Why the hell have I never bothered to check it out? What kind of rock I've been living under?

Don't get me wrong, I used to listen to a handful of Janet Jackson songs back in the day, mainly Again, That's the Way Love Goes, Nothing, Nasty, If, Together Again...

but then I've recently read a lot about this Velvet Rope album, so I decided to buy the CD....

THE FIRST REMARK/REACTION I HAD: Very sonically "fresh" and "clean" for a 90's album, at least to my experience with records of this sort... It even sounded fresher than some R&B albums from the 2000's.

Songs that I had to listen to a few times to grow on me: Free Xone, You.
Songs that I didn't like, still don't like: Rope Burn
Songs that I instantly admired: Every Time (repeated it for like 9 times in a row, it's one of the Songs that just clicked with me, this is what I look for in a song, emotion & feeling... plus a wonderful melody), Together Again, Gone Til It's Gone, I Get Lonely, My Need, Velvet Rope, Tonight's the Night.
Songs that I think are fillers, but nonetheless contribute to the steamy, breathy conceptual R&B rhythm/pocket of the CD: Go Deep, Empty, What About, Anything.

The finale "Special" is some great music, dope songwriting, I like the hidden song in the middle...

Over all, it's a pretty solid record, will certainly play it during sex... . But I'm still in awe of the quality of the songs, they just worked too hard on them I guess... maybe because I played it in the car and I was high lol. The sound was stylish enough to not fall into a "genre disorder"... You had those interludes leading up to different feels, tri hop beats, neo-disco synths... but it sounded cohesive and conceptual.

What are your thoughts on the album, guys? Any other Janet albums besides (janet.) that I might dig?

"My Need" is my shit. Thanks for this thread though, it's been a while since I've listened to this album and should revisit it.

I personally think this album is solid. One of the best pop albums of all time and your right, Special and the hidden track "Can't Be Stopped" are very underrated. This album has gotten me through so much. This album is very personally but still very introspective. Despite being very dark and eerie with its concepts its still a very well put together album that is orgasmic to the ears. It discusses a variety of socially conscious concepts that range from depression, self-esteem, domestic violence, relationships, self psychology, sexual orientations, discrimination/racism, etc. I like that she didn't gear this album toward just "women". It targets a lot of different issues and themes that affects many different groups of people, gays, domestically abused, low self esteem men or woman, etc. So a lot of different people can identify with this album. Definitly Janet's most creative peak conceptually and songwriting wise. I personally have never heard anything from a female pop star that tops VR or even Rhythm Nation.

In terms of other albums you should give a listen, I think you should first listen to all her iconic albums (if you haven't), Control, Rhythm Nation, Janet and of course VR. All 4 You is good as well, just not as good as the previous four (but still some stong tracks on there) I would also give Unbreakable a listen if you haven't already. I would start out with those 6. If you only listen to some songs here and there, go back and listen to the whole albums.

Sorry to hear that.

October 7 marks the release of this album 20 years ago.

Funny because i was just listening to this album yesterday and IT SOUNDS VERY FRESH still to this day and doesnt have that "dated" sound her other albums do.

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis said it was the 'easiest' album they ever made with janet which is by far a statement of their skills, howver ....they said it was Janets hardest...never has she put so much of her personal self into an album until Velvet Rope was released. It spoke about depression, sadness, emptiness, abuse, sex, love and self hatred...there are so many things discussed in this album it makes you think.

The album gets a little long winded by Tonight's The Night, Anything and Rope Burn (it loses its focus) but wraps up nice in the end.

The experimentation in this album is what really brings it up a notch compared to many 90s albums....there is freestyle, jazz, dance, r&b, rock and experimental spread everywhere. It takes you on a musical journey. Down to the cover...you know this was about to be a different Janet we have ever seen before.

I thought the sound and concept was very alternative and eerie for a pop star of Janet's stature which made the VR era even more interesting. I LOVED her style during this era.

VR is an album of deep cut classic type of songs. It i very underrated but the Janet die-hards know that this is the shit. It's like a club vibe album. Dare I say it's her Erotica? Not really swinging for the fences of pop dominance but just chilled rnb.

I've had it in rotation for the last six months or so again. It's just so good. I used to skip a couple of songs, but now I let them play through. I think it's probably one of her top 3 strongest records. The others being RN1814, and janet.

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[Edited 5/2/17 16:51pm]

This was one hell of a first single and statement. So ahead of its time.

The Velvet Rope is her Sign O The Times IMO.

It's easily her best album.

A true classic.

VoicesCarry said:

This was one hell of a first single and statement. So ahead of its time.

I remember watching the video premiere on the MTV awards. It was so rnb and not pop. I was initially let down after such anticipation but in time I grew to love it and appreciate it for being such a dark horse single.

One of her best albums

One of my favourite tracks. It's as simple as it is sincere.

bluegangsta said:

One of my favourite tracks. It's as simple as it is sincere.

[accept me video snip]

Interesting bit of b-sides from the album. "Ask For More", which was a Pepsi ad, "Accept Me", and the two hidden and/or bonus tracks "God's Stepchild", and "Can't Be Stopped". You could also include the "Together Again" remixes since they were basically re-recordings of the song.

My favorite "Together Again" remix is the (I think) Tony Humphries remix with the extended chorus where she sings "Shine on me, shine on me, shine!" She used that in concert, too.

The Australian bonus CD with a half-dozen remixes isn't bad either.

As far as my favorite track, it's hard. The whole first side is just stellar, and "Tonight's The Night", "I Get Lonely", & "Rope Burn" is an EP unto itself. But I'd have to say "Rope Burn" is it for me.

mjscarousal said:

I thought the sound and concept was very alternative and eerie for a pop star of Janet's stature which made the VR era even more interesting. I LOVED her style during this era.

Chile yes!!!! I always loved her style during the Velvet Rope era. The sassy red hair, the clothes, the make up, it was all very different for her. Took her from the "sexy girl next door look" to the edgy, fierce "take no shit off nobody and give zero fucks" look.

missfee said:

mjscarousal said:

I thought the sound and concept was very alternative and eerie for a pop star of Janet's stature which made the VR era even more interesting. I LOVED her style during this era.

Chile yes!!!! I always loved her style during the Velvet Rope era. The sassy red hair, the clothes, the make up, it was all very different for her. Took her from the "sexy girl next door look" to the edgy, fierce "take no shit off nobody and give zero fucks" look.

This is why VR is my favorite era from her. She wasn't trying to be sexy. She was trying to send a message. I love the quirkiness of her style and care freeness "I don't give a fuq" attitude. I thought her image change and album direction was very risky. And chile that tour!? Don't get me started. The best tour ever by a female pop star.

i think R. Kelly did this remix

paisleypark4 said:

i think R. Kelly did this remix

You're thinking of "Anytime, Anyplace", I think. And the R.Kelly version used in the video has more explicit imagery that the regular video does not.

Jimmy Jam is listed on the two slower versions of "Together Again" as the "Jimmy Jam Deep Remix" and "Jimmy Jam Deeper Remix".

TrivialPursuit said:

paisleypark4 said:

i think R. Kelly did this remix

You're thinking of "Anytime, Anyplace", I think. And the R.Kelly version used in the video has more explicit imagery that the regular video does not.

Jimmy Jam is listed on the two slower versions of "Together Again" as the "Jimmy Jam Deep Remix" and "Jimmy Jam Deeper Remix".

I dont know why i always get these two remixes mixed up! lol

Often overlooked gem on the album...

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[Edited 5/3/17 13:46pm]

Musicslave said:

Often overlooked gem on the album...

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[EMPTY snip]

I just can't deal with this song. Something about it annoys the shit out of me. However, I am willing to say it's one of the more inventive tracks Janet has ever put out. "The Knowledge", and "This Time".

I did not use to like Empty when it first came out, but the production value put into it....the freestyle and powerful message in the lyrics just all go together. Jimmy and Terry snapped on those 808s. Took me a while to appreciate it. I think those vocal samples were irritating at first but now I would not do without them! "1 2 3 4! AYA AYAHH!!" No r&b / pop singer was putting out stuff like that in 1997.

paisleypark4 said:

I did not use to like Empty when it first came out, but the production value put into it....the freestyle and powerful message in the lyrics just all go together. Jimmy and Terry snapped on those 808s. Took me a while to appreciate it. I think those vocal samples were irritating at first but now I would not do without them! "1 2 3 4! AYA AYAHH!!" No r&b / pop singer was putting out stuff like that in 1997.

I'm so hoping for another Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis Janet album....

purplethunder3121 said:

I'm so hoping for another Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis Janet album....

It was Jimmy who said she was working on new music. It's safe to assume it's with him and Terry.

A classic album from front to back.

paisleypark4 said:

I did not use to like Empty when it first came out, but the production value put into it....the freestyle and powerful message in the lyrics just all go together. Jimmy and Terry snapped on those 808s. Took me a while to appreciate it. I think those vocal samples were irritating at first but now I would not do without them! "1 2 3 4! AYA AYAHH!!" No r&b / pop singer was putting out stuff like that in 1997.

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Yeah, that Drum & Bass sound was more of an underground thing.

Musicslave said:

paisleypark4 said:

I did not use to like Empty when it first came out, but the production value put into it....the freestyle and powerful message in the lyrics just all go together. Jimmy and Terry snapped on those 808s. Took me a while to appreciate it. I think those vocal samples were irritating at first but now I would not do without them! "1 2 3 4! AYA AYAHH!!" No r&b / pop singer was putting out stuff like that in 1997.

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Yeah, that Drum & Bass sound was more of an underground thing.

i love the comments:

She completely annihilated all of the other artists trying to sound "forward-thinking and ahead of the game" with just one song. Truly and effortlessly one of the best songs in her catalog. This song really foretold the future and managed to sound timelessly gorgeous in the process.

Reply 21

stretchgilbert1 year ago

How Empty Of Me; To Be So Full Of You....

Reply 22

Jason Charles1 year ago

This speaks to her genius and her artistry.....

Reply 17

SethBlizzard1 year ago

This could've been a huge hit had she released it as a single. So ahead of its time. Its subject matter is even more relevant today than it was then!

Reply 16