Here are some elements that come to mind when I think of Janet’s music, in categories:

• Vocally: warm, layered, intricate arrangements, with varied, but always soulful stylings

• Musically: undefinably genreless, but diverse in influence, groovy, danceable, funky (and/or sensual, quiet storm, sexy, moody, smooth)
• Lyrically: personal, relatable, heartfelt, fun, sing-a-long, deep, narrative, thoughtful (and/or tongue-in-cheek (or elsewhere), naughty, innuendo-laden, explicit)

“Unbreakable” offers just about all of the (non-parenthesized) elements above.

It begins with Janet saying “side one,” and singing warmly over sparse production. The words are heartfelt, as she sings to her family, friends and fans. The pace is slow…until the beat drops.

By no means is “Unbreakable” a fierce, dance floor ready uptempo – but you can still dance and groove to it. It is indeed a fun, funky, soulful bop but still feels genreless in a way unique to Janet.

Then, of course, there’s her signature vocals – sometimes indiscernible but mostly warm, soulful and layered with the type of intricate background vocals that fans have come to expect from the Legend.

Lyrically, the song is an ode to her supporters and reflective about her life, but it also ends with a spoken interlude (which Jan is famous for) that sets up what seems to be a larger narrative for the album. She declares, “it’s been a while, lots to talk about… I’m glad you’re still here, I dedicate myself to you, I hope you enjoy.”

Certainly, I’m glad I’m still here, glad she’s still here, and can’t wait to hear what Ms. Jackson has to talk about. “Enjoy” doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m sure I’ll feel when I hear the whole album. As Janet would say, let’s keep the conversation goin’…

In the meantime, be sure to pre-order the album and get your download of “Unbreakable” on Janet’s site or iTunes.

Grade:

97/97

The post Review: “Unbreakable” embodies everything that makes Janet unbreakable appeared first on THE 97.

This morning, Janet Jackson debuted the long-awaited first single from her upcoming album, her first in over 7 years. The song is produced by Jackson alongside longtime collaborations Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song is a slinky, mid-tempo R&B cut and classic Janet.

Is this going to be a huge, crossover, comeback single like, say, “All For You”? Probably not. It is not pop radio friendly, and while it could fit in on urban radio, it will take a lot of good will for them to embrace such a track. Regardless of this, the quality of the song is immense and deserves success, whether radio affords it or not.

In all honesty, the song elicits 1997. Had someone said this was a lost track from The Velvet Rope sessions, it’d be believable. The rain, the atmospheric, pulsing bass line, Janet’s impeccable harmonies, and the classy yet sensual lyrical content all evoke Janet at her peak. She is not attempting to “shock” anyone with her sexuality or embrace a more “youthful” sound. “No Sleeep” is mature and romantic; as Janet repeats throughout the track, it’s plush.

Needless to say, this song has set the bar high for the quality of the project, but leaves its commercial success in question. Undoubtedly, Janet will also be delivering a fierce uptempo, and while we all are slain by this mid-tempo groove now, we’ll most likely be asking why the inevitable uptempo wasn’t released as the lead single. While “No Sleeep” may elicit 1997, the reality is… it isn’t 1997, and this just won’t do if Ms. Jackson wants a grand scale commercial comeback. That being said, I’d love to be proved wrong.

Grade:

97/97

The post Single Review: “No Sleeep” by Janet Jackson appeared first on THE 97.