She had a decline during Rock With U with selling stadiums out which is such a shame, cause I enjoyed that tour so much and got the closest to her She was huge from 1986 to 2001 for sure and in my top 3 with michael and madonna, but I also think her shows are way better than Madonna for her talent, as mjscarousal put it. I liked Madonna longer, but as soon as I got into Janet, I loved her way more and get hyped at janet's shows, not as much at madonna's and I find I enjoy her songs and special effects most even if her voice is decent. I have heard people say they go see certain veteran artists now cause they aren't gettig any younger or couldn't see mj (I've heard casual music fans who are not stans say this), so I think maybe that's why Janet sold out so much better for the Number Ones tour along with a crop of other artists. I'm not saying she needed mj for it, but all the news on his death was having people talking about the family for a long time anyway. She may as well have just done stadiums instead of arenas by then, cause she sold out 85% of rock with you here, but the two arena shows here for number ones sold out.

I also agree that doing movies and acting and having jam & lewis produced music for the soundtrack sometimes, and tina back will help her keep her name in music, so the anticipation for a new album and a very strong single can work in her favour. Just yesterday I heard Make Me in a store so maybe people are waiting though I hate how lists leave her out a lot of times or easily say mj is the better one Though I love mj, I too go through periods of constantly playing janet without playing him for awhile, and going through that right now. She puts out such feel good and energetic music, lush tunes, and has awesome moves that make her beauty stand out even more.

Thanks for posting those janet. era stats SEANMAN. I remember in 1998 they said in the press janet. sold 10 million, years later I read 15 million and was about to call this 20 million figure bullshit, but it may be close now if not exact. Those are all shipments and not actual figures though they must be close by now.

Lil1992, I don't think anyone here is saying janet was the biggest star in the entire world during the janet. era though she was a big name with huge contracts, but generally agreeing that out of all her eras, on a worldwide scale, the janet. era recieved the most popularity in comparison to the other eras. It did do way better in europe than the rhythm nation era though mainly for that's the way love goes. Very few people became the biggest star ever, so to fellow janet fans, it's not an insult to her. I do wish she got more credit.

PatrickS77 said:

SEANMAN said:

People slay me acting as if Janet is only a local star.

Well, she's not... of course not, but when it comes to Europe, when it comes to album sales, especially ticket sales and the way the public sees her, she's never been on the level of Michael, Madonna, U2, Rolling Stones and so on. But then again, who is?

[Edited 2/24/13 17:58pm]

Agree,

Thats all I was trying to say. I dont see how that suggests Janet is not an international star.

But she damn sure is not MJ, sorry

MEMO, NO ONE IS

[Edited 2/24/13 18:59pm]

In honor of the #OSCARS2013.... Down memory lane. Janet slayed it on the #Oscars1994...Proved once & for all she can sing.....

[Edited 2/24/13 19:16pm]

Though I did not see this at the time it took place, I was remembering Janet tonight too for the Oscars. Who won over her for Again?

The Lion King

mjscarousal said:

Scorp said:

it's very simple

it's all deliberate

those involved in the industry who are in position to shape direction

they can't show footage of the great performers of the past

because if they did, it would show how drastic the entertainment value has declined

so they have to phase out the true presentation in order for the current brand of artists to exist

but this dynamic didn't just arise, it started in the late 80s

as those stars the industry tried to promote during the video age, the industry chose not to recognized the great contribution of the 70s

same thing during the 90s as those genuine artists of the 80s, their contribution was totally overlooked.....

the activity has operating in the prism of the pop ascension movement, so really what's happening is the industry is sabotaging itself w/out even realizing it, because when this movement took hold, it was never about musical contribution as much as it was about exploiting the virtues of culture.

they know today's female performers can't touch what Janet Jackson was doing back in the 80s and 90s....they know deep down in their gut that is the case

the problem is, we have a litany of individuals cast as performers who really shouldn't be in that position......

it's like in the NBA, ESPN and all those other stans are trying to hype up Lebron James and claim he's better than Michael Jordan when they know good and well he's not.....

[Edited 2/24/13 7:50am]

We bump heads alot but this is a great post!

Here is my issue:

Some of the entertainers we have today do have some level of talent but that is not really the problem. I just dont like how they call certain performers dancers when they are not dancers or call certain performers singers when they have average vocals OR call entertainers artists when they clearly are not artists. TO ME, the entertainers of today all are lacking in more than one area but for some reason they get credit in being exceptional in all areas of music/entertainment such as: dancing, singing, music, songwriting and creativity

Its terrible because your right. It is an industry thing and since music and entertainment has turned for the worse they have brought the bar down lower anytime all someone has to do is shake their butt to be entertaining.... they really call that shit DANCING today... I mean what the fuck is everybody smoking???

I will never understand it.

The ONLY female entertainer that I have been impressed with has been Janelle Monae as far as having the overall package (good music, good songwriter, plays instrument, good dancer, good live singer, creative shows) and while I love her...... even she still dont touch Janet.

You know my feelings already on Le bron James He is a average ball player to me and very overrated. It was also jacked up how he left Cleaveland I have no respect for him. He had to go to another team to win a Championship which Miami barely won and even still Thunder is still WAYYYY better than Miami

Do you really watch basketball?

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

The Lion King

Are you serious? I thought Lion King came out mid to late 1994, so it would have been nominated for 1995, janet. was 1993...but then again, I remember Aladdin coming out in 1992 and the release in 1993 advertising Lion King, so maybe that was released late 1993? I swear I remember Aladdin popularity lasting in 1993 through 94, and then Lion King for the second half of 1994....

I'm guessing Circle of Life won over Janet right? Well deserved though, and both Janet and Elton worked together later on

jeidee said:

I think she is very talented as an actress and performer. Even on Good Times she stole the show. My hope is she can reinvent herself as an actress, maybe somebodys mother in a film. Her albums have been basically unlistenable for a decade. I used to buy singles, maxi singles, all that crap and it all sounds so dated now. She has a nice handful of hits and is clearly unafraid of missing. Her sound matured really quick with All For You and Velvet Rope (which is brilliant to this day). Then it just was bleh... It all went south after Doesnt Really Matter IMO, that song is so lame. The boob thing really hurt her rep. And all those crap albums. Rockwilder lol.

I think Rockwilder worked well for her actually, but I also think she really regressed after Velvet Rope. She needs to start doing unpredictable acting roles and she's still young enough and gorgeous enough for it. I prefer her music but I always go see a Janet film as soon as it's in theatres and if I like it enough, I buy the DVD.

I have all her singles too and even multiple copies of some, but I think saying it sounds dated is an excuse cause alternate mixes are made to appeal to audiences of that time and different radio and airplay formats. That is the whole point, and I've always liked her remixes, and felt that during the All For You time, they made up for her outdated sound even if the songs were really good.

I hate the fact she is reduced to the Superbowl and I feel that when people do that or refer to her for it, I feel that they are so ignorant about her music or simply too young to remember her at her peak, and I'll even go far as to say they have double standards about gender and are giving justin a free pass. All those years of hard work snatched away from one stupid moment like that *smh*

phunkdaddy said:

mjscarousal said:

We bump heads alot but this is a great post!

Here is my issue:

Some of the entertainers we have today do have some level of talent but that is not really the problem. I just dont like how they call certain performers dancers when they are not dancers or call certain performers singers when they have average vocals OR call entertainers artists when they clearly are not artists. TO ME, the entertainers of today all are lacking in more than one area but for some reason they get credit in being exceptional in all areas of music/entertainment such as: dancing, singing, music, songwriting and creativity

Its terrible because your right. It is an industry thing and since music and entertainment has turned for the worse they have brought the bar down lower anytime all someone has to do is shake their butt to be entertaining.... they really call that shit DANCING today... I mean what the fuck is everybody smoking???

I will never understand it.

The ONLY female entertainer that I have been impressed with has been Janelle Monae as far as having the overall package (good music, good songwriter, plays instrument, good dancer, good live singer, creative shows) and while I love her...... even she still dont touch Janet.

You know my feelings already on Le bron James He is a average ball player to me and very overrated. It was also jacked up how he left Cleaveland I have no respect for him. He had to go to another team to win a Championship which Miami barely won and even still Thunder is still WAYYYY better than Miami

Do you really watch basketball?

Oh lawddd please dont tell me your a Lebron/Miami fan

and to answer your question yes

on the SB:

The public is fickle.... Beyonces SB was by far more sexually explicit and provocative than Janets and she got praised for it So I really dont care what the dumb media has to say about anything.

I have seen Beyonce perform in person much better than the Superbowl. I honestly felt like I was watching dancers at a high school talent show or a local club performance. It was really nothing special or unique.

alphastreet said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

The Lion King

Are you serious? I thought Lion King came out mid to late 1994, so it would have been nominated for 1995, janet. was 1993...but then again, I remember Aladdin coming out in 1992 and the release in 1993 advertising Lion King, so maybe that was released late 1993? I swear I remember Aladdin popularity lasting in 1993 through 94, and then Lion King for the second half of 1994....

I'm guessing Circle of Life won over Janet right? Well deserved though, and both Janet and Elton worked together later on

1993

Philadelphia won Best original Song

[Edited 2/24/13 21:13pm]

Schindler's List

was best original score

Sorry!

[Edited 2/24/13 21:16pm]

alphastreet said:

I have seen Beyonce perform in person much better than the Superbowl. I honestly felt like I was watching dancers at a high school talent show or a local club performance. It was really nothing special or unique.

Ive never been impressed with her to be honest, She always looks like she is trying out for a talent show I cant get pass her generic music and the weave tossin and booty shaking... its not dancing to me and Im not moved by it but people seem to like it. So my opinion really means nothing but Im going to keep doing me because most people are dumb anyway

All the clips on the first page of this thread is what I would call a BAD ASS performer with memorable performances.

on another note I feel sorry for Jackie, Marlon, and Tito so many dates got cancelled for the Unity Tour this year as well as last year. one fan was so accepted when tickmaster issued back her money, the guy who work at ticketmaster he don't understand why b/c earth, wind & fire are touring similar places and they're selling wonderfully. It seems like they can't sellout shows by themselves so it would be best to do a headline tour with other R&B acts. didn't Janet said back in 2008 if they were to tour again she would open up for them? i think Rebbie was hoping for a whole family reunion tour back in 2010

HAPPYPERSON said:

on another note I feel sorry for Jackie, Marlon, and Tito so many dates got cancelled for the Unity Tour this year as well as last year. one fan was so accepted when tickmaster issued back her money, the guy who work at ticketmaster he don't understand why b/c earth, wind & fire are touring similar places and they're selling wonderfully. It seems like they can't sellout shows by themselves so it would be best to do a headline tour with other R&B acts. didn't Janet said back in 2008 if they were to tour again she would open up for them? i think Rebbie was hoping for a whole family reunion tour back in 2010

mjscarousal said:

phunkdaddy said:

Do you really watch basketball?

Oh lawddd please dont tell me your a Lebron/Miami fan

and to answer your question yes

on the SB:

The public is fickle.... Beyonces SB was by far more sexually explicit and provocative than Janets and she got praised for it So I really dont care what the dumb media has to say about anything.

Not a Miami heat fan but i became a Lebron fan the minute he stuck it to Cleveland.

I don't hate the Cavs but hate the Browns and if i can see the Browns fans suffer

in misery by association i'm all for it. He didn't owe the city of Cleveland shit.

I hope the city of Cleveland go on for years without a championship. I disagree

with you on Bron but i agee with you for the most part on Beyonce. The Beyonce fest

is out of control but i guess i should get on board since she's this generation's

Diana Ross.

alphastreet said:

I have seen Beyonce perform in person much better than the Superbowl. I honestly felt like I was watching dancers at a high school talent show or a local club performance. It was really nothing special or unique.

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

HAPPYPERSON said:

on another note I feel sorry for Jackie, Marlon, and Tito so many dates got cancelled for the Unity Tour this year as well as last year. one fan was so accepted when tickmaster issued back her money, the guy who work at ticketmaster he don't understand why b/c earth, wind & fire are touring similar places and they're selling wonderfully. It seems like they can't sellout shows by themselves so it would be best to do a headline tour with other R&B acts. didn't Janet said back in 2008 if they were to tour again she would open up for them? i think Rebbie was hoping for a whole family reunion tour back in 2010

phunkdaddy said:

mjscarousal said:

Oh lawddd please dont tell me your a Lebron/Miami fan

and to answer your question yes

on the SB:

The public is fickle.... Beyonces SB was by far more sexually explicit and provocative than Janets and she got praised for it So I really dont care what the dumb media has to say about anything.

Not a Miami heat fan but i became a Lebron fan the minute he stuck it to Cleveland.

I don't hate the Cavs but hate the Browns and if i can see the Browns fans suffer

in misery by association i'm all for it. He didn't owe the city of Cleveland shit.

I hope the city of Cleveland go on for years without a championship. I disagree

with you on Bron but i agee with you for the most part on Beyonce. The Beyonce fest

is out of control but i guess i should get on board since she's this generation's

Diana Ross.

No its just that you have sense and grew up with real musicians, artists and entertainers.

I refuse to conform Bump everybody, society, media all that bullshit.

I think what bothers me the most is how orgers here fond over her... like what the fuck? This is suppose to be PRINCE.ORG AKA REAL MUSIC LAND AKA GOOD UNIQUE TASTE but for the last couple of years its felt like BET.com... I'm sick of it and I really could care less if I sound like a snob If you want to talk about shit, talk about that shit on BET.com or on her fan site not here.... nobody cares...

It just starts drama and alot of negativity.

I hope there taking notes in this thread on what real entertainment is

@ Lebron James... Im heartbroken Phunkdaddy I thought you knew better Its not so much him leaving Cleaveland but it was how he did it. I thought it was disrespectful. I thought he could have at least gave the owner a heads up and did it in a more humble way. His been with Cleaveland since he entered the league. Believe it or not, the owner, coach etc helped him along the way with his career so I think he at least owed them a respectful farewell. It didnt have to be over the top but just something meaingful to let them know that he appreciated all they did for him and being on the team. He basically was just like bump Cleaveland (like he wasnt with them for almost 10 year) and did that 1 hour sensationalized special. Not only is he overrated I dont like him as a personality. Durant is a sweet heart.

Janet had recorded some more new songs with JJ&TL before her brothers passing. But for some reason never went back to them. JJ & TL has said whenever she is ready.Maybe her heart isn't in it anymore.Like Toni Braxton. Last I heard Janet was working on her projects for her mega film developement deal with LionsGate. If Janet is going to make a new album I rather her heart be in it. As for now it isn't. She is also enjoying her marriage to her multi billionaire husband... I rather her work on her acting chops....

[Edited 2/25/13 12:41pm]

mjscarousal said:

Janet Jackson Archives

[img:$uid]http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lowteg40cE1qcqc9mo1_500.gif[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lobxr314bc1qeqwgjo1_500.gif[/img:$uid]

janetjacksonproject:
I traded all my childish treasures for a burnin’ love so true
In September 1982, Janet Jackson became a recording artist with the release of her debut album, simply titled Janet Jackson. For years, she had been known as the youngest member of America’s most famous family, the Jacksons. The public had seen her on television, they’d seen her in magazines and her management (namely Joe Jackson) thought it was time for them to hear her on the radio.
Janet signed with A&M Records and quietly worked on an album with a host of high-profile collaborators, including René Moore, Angela Winbush and Foster Sylvers. To say that Janet ‘worked on’ the album, however, would imply that she was a part of the creative process. In reality, Janet would sing songs written for her in a manner she was told to. There would be no need for her to question any of the music because this was music designedfor mainstream radio - the tracks were almost destined to be hits.
Janet Jackson was released on September 21, 1982 without much fanfare, the same day Luther Vandross released his own Forever, For Always, For Love. There was considerable public interest in the record (as there was in anything Jackson-related at the time) and it peaked at #63 on the Billboard pop charts.
1982 would become an important year for pop music as Madonna would make one of the most important records of the 80s and Michael Jackson would release Thriller and change the pop game forever. It would also mark the arrival of Janet Jackson, the singer.
The tracks:
1. Say You Do - This is a fun uptempo song that starts off with a cheesy ’80s intro and features a funky bass line. The song talks about a girl wanted a guy to tell her just how he feels about her, which is a little odd considering how Janet didn’t have a boyfriend or even a romantic interest when she recorded this. She sounds believable as ever though, which has always been Janet’s forte. The funky dance number has elements of disco and was released as the third single from the album. It failed to chart on any major pop chart but was a top 20 R&B hit. Janet would perform the song for the first time 26 years later during the Rock Witchu Tour.
2. You’ll Never Find (A Love Like Mine) - Janet’s voice sounds a lot better on this song than it does on any other track on the album. The lyrics (once again) speak of a schoolgirl romance and are similar to a song Janet would do 26 years later,So Much Betta. Fun and flirty, this song would have been a good choice for a single but A&M chose to put it as a B-Side on the release ofSay You Do.
3. Young Love - The album continues with its ‘irresistible’ mix of pop, funk and disco with Young Love. Released as the album’s first single in late 1982, it was the public’s first exposure to Janet Jackson the singer and was relatively well-received. It peaked at #64 on the pop charts and was a top 10 R&B hit. I personally wouldn’t have picked this as the first single as it’s a terribly repetitive song with little repeat value.
4. Love and My Best Friend - I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this is one of Janet Jackson’s sweetest recordings. Janet’s voice, surprisingly strong, glides along a sweet, simple piano instrumental and the lyrics are some of Janet’s most innocent, albeit written by someone else. A part of me wishes she would rerecord this song today, because after years of seeing Janet in control, it would be nice to see her giggly and in love.
5. Don’t Mess Up This Good Thing - The album starts to really stretch by the time this uptempo number rolls around, which is a shame because this is one of the better tracks. It isn’t as sparse as the first three tracks and you hear a lot more of Janet than you do on the entire album.
6. Forever Yours - The second ballad on the album tries to emulate a Diana Ross/Barbra Streisand type performance from Janet but fails miserably. Really, what would a 16-year-old know about true love and how deep it goes?
7. Magic Is Working - It’s amazing how boring the album gets by this point. This isn’t a half bad song, it’s just awfully repetitive. Janet, I’m sorry, the magic isn’t working.
8. Come Give Your Love to Me - The album ends on a high note with this one, which I believe is Janet’s best pre-Control recording. This is pure electro-synth, pop, funk goodness. I could easily imagine Donna Summer recording it for her own electro-synth, pop, funk masterpiece, The Wanderer. Released as the album’s second single, it became Janet’s highest charting pre-Control single, peaking at #58 .
Verdict: A cohesive album in all the wrong ways. (If you must, check out Love and My Best Friend and Come Give Your Love to Me)

janetjacksonproject:

There’s something I think you should know

In February 1986, Janet Jackson released her third studio album,Control. It was a product of a magical meeting of minds - Janet collaborated with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to produce a funk-filled album that many would call one of pop music’s most influential.
Before Control, everyone assumed Janet Jackson would just become another washed out Jackson star, much like Rebbie and La Toya, who would release an insignificant album every now and then. Nobody expectedControlto become the first album by a female artist to land five top five singles on the pop charts (if Madonna couldn’t, no one could, or so they thought).
Controlwas a declaration of independence of sorts. Janet was frustrated with her life, her career and for the first time, decided to use music as a platform to vent those frustrations. Finally, she stopped singing songs written for her and sang songs writtenbyher.
Instead of songs about young love and magic tricks, he sang about her failed marriage to James DeBarge, cheekily asking him, ‘What have you done for me lately?’. She boldly rejected her father’s stifling control through song and she crooned softly about the importance of waiting awhile.
People took some time to warm up to Control. It only reached the top of the pop charts five months after its release but climbed to the top of the R&B charts with relative ease, kicking off Sade and holding on strong for a good two months.
Eventually, the album, which many consider one of Janet’s finest and most cohesive, would go on to sell more than eight million copies worldwide.
The tracks:
1. Control - Undeniably one of Janet’s most funkiest and recognizable tracks, Controlsets the tone for the rest of the album. Janet is mature, Janet is assertive and Janet is certainly in control. The lyrics are this song’s highlight - narrative, innovative and fresh, they tell Janet’s life story in five short minutes. The production, as is for most of the album, is immaculate. Jam and Lewis work their magic and Janet’s rawness adds a nice layer to it. Released as the album’s fourth single in 1986, it reached #5 on the pop charts and topped the R&B charts.
2. Nasty - ‘Gimme a beat!’ ‘No, my first name ain’t baby, it’s Janet, Ms Jackson if you’re nasty’ Need I say more? This is a Janet Jackson classic. This is an 80s classic. This is a pop classic. This is a CLASSIC. Janet brings the sass, the charm and the funk. The lyrics talk of ‘nasty boys’ who Janet doesn’t want in any way, but she does want to see their ‘nasty bodies move’ and she realises that hey, she ‘could learn to like this’. Her voice does wonders here; it’s high at some points, low at others and is an absolute delight to listen to. It was a runaway radio success and hit #3 on the pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts.
3. What Have You Done For Me Lately - Generations of girls (and some of our more flamboyant boy friends) will put their hands on their hips, look at their pathetic best friends in the eye and say ‘I know he used to do nice stuff for you, but what has he done for you lately?’ The song has an interesting melody and sounds different every few seconds. The only constant is that killer ‘dun dun dun’ beat and Janet’s own assertiveness. #4 Pop, #1 R&B
4. You Can Be Mine - Every album has a misstep and this one happens to be Control’s biggest. It is arguably the only track worth skipping on the entire album. It is funky, it is catchy, but it isn’t Janet. The whole concept of a girl being so in love with a guy just doesn’t gel with the hard, Minneapolis sound of the track and neither does it go with the theme of the album (yes, I know When I Think of You has a similar concept but When I Think of You was pure fluffy pop genius!) Thankfully, it was never released as a single.
5. The Pleasure Principle - Named by Slant as one of the best dance songs ever, this song about an unhappy lover with its metaphors of big yellow taxis and pleasure principles was a disappointment on the charts, failing to reach the top ten. Janet had nothing to do with the production of this track but when you hear her saying ‘I know, what you mean to me’, you can’t help but believe that she means every word! Janet’s vocals are killer, especially during the last minute - ‘baby, you can’t hold me down, after all the love that we’ve been through!’ The dance break in the middle is yet another element of the song worth dying for. #14 Pop, #1 R&B.
6. When I Think of You - This honestly sounds like a Madonna song! It’s great 80s pop, with synths, horns and a driving kick drum. Light and airy, it holds the distinction as being Janet’s first ever pop chart-topper. #1 Pop, #3 R&B.
7. He Doesn’t Know I’m Alive - I know that some might argue that this is the album’s biggest misstep, notYou Can Be Mine, but come on. The cheesy horn intro… the adolescent lyrics… the high notes at the end… how can anybody not love this? It is so bad that it’s actually good.
8. Let’s Wait Awhile - After all that dancing, it’s time to slow down and cool those raging hormones. Because now we know that Janet likes her nasty boys but she also wants you to know that she likes ‘waiting awhile’. ‘There’s something I want to tell you, there’s something that I think you should know’, she almost whispers over a soothing instrumental. The song, released at the height of the HIV/Aids scare in 1987, was seen as an abstinence anthem and has been one ever since. The sweet innocence of the lyrics make it one of Janet’s most enjoyable and is still one of her most-played hits on the radio.#2 Pop, #1 R&B
9. Funny How Time Flies When You’re Having Fun - So after four minutes of waiting, it’s time to have fun. We all know how Janet evolved to become a sex goddess onjanet. but true Janet fans know that she hinted at her true desires way back onControl with this track. I think of it as a melodic tribute to a boyfriend whose dick she doesn’t want to stop sucking. She moans, she sighs, she lets out a French phrase or two, all because she’s just had a little fun.
Verdict: Janet Jackson’s here to stay.

janetjacksonproject:
We are a nation with no geographic boundaries
1989 was the year of Rhythm Nation 1814, Janet Jackson’s fourth studio album. Released three years after her breakthrough 1986 record Control, Rhythm Nation 1814 sealed Janet Jackson’s status as a pop icon.
It was a difficult album to make - record label executives, blinded by the success of Control, insisted that she work on Scandal, an album about her that would exploit Jackson mania. The Scandal sessions would yield one song, You Need Me, that was eventually released as a B-side to Miss You Much.
Janet had other ideas. Inspired by the violence, racial inequality and poverty on the streets, she, alongside with collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, expertly crafted an album that addressed these issues lyrically, while maintaining a sound deeply rooted in dance and R&B.
But collaborating with Jimmy and Terry again wasn’t going to be easy - her record label and the producers had trouble negotiating a deal, resulting in a lot of back-and-forth interaction. Finally a frustrated Janet called Jimmy and said, ‘Listen, do you guys wanna do the record?’, to which Jimmy said, ‘Yep. Do you want us to do the record?’ A week later, they got together to start recording the album.
This would also be the album that would fuel Janet’s fascination with interludes - often random and eccentric, they proved to be an essential segue between songs that touched on everything from love and heartbreak to hunger and violence.
The album proved to be a bigger success than Control - 14 million copies sold worldwide, Billboard’s Album of 1990, the only album to place seven singles in the top five of the pop charts… you know the rest.
Rhythm Nation saw the continued evolution of Janet Jackson, the video star. Few would deny the fact that the seven music videos released from this era were, and still are, some of Janet’s finest. They showed a broad range of styles; dark and industrial in Rhythm Nation, bright and carefree in Love Will Never Do, sombre and melancholic in Come Back to Me.

The tracks
Rhythm Nation - Built on a sample of a Sly & The Family Stone standard, this is undoubtedly one of Janet’s greatest creative accomplishments. The song, with its preachy message of ‘breaking colour lines’ and ‘[it’s time] to give a damn, let’s work together’, is perhaps more known for its groundbreaking music video and choreography. Everyone’s raved about the popping, the locking, the black, the white, the industrial factory, the military costumes, the synchronisation… so I won’t. If you haven’t heard this before, listen to it on a pair of decent headphones to truly appreciate its wonder. Every sound is calculated, every beat and accent precise. Greatness audiofied.
State of the World - Janet hasn’t had quite enough to say about prejudice, racism and bigotry just yet and she launches into what, on first listen, sounds like a rehash of Rhythm Nation. She sings just as passionately about a teenage mother who has to feed her baby, about a boy who’s teased ‘because he has no place to stay’. Halfway through the monotony, Janet calls on you with a sharp ‘NATION’. PAY ATTENTION, she’s almost saying - this is no time for fun, we’re talking about the state of the world (today). Her intentions may be pure and her concern sincere but her cheesiness was definitely intact when she wrote this one.
The Knowledge -Sonically, this is one of Janet’s most bizarre tracks. Is she singing? Is she rapping? Is she talking? I don’t know. I don’t even know what to say about it. It’s an amazing listen though.
Miss You Much - Get the point? Good, let’s dance. And with that, Janet sheds her socio-political uniform for good. When Janet walked into the studio one day, she heard Jimmy noodling about with the backgrounds for the track. Curious, she asked him who the track was for. To her delight, he told her it was hers. This song introduced the entire Rhythm Nation era and literally got it off to a bangin’ start. It went straight to #1 when it was released in August 1989, staying there for 4 weeks. TIME called it the 2nd-best single of 1989 and it was declared the year’s biggest radio hit. Its clever chorus (M-I-S-S-U-MUCH), its bangin’ beat… it made the world realise just how unashamed they were to tell the world they missed Janet.
Love Will Never Do (Without You)- A song about an interracial relationship, this cheery pop number was released as the album’s seventh and final single in 1991. Janet was initially reluctant to release Love Will Never Do but she was proven wrong when it topped the charts for a week in 1991.
Livin’ in A World They Didn’t Make - Deeply affected by a Colorado school shooting, Janet decided to include a song about children and violence. She racked her brains, trying to find the appropriate lyrics but gave up soon after. She eventually explained it to Terry, who eventually wrote the song in 30 minutes. The screams and gunshots at the end are enough to send anyone into a teary mess.
Alright - Alright, alright, alright, alright. I don’t understand this song too much. It’s probably one of Janet’s less-known but much-loved hits. A carefree testament to Janet’s friendship, it was the lowest charting single off the album, peaking at a miserable #4 . The song’s video remains popular till today - it shows a campy Janet in a ’40s-styled musical, complete with zoot suits and a rap by the (late) Heavy D.
Escapade - Those opening notes on the xylophone are enough to make any fan go wild at a Janet concert. Lighthearted, this song is pure F-U-N, and you can tell that Janet loves performing it. It’s the only song where she doesn’t worry too much about getting the choreography right, because no one could care less. She walks around the stage, smiling, laughing, waving and basically going on an escapade. The third single off the album, this sunny anthem was another score for Janet - it topped the pop, R&B and dance charts in 1990. Boy, you could be my es-ca-pade!
Black Cat - Janet obviously didn’t take her pills when she was ordering the album; it spins around 180 degrees from the sunshine of Escapade to the dark, dark black cat. The story goes that Janet had an idea for a guitar riff and she went off and wrote the entire song by herself. This true rock’n’roll number talks about drug abuse and cleverly uses a metaphor of cats and nine lives to drive home its message. Yet another #1 .
Lonely - Well, after a song about cats, a song called Lonely seems almost apt. One of my favourite album cuts, this is a heartfelt tribute to the lonely feeling we all get and the warmth a friend can offer. With a delightful melody and soothing vocals, this almost sounds like a slowed down, more romantic version of Madonna’s La Isla Bonita.
Come Back to Me - There are a million versions of this song, all with different introductions but nothing beats the chilling version of the album. The layered harmonies which open one of Janet’s biggest ballad are truly some of Janet’s best. It’s a perfect song to listen to when you’re walking home on a rainy evening, thinking about an ex who broke your heart when he just… left.
Someday is Tonight - Cue, Janet sex goddess. Janet has something to say to you: when she said someday would be together? Well, someday is tonight. Soft moans, a light melody, this Sade-esque track sounds like the younger sister of Janet’s most popular sex tune: Any Time, Any Place.

jeidee said:

I think she is very talented as an actress and performer. Even on Good Times she stole the show. My hope is she can reinvent herself as an actress, maybe somebodys mother in a film. Her albums have been basically unlistenable for a decade. I used to buy singles, maxi singles, all that crap and it all sounds so dated now. She has a nice handful of hits and is clearly unafraid of missing. Her sound matured really quick with All For You and Velvet Rope (which is brilliant to this day). Then it just was bleh... It all went south after Doesnt Really Matter IMO, that song is so lame. The boob thing really hurt her rep. And all those crap albums. Rockwilder lol.

Now that I disagree with. Damita Jo had some great tracks (All Nite, Island Life, SloLove, Thinkin' 'Bout My Ex, Strawberry Bounce), as did 20 Y.O. (Enjoy, Get It Out Me, Take Care) and Discipline as well (Rock With U, Feedback, So Much Betta, What Ur Name). These three albums, particularly 20 Y.O., may not have been as consistant as her previous works, but they aren't totally unlistenable. These albums also had some killer unreleased tracks and b-sides:

DAMITA JO

20 Y.O.

DISCIPLINE

alphastreet said:

Though I did not see this at the time it took place, I was remembering Janet tonight too for the Oscars. Who won over her for Again?

Yep, Bruce Springsteen's "The Streets of Philadelphia" won over "Again". As for Bruce, his "Born in the USA", Janet's "RN 1814" and MJ's "Thriller" are the only 3 albums in history to have 7 top 10 singes, but RN's singles all went top 5, which sets it apart from the other two.

SEANMAN said:

alphastreet said:

Though I did not see this at the time it took place, I was remembering Janet tonight too for the Oscars. Who won over her for Again?

Yep, Bruce Springsteen's "The Streets of Philadelphia" won over "Again". As for Bruce, his "Born in the USA", Janet's "RN 1814" and MJ's "Thriller" are the only 3 albums in history to have 7 top 10 singes, but RN's singles all went top 5, which sets it apart from the other two.

that Rhythm Nation was extraextroardinaire.....

Janet came out the box from the opening bell w/that album.......

to this day, I love that title RHYTHM NATION 1814....she took it back 2 centuries......

I saw Janet at her ALL FOR YOU tour, and she performed for 3 hours straight, non stop, gave props to her brother Michael, and performed all of her classic hits, even Young Love......she was awesome, she puts on the ultimate show