful to strive for excellence, but demanding perfection only leads to heartache and frustration. It took me years to learn that difficult lesson. But in finally learning it, I now see discipline in a new light.” The light of the winter sun breaks through the grey sky and floods the room. Janet gets up and finds a copy of “Can’t Be Good,” a song written and produced for her by Ne-Yo, who also did “Discipline.” She slips it into the CD player. The sensuous groove stops the conversation; it’s all heavenly harmonies and sweet romantic ambivalence. “The ambivalence and the discipline are in conflict,” says Janet when the song stops. “I can relate to the story. In fact, I can imagine myself in the story. After a long relationship that ends in pain, I turn to my old friend, discipline. I discipline myself not to get involved, not to be vulnerable, not to fall in love. My discipline protects me from any more hurt. My discipline keeps me on track. But here comes someone who’s so real and right that, as the song says, `This can’t be good.’ So discipline really isn’t discipline. It’s just self-protection and fear of being hurt. It’s resistance. Thankfully, the heat of pure passion melts the resistance. And the result is free-flowing love.” “Listen to `Letchu Go,’” Janet continues. “It was written and produced by Jermaine. When I read the lyrics by Jermaine and Johnta Austin, I couldn’t help but cry. The more I thought about the story, the more I saw how it reveals another aspect of positive discipline, especially as it relates to relationships. The song says that we can’t stop trying just because we hit rough times. It’s not too late; we can’t give up on our fate; we can’t let go of that discipline that allows us to work through problems and find a way to the wonders that come with open and honest love. “The album expresses what I need to express at this moment of my life,” she says. “It says that discipline, rather than being a problem, can bring pleasure. Discipline is a key to freedom. Discipline allows me—allows all of us—to focus. And the focus must be on thoughts and feelings that nourish our physical and spiritual lives. “Funny, but my first big album also had a one-word title—Control. I was naïve in thinking that I could control every aspect of my life. The only one who really has control is God. But it took discipline—the discipline of thought, the discipline of action, the discipline of creating music—to make me see that. Finally, discipline has to do with faith. I have faith that a gentle but steady discipline will let me continue to grow as an artist and a woman.” This makes me a little uneasy! I can already tell Jermaine is waaay to involved (it's not just one track) and that this might be a mess that makes "20 YO" truly look like "Control". I like "Feedback", but if it's the best song on the album, I'm done with Janet. Take a breather, dude.  I'm sure it's one song though it's the only one Janet gets expressive about. | |
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just got this in my email 
THANK YOU FOR BEING ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE TO SIGN UP TO BE A PART OF JANET'S ONLINE COMMUNITY. AS A SPECIAL REWARD YOU GET TO SEE THE ALBUM COVER FIRST, WE HOPE YOU LIKE IT!
[Edited 1/15/08 18:05pm] [Edited 1/15/08 18:08pm] | |
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DawnD said: banks said: How would you know if they did if it's a secret ???  Good one, banks! It is no secret that Renee, her second husband, was involved in the writing of the RN 1814 and .janet albums without being credited. There is an interesting interview with Rolling Stone during the Velvet Rope era in which Janet discusses the role of her then secret-husband, and how she is happy that he is finally being credited as a co-songwriter. But  .
As long as the music is good, I do not mind the record company or the performer bullshiting the general public. Back to the album Discipline: Janet looks hot on that magazine cover. | |
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Hands down....her best album cover since the janet. album.
Very classic IMO. | |
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amit1234 said: Hands down....her best album cover since the janet. album.
Very classic IMO. Ain't it? It just looks so FUNKY, man!  She's back in that serious mood rather than the covers on "All for You", "Damita Jo" and "20 Y.O.", lol | |
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Timmy84 said: amit1234 said: Hands down....her best album cover since the janet. album.
Very classic IMO. Ain't it? It just looks so FUNKY, man! She's back in that serious mood rather than the covers on "All for You", "Damita Jo" and "20 Y.O.", lolShe's got a whip wrapped around her torso! HOT! | |
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Timmy84 said: amit1234 said: Hands down....her best album cover since the janet. album.
Very classic IMO. Ain't it? It just looks so FUNKY, man! She's back in that serious mood rather than the covers on "All for You", "Damita Jo" and "20 Y.O.", lolGet outta my head! I was just about to say when she looks serious, that's when the funk comes out. I'm ready for Janet to get funky again.  I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that | |
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good look very Euro, which is a good thing. Reminds me of a Girls Aloud shoot they just did in late 2007 for their "Tangled Up" album. "We went where our music was appreciated, and that was everywhere but the USA, we knew we had fans, but there is only so much of the world you can play at once" Magne F | |
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I love how her name and the title is smeared onto the gloves  | |
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Rodya24 said: DawnD said: Good one, banks! It is no secret that Renee, her second husband, was involved in the writing of the RN 1814 and .janet albums without being credited. There is an interesting interview with Rolling Stone during the Velvet Rope era in which Janet discusses the role of her then secret-husband, and how she is happy that he is finally being credited as a co-songwriter. But .
As long as the music is good, I do not mind the record company or the performer bullshiting the general public. Back to the album Discipline: Janet looks hot on that magazine cover. the thing i dont get is why do people call rene a ghost writer when his name is listed as a writer on every song on the VR album, janet never denied rene co-wrote songs with her infact she said herself that she made him take credit for what he did. rene stated in his law suit that he co-wrote a total 37 songs with janet. if janet was stealing credit i would expect her name to be listed as a writer on every song she records (ala beyonce), but she dont do that, so if she did record songs written for her by others i dont see the big deal, long as she's not taking undue credit. also i doubt jimmy and terry would allow her to take credit for their work, i can tell for a fact by listening to the songs that all of janet's lyrics didnt come from their pens. now back to the important issue, janet is back and i dont care who wrote what long as its hot! | |
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lowkey said: Rodya24 said: It is no secret that Renee, her second husband, was involved in the writing of the RN 1814 and .janet albums without being credited. There is an interesting interview with Rolling Stone during the Velvet Rope era in which Janet discusses the role of her then secret-husband, and how she is happy that he is finally being credited as a co-songwriter. But .
As long as the music is good, I do not mind the record company or the performer bullshiting the general public. Back to the album Discipline: Janet looks hot on that magazine cover. the thing i dont get is why do people call rene a ghost writer when his name is listed as a writer on every song on the VR album, janet never denied rene co-wrote songs with her infact she said herself that she made him take credit for what he did. rene stated in his law suit that he co-wrote a total 37 songs with janet. if janet was stealing credit i would expect her name to be listed as a writer on every song she records (ala beyonce), but she dont do that, so if she did record songs written for her by others i dont see the big deal, long as she's not taking undue credit. also i doubt jimmy and terry would allow her to take credit for their work, i can tell for a fact by listening to the songs that all of janet's lyrics didnt come from their pens. now back to the important issue, janet is back and i dont care who wrote what long as its hot! I suppose a number of people call Rene a ghost writer since he was involved with the writing of the RN 1814 and .janet albums. The Rolling Stone interview was illuminating about this aspect of their relationship. But you are right. It is not as if Janet denies his involvement in her past work. She is quite open about it. What I do not get about Rene is why he refused to be credited for his invovlement in the RN 1814 and .janet albums. Janet herself said that she wanted him to be. And of course, he complains about it later. 
And I agree with you that as long as the songs are good, it does not matter who wrote it. And as for the Discipline album, Janet probably has several co-writing credits. I would be surprised if she was not credited for any of the songs. Enough hijacking of this thread from me. Back to the new album.
[Edited 1/15/08 21:11pm] [Edited 1/15/08 21:12pm] | |
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Cinnie said: I love how her name and the title is smeared onto the gloves
Very dominatrixish. Hot. | |
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The cover is aight  "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." |
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I like the cover.
It's far more eye-catching than the last 3 album covers, for sure. love is a fate resigned memories mar my mind love it is a fate resigned Over futile odds and laughed at by the Gods and now the final frame Love is a losing game |
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Definitely a captivating, exciting image. It sets a tone. Janet always makes her best music when she isn't smiling on the album cover. [Edited 1/15/08 22:35pm] | |
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Rodya24 said: But you are right. It is not as if Janet denies his involvement in her past work. She is quite open about it. What I do not get about Rene is why he refused to be credited for his invovlement in the RN 1814 and .janet albums. Janet herself said that she wanted him to be. And of course, he complains about it later.
And I agree with you that as long as the songs are good, it does not matter who wrote it. And as for the Discipline album, Janet probably has several co-writing credits. I would be surprised if she was not credited for any of the songs. Enough hijacking of this thread from me. Back to the new album. Yes, Janet has always been very candid about the involvement in her work. She was honest about what she did and didn't do on the Control album in her 1987 Spin interview and in the Billboard Book of Number One Albums. She works on lyrics, basic melodies and vocal arrangements. And I have no problem believing that considering how close she always was to Michael and his creative process during Off The Wall and even Thriller. Michael is an incredible songwriter. As far as Rene goes, his lack of doing *anything* outside of his work with Janet (before meeting her and after parting ways with her) signifies to me that he is incapable of it. Her real collaborators were Jimmy & Terry. Rene left just before Jimmy & Terry started going downhill as producers themselves. He was a great photographer, however. [Edited 1/15/08 22:42pm] | |
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The cover is interesting. I think I like it. "When Michael Jackson is just singing and dancing, you just think this is an astonishing talent. And he has had this astounding talent all his life, but we want him to be floored as well. We really don´t like the idea that he could have it all." | |
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VoicesCarry said: Rodya24 said: But you are right. It is not as if Janet denies his involvement in her past work. She is quite open about it. What I do not get about Rene is why he refused to be credited for his invovlement in the RN 1814 and .janet albums. Janet herself said that she wanted him to be. And of course, he complains about it later.
And I agree with you that as long as the songs are good, it does not matter who wrote it. And as for the Discipline album, Janet probably has several co-writing credits. I would be surprised if she was not credited for any of the songs. Enough hijacking of this thread from me. Back to the new album. Yes, Janet has always been very candid about the involvement in her work. She was honest about what she did and didn't do on the Control album in her 1987 Spin interview and in the Billboard Book of Number One Albums. She works on lyrics, basic melodies and vocal arrangements. And I have no problem believing that considering how close she always was to Michael and his creative process during Off The Wall and even Thriller. Michael is an incredible songwriter. As far as Rene goes, his lack of doing *anything* outside of his work with Janet (before meeting her and after parting ways with her) signifies to me that he is incapable of it. Her real collaborators were Jimmy & Terry. Rene left just before Jimmy & Terry started going downhill as producers themselves. He was a great photographer, however. [Edited 1/15/08 22:42pm] You know what? I used to be so frustrated with Janet the last several years and criticized her at every opportunity. Now, I am at the point where I applaud the fact that she is still around over two decades since her first album. I am always going to be unhappy about something with all my favorite entertainers, but life is too short to be so negative all the time. | |
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That is a great!!! album cover...Its Iconic. | |
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I like the cover...but I HATE THAT GREASE HAIR!  | |
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That cover's the kind of hotness that gets met thinking about doing something crazy...like actually buying a CD! | |
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i...i...im conflicted. Space for sale... | |
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I think it's a terrible album cover, to be honest. Just not into it at all; bad photograph, bad design...does nothing for me. That said, I'm still looking forward to the contents of the album. | |
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MikeMatronik said: I like the cover...but I HATE THAT GREASE HAIR!
Me too. I love the b/w, the shadowing, the gloves, the painted words, but the hair. I had to see if it was a hat. But I like the cover. Discipline is one of my favorite words but just reading the article I never need to hear it again. Been gone for a minute, now I'm back with the jump off | |
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VoicesCarry said: banks said: And she has clothes on.... YES !!!!!
It's a fierce shot. This is probably her best cover in....how many years? Damn. Anyway, i love it. Oh, how true it is!  | |
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Dance said: banks said: And she has clothes on....
:pigsflying: You're funny! | |
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amit1234 said: Hands down....her best album cover since the janet. album.
Very classic IMO. I agree! | |
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JackieBlue said: MikeMatronik said: I like the cover...but I HATE THAT GREASE HAIR!
Me too. I love the b/w, the shadowing, the gloves, the painted words, but the hair. I had to see if it was a hat. But I like the cover. Discipline is one of my favorite words but just reading the article I never need to hear it again. That hair do is really un-orgasmic | |
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VoicesCarry said: Definitely a captivating, exciting image. It sets a tone. Janet always makes her best music when she isn't smiling on the album cover.
[Edited 1/15/08 22:35pm] You noticed that too!!?!?!?!? | |
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