Janet Jackson. Miss Jackson. She made a name for herself in 1989 with the release of her fourth album Rhythm Nation 1814. She started her career as Penny in the popular series Good Times, and also continued with roles in the series Diff’rent Strokes, and Fame. In 1986, she released her third studio album Control. I can honestly tell you now that I became an even bigger Janet fan after the release of Rhythm Nation 1814. I have stayed a fan all through her career, even when others fell away after nipplegate. The problem with the whole incident was the Jackson’s career suffered, but Justin Timberlake came out unscathed. She was blacklisted from the radio and from making appearances.
I still really like this album. If I could love an object, then it would be this album. There has always been one song “Black Cat” that I did not like. I am not sure why, except that the beat it so simple and repetitive.
“State of the World“, “Rhythm Nation“, “The Knowledge”, and “Livin’ in a World (They Didn’t Make)” could have been written today. Especially the latter song has the message we are hearing from a certain Swedish girl and many other kids. I will not mention the Swedish girl by name because she has enough press and I cannot stand the way she delivers her message. She is filled with hate. Janet delivered the message in a better way. And check out all the videos for RN1814.
“Get the point? Good. Let’s Dance!” Janet takes time from being serious to dance. She knows that life cannot be just about the serious stuff, but we need a break.
And we have time for love too with “Miss You Much” and “Love Will Never Do (Without You)“. I love really like songs a lot.
All the rest of the songs are bangers, but I especially like “Alright“, “Lonely”, “Escapade, “Come Back to Me” and all the rest that I have not mentioned. And check out the video for “Alright” it is great. I love the dancing.
This is the Janet Jackson that I wish we could hear from again. I wish she would drop the sex stuff and make another socially conscious album. I think that could be her true comeback to the charts. I miss this Janet, but I still listen to all that she has created. 10/10.
an ocean roars 