Janet Jackson

Janet

  • MOG Editorial Review

    Editors_picks_badge
    Heading into her fifth solo album, Janet Jackson would have done perfectly well for herself creating light-hearted, socially conscious music as the adorable little sister in the Jackson family. Albums like Control and Rhythm Nation established her as a bona-fied star, but didn't necessarily silence critics who painted her as a "studio artist" coasting off of her family's reputation. With this in mind, Janet set out to shatter notions that she relied on songwriters and producers for success. Released in 1993, Janet boasted sexually suggestive lyrics and themes of intimacy, revealing the youngest Jackson was now a woman. Ms. Jackson had not only grown as a woman but also creatively, handling the bulk of writing duties on the album and having a more active role in the studio. The results were nothing short of explosive, with songs such as "Anytime, Anyplace," "Again," and "That's The Way Love Goes" establishing Janet as a sexual icon in addition to international superstar.
  • AMG Review of Janet.

    Amg
    Alex Henderson
    All Music Guide

    After Control and Rhythm Nation 1814, Janet Jackson had quite a lot to live up to. Anyone who expected Jackson to top Rhythm Nation -- her crowning achievement and an incredibly tough act to follow -- was being unrealistic. But with janet., she delivered a respectable offering that, although not as strong as either Control or Nation, has many strong points. As before, Jackson is joined by the prolific Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis team, and their input is valuable on everything from the angry "This Time" and the hypnotic "That's the Way Love Goes" to the '60s-flavored "What'll I Do" and the sociopolitical "The New Agenda" (which features Public Enemy leader Chuck D). But perhaps the CD's most exciting track is "Funky Big Band," which samples jazz legend Lionel Hampton's 1938 big-band classic "I'm in the Mood for Swing" with thrilling results. There are a few throwaways (including the lightweight ballad "Again"), but despite its shortcomings, janet. is a welcome addition to her catalog.

Listen free to millions of songs

Connect using Facebook

© 2006-2012 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved