“I want to have fun” Janet Jackson says on the introduction to 2006’s 20 Y.O. The album’s album cover reflects that sentiment. It’s the third consecutive Janet Jackson album to feature a beaming Jackson on the cover. These jovial covers contrast the quad of classics that all feature a more serious […]
After a series of television stints, Janet Jackson made her move to the recording studio. Unlike her brothers, though, this Jackson’s music wasn’t hitting any of the right notes. Not until, Control. In Control Jackson’s 1986 third studio album, appropriately titled Control (released February 4, 1986), marked the reintroduction of […]
“This is a story about control, my control. Control of what I say. Control of what I do. And this time, I’m gonna do it my way.” Those were the piercing first words of the opening lines of Janet Jackson’s 1986 breakthrough album, Control. A then 19-year-old, Jackson had all […]
Who can #Verzuz Janet? Who can #Verzuz Mariah? There is one answer to both questions: Janet V. Mariah. While Jackson released her breakout album 4 years before Carey, the 2 co-existed harmoniously in the 90s as perfect complements to one another. There were never any rumored rivalries, just respect.
Continuing our pandemic playlist series, today we bring you 12 Songs by Janet Jackson to Heal Your Heart. Janet’s discography is both upbeat and thought-provokin. She fearlessly delves into life’s deepest feelings, whether happy, sad, or in between. With this 12 song, 54-minute playlist, Janet will take you on an […]
It has been 10 years since Janet Jackson has had a successful single. Her last was 2008’s “Feedback,” and even getting to its #19 peak was a long road. The 2004 Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction rendered Janet taboo to radio and television outlets, and she’s struggled to be accepted ever […]
Janet Jackson’s music career officially took off in 1986, with the release of her redefining album, Control. A strong, assertive and commanding new Janet replaced the sugary sweet teen actress image she held prior to its release. With her versatile voice, both in sound and message, Janet commanded hard-hitting beats and […]
On October 7, 1997, Janet Jackson released what would go on to become the most prolific body of work in her catalogue: The Velvet Rope. Before delving into the many reasons why this album deserves the title of masterpiece, it is necessary to first set the scene: Just over a decade prior, […]
So, back in April, two days after Lemonade dropped, I wrote a tweet comparing the iconic sixth albums of Mariah, Janet and Beyoncé — Butterfly, The Velvet Rope, and Lemonade. Since then, the comparisons and likeness between those three albums both thematically and within my own life have been running through my mind. One result of […]
FanMail forever marks a turning point in my life. In early 1999, my 13-year-old self (that tells you plenty already!) discovered that: the so-called “R&B/urban” section of the record store was the best section none of my peers had made the above discovery, and didn’t seem to agree with me […]
