Janet Jackson
"Damita Jo"
Virgin Records

OK, I've finally sat down and listened to the album and I must say that it is ridiculously good. She uses a multiplicity of producers, songwriters and talent. The album is like a journey -- which is exemplified in the album's opening intro "Looking For Love." I especially adored the contributions from the European producer Anders Bagge on "SloLove" and "All Nite (Don't Stop)" -- great work.

Dallas Austin did a really good job with "Sexhibition" and "Just A Little While." When I first heard the former, my jaw dropped. The beat is funky and the groove is inescapeable. It reminds me in many ways of "You Ain't Right," it's just that dirty club song with an irresistible beat.

I really enjoyed the midtempo/slow songs on this album. "Spending Time With You" is a breezy, feel-good, summery song. It's so relaxing and Janet's vocals compliment it well. The entire "Island segement" of Damita Jo fits and flows nicely. I like how she talks in between the tracks about her love of the ocean and the segway into the R&B heater "Island Life." Cathy Dennis & Co. did a cool job on the songwriting.

Jimmy & Terry did not disappoint this time around. I really enjoyed their contributions on this record a lot. "Like You Don't Love Me" is my personal favorite. It's infectious and has that neo-soul-ish/TLC quality to it. I could've sworn that was T-Boz's voice in the track's hook. "Strawberry Bounce" has a hot drum loop. "R&B Junkie" is drenched in early 80s nostalgia and instantly transports me to a rollerdisco. Funky sample. I wish Jimmy & Terry could've contributed more. I definitely was left wanting more from them as far as material and less from Kanye West.

I was surprised at how large a role Kanye West ended up playing on this album. I thought he would be Rockwilder of this record. He contributes many of the albums tracks such as "My Baby" (which grows on you after a few listens), the classic sparkle of "I Want You" and the album opener "Damita Jo." It's kinda like he crashed the party and took over on some of the tracks (most notably "My Baby"). Production-wise, his work is pretty much like all of the other work he's done for other artists, nothing classic from him.

Anders Bagge! Anders Bagge! Anders Bagge! I didn't know who this guy was initially, but I must say he did an INCREDIBLE job on the production of "All Nite (Don't Stop)" and "Slo Love," both tracks are dance oriented, tinged with electronica and the latter has a hint of classic, disco-ized elements such as the glowing synths and programmed string arrangements. These tracks are club-ready in every since of the word and have "H-I-T" written all over them. His contributions make me want to find out more about his other work. Kudos to whoever decided to include him on this project.

The slow songs are so soothing. "Thinkin' 'Bout My Ex" is classic Babyface -- everything from the melody, arranging, and production. He has still got it. Janet really gets into Babyface's production and gives it a life of its own. "Moist" and "Warmth" are the Baby Making Songs we've come to expect from Janet as of late. Very sensual, calming and highly seductive.

Overall, this album is on point and refreshingly great. I wasn't expecting a bad album from Janet and she didn't deliver one. It's too early to say whether this album is better than AFY, but it's definitely a keeper and offers some great material. This album is funky, it's consistent and it jams. To all those hating on the album, they're basically jaded. The production on here is top-notch and it's an album I can return to time and time again and feel satisfied -- that's what a good album makes. Hats off to Janet and all those involved in the creation of Damita Jo. Another job well done.

"SloLove" edit.
[This message was edited Thu Apr 1 11:56:54 2004 by JANFAN4L]

no

togdog said:

Jaded a** haters on the Org.

.
[This message was edited Thu Apr 1 13:36:14 2004 by JANFAN4L]

JANFAN4L said:

that's not the case at all. i really want to like Janet again. she just isn't coming up with the goods to inspire me to go for her again. "janet. 4.0" isn't going to be the one to prove that she still has a worthwhile career. she's just going through the motions.


i was a huge janet fan. and even if her music isn't going to be challenging, you can usually expect that it's going to be cutting-edge pop/r&b. this time around, it's just middle-of-the-road. not awful, but nothing to sink your teeth into aside from 3 or 4 songs.

togdog said:

HOORAY! Good 4 U! You don't like Janet, that's all fine and dandy. Take your hatred elsewhere, don't sit up here dissing my thoughts on something I GENUINELY LIKE because I'm sure not hating yours. Saying "no" after my review was just plain childish. If you don't like Damita Jo, more power to you. This is a free world. Create your own thread like you already did (read: "re: Janet's lazy"), and wallow in that, instead of trying to kill the vibe on mine.

JANFAN4L said:

i just wonder... could there coneivably be ANYTHING Janet put out that you wouldn't think is anything less than the second coming of Christ herself? i get that vibe from you. i wasn't shitting on your opinion. all i said was "no".

you're the one flipping out over it.

JANFAN4L said:

There is a difference between being a hater and having a different opinion. topdog isn't a hater, he simply doesn't share your opinions on Janet's album. Why are you finding that so hard to deal with?

PS: If you don't want people to state any opinion contrary to yours, then STATE THAT QUALIFIER IN YOUR FIRST POST. Otherwise, it's rude to bitch people out for it, and to tell them to "Create your own thread like you already did (read: "re: Janet's lazy"), and wallow in that, instead of trying to kill the vibe on mine." If you don't want your thread crashed, then don't start one at all. Not everyone who comes to the org loves all-things-Janet. And I believe they have a right to dissent, despite how much I love Janet.
[This message was edited Thu Apr 1 14:10:58 2004 by VoicesCarry]

togdog said:

I see from the side member info panel that you're a relatively new member. You joined the Org in Feb. 2004. I've been here since August 2002. In that time, I've posted a lot. IT'S PAINFULLY OBVIOUS, since you're a NEW MEMBER you don't know anything about my tastes, ideas or thoughts regarding Janet or any other artist. So therefore, you assume since my name is JANFAN4L, I'm some TRL-loving, wet-behind-the-ears Janet groupie. Could it be that I actually liked the album and find it to be very enjoyable? No. That doesn't fit into your equation. If the honorable, all-knowing Topdog dislikes it, then I guess the whole world has to as well. The world would be so much more wonderful if everyone thought like you.

Well, sorry, I just don't agree with you regarding the "Damita Jo" record and I never will.
[This message was edited Thu Apr 1 14:13:08 2004 by JANFAN4L]

VoicesCarry said:

Unfortunately, this is what it's like on all of the Janet messageboards. These hyper-fanatical Janet fans have no room for dissenting opinions, and anyone who happens to not agree 100% with Janet is labeled a "hater" (gotta be one of the most juvenile phrases thrown around online today).

Janet's great, I have a big poster of her above my desk. I've seen her in concert three times. I have every CD she's put out (even teh first two). She's not infallible, though.

VoicesCarry said:

There's a way in going about things. If you want someone to hear your opinion without criticism, just state it -- that's where you're coming from ::boom:: settled. Nowhere have I attacked Topdog for disliking the album. DISLIKE THE ALBUM, HATE IT. DO YOU! But, do not try to devalue my estimation of it.



LOL! ::listening to "SloLove"::: I love this song.

Axchi696 said:

LOL. That's so funny. I'm being painted as the hyper-fanatical, wet-behind-the-ears, collect-her-panties, doesn't-have-an-unbiased-opinion, likes-everything-she-breathes-on Janet fan. I guess. That's life. Calling yourself "JANFAN4L" comes with a price, I guess.

That's a price I'll take. Bash/hate/disagree/lynch me all you like.
[This message was edited Thu Apr 1 14:21:24 2004 by JANFAN4L]

JANFAN4L said:

Where is he devaluing your estimation of it? He simply said "no", a disagreement (which can be interprested as childish). But he didn't say "JanFan I think u stupid shit for liking this album, your opinion has no value". I think you're taking this a wee bit personally

VoicesCarry said:

I WILL KEEP IT REAL WITH Y'ALL. I am taking this personally (interpret that how you want to). Yes, I love Janet and I LOVE THIS ALBUM. And yes, I have other musical tastes and, NO, I'm not BLINDLY LOVING the album (as some of you kids are making me out to be) -- there's a reason for me enjoying the album. I laid it out in my review. OK, you all see the record as trash whatever, whatever, whatever. It's cool! I've said that several times. Hate the album. Get a steamroller, do your thing. I know it's currently the vogue to bash Janet because of the Super Bowl sh*t (and that may or may not have been in Topdog's opinions -- which is irrelevant in this discussion). But when Topdog came at ME like "no" that was a personal stab at me and my views. I'm not talking about YOUR opinions of the album, you're entitled to them. Get it? Comprende?

JANFAN4L said:

Ok, you'll have a heart attack before you're 40 at this rate.

a) Where did I say I saw the record as trash? I own it (and love it).

b) I don't see how saying "no" personally attacked your opinions and/or views, other than that it disagreed with them .
[This message was edited Thu Apr 1 14:34:30 2004 by VoicesCarry]

VoicesCarry said:

Nope, I checked with my doctor. Said I'm just fine.

a) Never said "you said" the record was trash. I'm refering to Topdog. Not you.

b) The way Topdog came at me and my thoughts was foul <---that's what I was commenting on. Everyone else is going off on other tangents in this thread.

JANFAN4L said:

Ok, but I'll just remind you of what he said:

"that's not the case at all. i really want to like Janet again. she just isn't coming up with the goods to inspire me to go for her again. "janet. 4.0" isn't going to be the one to prove that she still has a worthwhile career. she's just going through the motions.

i was a huge janet fan. and even if her music isn't going to be challenging, you can usually expect that it's going to be cutting-edge pop/r&b. this time around, it's just middle-of-the-road. not awful, but nothing to sink your teeth into aside from 3 or 4 songs."

He "came at" you in a "foul" way with that post?

Anyway, I think you're just angry at the (IMHO undeserved) critical response this album is getting (and the stupid beating Janet is taking in the media these days) and that just set you off.

I liked the review, btw
[This message was edited Thu Apr 1 14:54:03 2004 by VoicesCarry]

janet fan here....and i hate this album...

my first concert was 1814...my aunt bought a hand sketched drawing of janet that i had on my wall for life....i loved control and 1814....i think "thats the way love goes" is one of the all time best songs ever written....i think the original "son of a gun" is groundbreaking in its creative use of sampling...

but this album SUCK!!!! its all derivative..its all so uninteresting....but its okay..hopefully janet will fight back and release a steller album in a couple years....

sosgemini said:

JanFan's hunting you down as we speak. Don't look behind you

VoicesCarry said:

Yeah. Probably. Usually, I'm the level-headed kid -- the one that doesn't care if people hate or love Janet (I mean, if you love her, that's really cool. If you hate her I'm not gonna slit your throat or anything). But, lately, it has just gotten out of control, all of the Janet bashing (even by kids who call themselves Janet fans). I think after Letterman it just boiled over for me and now I'm in total defense mode. Mainly because this is a really good album and Janet doesn't deserve these unwarranted assaults at her character and person that has nothing to do with her art.

JANFAN4L said:

Letterman is such a pig. He could have talked about something else in that goddamned interview. Like maybe THE RING SHE HAD ON HER FINGER. Or her new album. Or SOMETHING!!!

I now know how Michael and Madonna fans feel.

I appreciate this thread, because it made me appreciate fans of pop artists much more. I used to see Michael, Madonna, Mariah, [insert any pop star here] fans as card-carrying Nazis, but now I've realized that at any moment someone can try to devalue you or call one out as being "blindly fanatical" when they have no idea about why you love the music or what other music you may love.

I wonder, if I called myself "DietPepsiKid" would people value my opinions much more about the new Janet album and not simply dismiss it as the ramblings of a blindly fanatical artist-worshipper?

Makes you wonder.

ISN'T "SLOLOVE" JUST THE BEST?! I have had this sh*t on repeat all day.
[This message was edited Thu Apr 1 15:08:37 2004 by JANFAN4L]

JANFAN4L said:

I think he only said that after you bashed him for his posting, that was probably the inspiration, not your love of the music - just a knee-jerk defense reaction.

I know what you mean. I got rid of my Madonna avatar, because just about every time I commented on another artist, someone would come along and say something like "well, just look at the woman in your avatar" and then proceed to dissect why someone who had a Madonna avatar was not credible in that case. So, away it went. And she's not even my favourite artist (but in my top 5), which makes it even more amusing.

VoicesCarry said:

Yeah, I kinda sense that when you removed the "True Blue" album cover avatar a while back.

When I first came on the Org a year and a half ago, I created the name "JANFAN4L." I've been using this moniker for years. Sure, I knew the ignorant would assume that I'm just some Janet groupie devoid of substance, lacking any distinctive musical taste, and draw biased conclusions. But if you follow my posts, you'll quickly see otherwise. All that didn't stop me from creating this screenname on the Org. There's no other name that fits me. JANFAN4L is just the nickname I like using.

I think one person said it best: "If you're going to have a musical artist on your avatar, you better be ready to defend your taste or take on the issues surrounding that artist."

OK, last this is my post for the day.

I'm gonna end it like this.

The confusion lives
The contradictions melt
We're left alone with The One
The One is all we need
The One is the breath we breathe
The One is love...
-Janet "The One"





::next track: "SloLove":: <-- man, that thing just keeps coming back on my iPod! LOL!

OK, this is my last post for the day.

I'm gonna end it like this.

The confusion lives
The contradictions melt
We're left alone with The One
The One is all we need
The One is the breath we breathe
The One is love...
-Janet "The One"





::next track: "SloLove":: <-- man, that thing just keeps coming back on my iPod! LOL![/quote]

VoicesCarry said:

Um, by saying simply "no" to her review, he's basically just saying that she's wrong instead of stating his opinion, which he already made clear in his own Damita Jo thread. Who the hell is he to insinuate that someone's opinion isn't valid? JanFan4L, and I can say this because I feel the same way, understands that everyone has their own opinions on Janet and her music, and that's fine, but to be completly dismiss someone else's opinion is just childish, whether you agree or not. Personally, I try to respect everyone's opinion, but if you're not being respectful in return, your opinion means nothing to me.

VoicesCarry said:

well, he did try to talk about her boyfriend, but she didn't want to discuss that either. and he did ask her about the album as well, and wisely changed the subject after she came back with that 200 characters gibberish.

but seriously. does she really think she's going to launch a press campaign for the album and NOT be asked about her superbowl tit?

JANFAN4L said:

you assume that because the date of creation of this account is recent that i'm new? the fact that i've used this as my name, and that it's totally lost on you means that you aren't quite the old-school expert on everything you claim to be.

and i know all about your tastes and opinions. we've had many janet conversations before. and even if we hadn't, you've shown yourself to be the typical internet janet fan. and i know internet janet fans that i know all of your responses before you can think them up. i didn't get kicked off the miss-janet mailing list a dozen times without learning verbatim what the miss-janet party line is.

you like the album. i don't.


why did you turn this into an argument?

togdog said:

Obviously you don't know a thing about JanFan's opinions, and how dare you classify her as if she doesn't have her own mind! Who the hell do you think you are? Oh, and congratulations on being kicked off the fanclub mailing list "a dozen times". Grow up!