Behind the Rope of Pain and Introspection
The Velvet Rope (1997)
1. Interlude-Twisted Elegance
"Twisted Elegance." Static sounds, some piano playing. "Its my belief. That we all have the need to feel special. And it's this need, that can bring out the best in us...yet the worst in us. This need created...The Velvet Rope." Amazing intro, the quote is so profound and says it all. Not to mention, I just love the interlude title.
"Twisted Elegance." Static sounds, some piano playing. "Its my belief. That we all have the need to feel special. And it's this need, that can bring out the best in us...yet the worst in us. This need created...The Velvet Rope." Amazing intro, the quote is so profound and says it all. Not to mention, I just love the interlude title.
2. "Velvet Rope" (Featuring Vanessa Mae)
In this haunting title track, Janet explores that need even further and I couldn't be more blown away! The production of the song is timeless, with lyrics that go into detail about the metaphorical Velvet Rope that Janet is talking about. It's the barrier we use to block ourselves from others, from pain, from the harsh reality we live everyday. Sometimes we lash out to nourish that need but the essence of that need is that we want to stand out, to matter to be important and like Janet says, to feel special. Add in Vanessa Mae's almost otherworldly violin playing sounded by chilling background music and this is seriously breathtaking.
(A+)
In this haunting title track, Janet explores that need even further and I couldn't be more blown away! The production of the song is timeless, with lyrics that go into detail about the metaphorical Velvet Rope that Janet is talking about. It's the barrier we use to block ourselves from others, from pain, from the harsh reality we live everyday. Sometimes we lash out to nourish that need but the essence of that need is that we want to stand out, to matter to be important and like Janet says, to feel special. Add in Vanessa Mae's almost otherworldly violin playing sounded by chilling background music and this is seriously breathtaking.
(A+)
3. "You"
A song that often gets misinterpreted as a song about Michael, its true origin is one of Janet's own self-reflection and the image she is putting out there. It's about the endless pleasing of others at the expense of her own happiness. The production once again is electrifying, it sounds so unique, bizarre but it sticks in your mind forever. The message of the song is more than just moving, it pleads for listeners to do their own self reflection. Telling people to judge yourself before ever judging others because there is a lot of growth that needs to be done. I completely agree and am continuing to do the same in my life til this day.
(A+)
A song that often gets misinterpreted as a song about Michael, its true origin is one of Janet's own self-reflection and the image she is putting out there. It's about the endless pleasing of others at the expense of her own happiness. The production once again is electrifying, it sounds so unique, bizarre but it sticks in your mind forever. The message of the song is more than just moving, it pleads for listeners to do their own self reflection. Telling people to judge yourself before ever judging others because there is a lot of growth that needs to be done. I completely agree and am continuing to do the same in my life til this day.
(A+)
4. "Got 'Til It's Gone" (Featuring Q-Tip and Joni Mitchell)
Featuring possibly the best sample of a song I've ever heard, this neo-soul inspired single almost makes you forget about Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi"...almost! J Dilla produced one of the most chill yet dance-able beats with this track and Q-Tip comes in for an awesome rap verse that I'm sure any fan of this album knows by heart. The lyrics are heartbreaking with Janet singing about regret after losing a love she never should have let go of. It's another song that you can't help but think about the video which is one of her best. The African a partied theme was so beautifully realized with Mark Romanack's direction and the visuals are stunning, shocking yet disturbing all at the same time. But the song itself was so new for Janet at the time and the way she sings this song feels like it's so painfully realizing what she lost that she can barely sing the words out. Shame this wasn't a major hit and released commercially in the states.
(A+)
Featuring possibly the best sample of a song I've ever heard, this neo-soul inspired single almost makes you forget about Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi"...almost! J Dilla produced one of the most chill yet dance-able beats with this track and Q-Tip comes in for an awesome rap verse that I'm sure any fan of this album knows by heart. The lyrics are heartbreaking with Janet singing about regret after losing a love she never should have let go of. It's another song that you can't help but think about the video which is one of her best. The African a partied theme was so beautifully realized with Mark Romanack's direction and the visuals are stunning, shocking yet disturbing all at the same time. But the song itself was so new for Janet at the time and the way she sings this song feels like it's so painfully realizing what she lost that she can barely sing the words out. Shame this wasn't a major hit and released commercially in the states.
(A+)
5. Interlude-Speaker Phone
While we get a cool preview of one of the album's best tracks, we hear Janet calling a friend, who turns out to be Lisa Marie Presley (apparently!) and puts her on Speaker Phone. They have a minor conversation about what each other are doing with Lisa asking "What are you doing with your hands that you can't pick of the phone?" Janet says "Don't you worry about it, I'm taking care of my business." There's laughter from Lisa, Janet asks what she's doing, she doesn't respond. Janet then says she's going out tonight followed by her infamous moaning. Turns out Janet is masturbating in the background...to which Lisa responds "Your coochie gonna swell up and fall apart!" The interludes are entertaining this time around and this one is just priceless!
While we get a cool preview of one of the album's best tracks, we hear Janet calling a friend, who turns out to be Lisa Marie Presley (apparently!) and puts her on Speaker Phone. They have a minor conversation about what each other are doing with Lisa asking "What are you doing with your hands that you can't pick of the phone?" Janet says "Don't you worry about it, I'm taking care of my business." There's laughter from Lisa, Janet asks what she's doing, she doesn't respond. Janet then says she's going out tonight followed by her infamous moaning. Turns out Janet is masturbating in the background...to which Lisa responds "Your coochie gonna swell up and fall apart!" The interludes are entertaining this time around and this one is just priceless!
6. "My Need"
One of the most eclectic sounding tracks on the album, the beat is fast paced, frantic, fitting the essence of the song with Janet singing about her need to be with her lover tonight. I just love listening to this one for the groove alone, it doesn't sound like anything at the time and feels like its own thing. The lyrics are so cool and the ending arrangements of the song are stunning.
(A)
One of the most eclectic sounding tracks on the album, the beat is fast paced, frantic, fitting the essence of the song with Janet singing about her need to be with her lover tonight. I just love listening to this one for the groove alone, it doesn't sound like anything at the time and feels like its own thing. The lyrics are so cool and the ending arrangements of the song are stunning.
(A)
7. Interlude-Fasten Your Belts
Janet and her friends chatter until we here a loud horn going off as if at an industrial area when the alarms as one friend says "Fasten Your Seatbelts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!" Ok then! Leading into...
8. "Go Deep"
...the only fun song on the album! "Go Deep" is a party/club anthem and a great one at that. Sure people around that time were getting "Jiggy Wit It" or doing their Marceranas, leaving this one in the dust of 90s party jams but it is a shame as "Go Deep" an awesome jam. I especially love how the opening beat sounds like the beat from "Billie Jean". I'm sure some prefer the Timbaland/Missy remix but this one is cool too. I also like toward the end of the song the part where to this day no fan understands what Janet is singing. You know what I'm talking about? What is she saying? "Oh I think I'm golden." "Oh I think I'm cummin'." No one knows!
(B+)
9. "Free Xone"
Sampling Archie Bell & the Drells's "Tighten Up", this was another track I use to skip which I seriously regret over all the others! "Free Xone" feels like a post-modern hippie song with fast beats, bizarre yet effective arrangements and the lyrics detest the sheer disturbing reality that is homophobia. Considering how gay rights have just made a major break through with same sex marriage being legalized in all 50 states, this was a bold and powerful statement Janet was making for its time! The message of free love having no bounds is universal and the way Janet so smoothly repeats different genders running into homosexual situation is hilarious, even laughing about it herself. I truly admire how it's a fun song while being strong in it's reservations about negativity toward the LGBT community. I'm so proud of this song and Janet. Sure, she isn't the first to do it but she definitely did it right! Spread the word! Free Xone!
(A+)
10. Interlude-Memory
"You don't have to hold on to the pain. To hold on to the memories."
"You don't have to hold on to the pain. To hold on to the memories."
11. "Together Again"
The biggest hit of the album, "Together Again" can be seen as another personal achievement in Janet's career. With thumping dance beat and heartfelt lyrics, "Together Again" is a joy song about Janet losing a dear friend to HIV/AIDs and the hope of them being reunited. Sure, the song takes on a different meaning now when Janet performs it since Michael's death, but back then, this was a great way to bring awareness on the dangers of the disease but still making the song have massive appeal...and it sure did! "Together Again" is one of, if not her biggest, singles internationally. I'm not surprised as the message speaks to all people of all cultures, probably dealing with the disease themselves. I just adore this song, especially Janet's beautiful vocals on it. Its one of those rare songs that can get you emotional yet happy at the same time. Giving you hope for the future.
(A+)
The biggest hit of the album, "Together Again" can be seen as another personal achievement in Janet's career. With thumping dance beat and heartfelt lyrics, "Together Again" is a joy song about Janet losing a dear friend to HIV/AIDs and the hope of them being reunited. Sure, the song takes on a different meaning now when Janet performs it since Michael's death, but back then, this was a great way to bring awareness on the dangers of the disease but still making the song have massive appeal...and it sure did! "Together Again" is one of, if not her biggest, singles internationally. I'm not surprised as the message speaks to all people of all cultures, probably dealing with the disease themselves. I just adore this song, especially Janet's beautiful vocals on it. Its one of those rare songs that can get you emotional yet happy at the same time. Giving you hope for the future.
(A+)
12. Interlude-Online
We hear typing sounds as someone is about to go on the internet (oh those dial up days!) before the internet connection is made.
We hear typing sounds as someone is about to go on the internet (oh those dial up days!) before the internet connection is made.
13. "Empty"
Wow, I never knew this song was so timeless looking back on it. Back then, it was about the emptiness of chat rooms and how it brings the yearning of being with that person but never really seeing who they are. It's a song that speaks more volumes today considering how much the internet has dominated society through social media and online dating. If there was an emptiness even then, that void has only gotten MUCH bigger. Sure, we can actually see people now instead of the vagueness that were chat rooms back then but now we are so dependent on the internet for dating and so many other parts of our normal lives that we are becoming out of touch with what is real. The production itself is lovely and you would think the repeated countdown of "1,2,3"s and "Ha Yahs" would annoy, even ruin the song but it works surprisingly well. "Empty" is so layered with so much meaning. Some say it's dated, but when you think about it, you know Janet was prophetic with this one. "Damn disconnected!"
(A+)
Wow, I never knew this song was so timeless looking back on it. Back then, it was about the emptiness of chat rooms and how it brings the yearning of being with that person but never really seeing who they are. It's a song that speaks more volumes today considering how much the internet has dominated society through social media and online dating. If there was an emptiness even then, that void has only gotten MUCH bigger. Sure, we can actually see people now instead of the vagueness that were chat rooms back then but now we are so dependent on the internet for dating and so many other parts of our normal lives that we are becoming out of touch with what is real. The production itself is lovely and you would think the repeated countdown of "1,2,3"s and "Ha Yahs" would annoy, even ruin the song but it works surprisingly well. "Empty" is so layered with so much meaning. Some say it's dated, but when you think about it, you know Janet was prophetic with this one. "Damn disconnected!"
(A+)
14. Interlude-Full
"How empty of me...to be so full of you."
"How empty of me...to be so full of you."
15. "What About"
"What About".....Yes! Yes! YES!! Why wasn't this a single!? Tell me why!? The raw emotion and power in Janet's vocals alone are earth shattering! And why wouldn't she be!? Domestic abuse is no laughing matter and Janet delivers the message with everything she has! This song is for all women who don't have the strength to walk away and eventually lose their lives because of it. It's heartbreaking, tragic and maddening knowing this is a never ending issue. These men doing this to these women should be locked up! The production roars and soars throughout, surely getting you rightfully enraged as Janet is on the song. I can't stress this enough...why wasn't this a single!? I get chills just thinking how incredibly brutal and surreal that video would have been!
(A+)
(A+)
16. "Every Time"
After getting your blood pumping with a rockin' track, we get a cool down with this beautiful ballad. I still think "What About" should have been a single instead of this one but still, this is Janet showing again that she can deliver a great ballad that is emotional with a strong production value. Sure, it's just snaps and some beautiful instrumentals but it works so much better than you think. I love the song and it was a nice transition between songs.
(B+)
After getting your blood pumping with a rockin' track, we get a cool down with this beautiful ballad. I still think "What About" should have been a single instead of this one but still, this is Janet showing again that she can deliver a great ballad that is emotional with a strong production value. Sure, it's just snaps and some beautiful instrumentals but it works so much better than you think. I love the song and it was a nice transition between songs.
(B+)
17. "Tonight's The Night"
Covering Rod Stewart's classic, Janet does more than an admirable job taking on the song. What I love about it is how she barely change the gender lyrics and left the "hers" in the song. It's a move that got people talking making the public wonder if Janet was a lesbian/bisexual at the time. I'm glad how she answered those questions by simply saying, "What does it matter? Does it change who I am?" Right on Ms. Jackson. I just love the unapologetic advocacy for gay rights in her music on this album. But back to the song, it's lovely and vulnerable but I won't make comparisons between it and the original. But this is a worthy effort.
(A-)
Covering Rod Stewart's classic, Janet does more than an admirable job taking on the song. What I love about it is how she barely change the gender lyrics and left the "hers" in the song. It's a move that got people talking making the public wonder if Janet was a lesbian/bisexual at the time. I'm glad how she answered those questions by simply saying, "What does it matter? Does it change who I am?" Right on Ms. Jackson. I just love the unapologetic advocacy for gay rights in her music on this album. But back to the song, it's lovely and vulnerable but I won't make comparisons between it and the original. But this is a worthy effort.
(A-)
18. "I Get Lonely"
With a slick R&B beat and perfectly timed trumpet cues, this is just as much of an R&B classic as "That's The Way Love Goes" was. Janet's outcry of her unbearable loneliness is so soulful and goes hard. I honestly don't know what else to say. It was a pretty big hit for her but it should have been bigger. There's also this underlying sexiness about the song as Janet is at her most vulnerable. Emotional nakedness really is attractive as many critics have said about this album!
(A+)
With a slick R&B beat and perfectly timed trumpet cues, this is just as much of an R&B classic as "That's The Way Love Goes" was. Janet's outcry of her unbearable loneliness is so soulful and goes hard. I honestly don't know what else to say. It was a pretty big hit for her but it should have been bigger. There's also this underlying sexiness about the song as Janet is at her most vulnerable. Emotional nakedness really is attractive as many critics have said about this album!
(A+)
19. "Rope Burn"
Well, we've reach possibly the darkest part of the album as Janet lets it all hang out. Or more, ties it down. S&M and bondage....wow! If you didn't think Janet was a freak prior to the album, you do now. This is the track that got this album banned in some countries and for good reason. Yet, at the same thing, this song works so well because it effortlessly blends with the moody, self-loathing tone. The production is top notch, which helps but I know this isn't a song for everyone. But the graphic, near gaudiness of it is shocking and truly something to behold. It may even bring out a side you though you never had.
(A)
Well, we've reach possibly the darkest part of the album as Janet lets it all hang out. Or more, ties it down. S&M and bondage....wow! If you didn't think Janet was a freak prior to the album, you do now. This is the track that got this album banned in some countries and for good reason. Yet, at the same thing, this song works so well because it effortlessly blends with the moody, self-loathing tone. The production is top notch, which helps but I know this isn't a song for everyone. But the graphic, near gaudiness of it is shocking and truly something to behold. It may even bring out a side you though you never had.
(A)
20. "Anything"
This almost hypnotic sex ballad is nice follow up to the previous track if not heavily flawed. Janet isn't saying anything that hasn't already surprised us at this point. But seriously, how can anything top a track like "Rope Burn" in the sex driven department. We've gone from a fetish song full of fantasy and depraved sexual practices to a pretty standard sex song, so...yeah.
(C)
This almost hypnotic sex ballad is nice follow up to the previous track if not heavily flawed. Janet isn't saying anything that hasn't already surprised us at this point. But seriously, how can anything top a track like "Rope Burn" in the sex driven department. We've gone from a fetish song full of fantasy and depraved sexual practices to a pretty standard sex song, so...yeah.
(C)
21. Interlude-Sad
"There's nothing more depressing...than having everything...and still feeling sad. You must learn to water your spiritual garden." I really love the quotes on this album!
"There's nothing more depressing...than having everything...and still feeling sad. You must learn to water your spiritual garden." I really love the quotes on this album!
22. "Special"
Ok, this song gets criticized for its overbearing sappiness...and yes it is, but it's Janet being overbearingly sappy so I still think it's decent. It's just a little to on the nose even for me. But it goes back to the theme that we all have the need to feel special and it's a nice song to end the album with...or so you think!
Ok, this song gets criticized for its overbearing sappiness...and yes it is, but it's Janet being overbearingly sappy so I still think it's decent. It's just a little to on the nose even for me. But it goes back to the theme that we all have the need to feel special and it's a nice song to end the album with...or so you think!
(C+)
(*Hidden Track*). "Can't Be Stopped"
Now, THIS is how you end an album! It has this great beat, Afrocentric undertones with strong lyrics about being proud of being black and being born of the blood of Kings and Queens. It is inspiring and stellar, without being too aggressive in it's message. Luckily, Janet didn't go full on "Black Panther. Down with the man!" on us. I could listen to it over and over. A perfect end to this emotional roller coaster that is this album!
(A+)
Now, THIS is how you end an album! It has this great beat, Afrocentric undertones with strong lyrics about being proud of being black and being born of the blood of Kings and Queens. It is inspiring and stellar, without being too aggressive in it's message. Luckily, Janet didn't go full on "Black Panther. Down with the man!" on us. I could listen to it over and over. A perfect end to this emotional roller coaster that is this album!
(A+)
You know, I tend to have a lot of down days. The most recent was only a few days ago and I decided to put on this album. I tell you, every time and I mean every time I listen to it, I just let go! All that built up pain, frustration, etc. It just all pours out! When I don't have family or friends to lean on, this album is my shoulder to cry on! "The Velvet Rope" is Janet's most underrated and most unappreciated album. Sure it went to #1 in the US, sold over 10 million copies worldwide, gave her a few more hits, but the fact this is her most artistic and creative era (yes, even more than "Rhythm Nation") and it wasn't even bigger, is truly sad. The red hair with the piercings look she donned at the time was so bold and ahead of it's time! (Rihanna so stole this look for her "Loud" album) She looked stunning! I also enjoyed how open Janet was in her personal life during this era. Her Oprah interview is still something to behold considering how out spoken and real she was. Not that she wasn't after or now, but Janet just seemed more adamant about setting the record straight and getting her voice heard. Back to the album, it wasn't the blockbuster like her previous big sellers but one wonders why?! Maybe people were put off by the dark, melancholy nature of the music? But there lies the beauty of the album. It's so raw and real that maybe it went over some people's heads. Some say this was just a depressing version of the "janet." album, to which I say "please!" Sure, Janet's depression was the muse behind the album's conception but there are a lot more topics being discussed here than just depression. We have self-reflection, loneliness, HIV/AIDS awareness, homosexuality/homophobia, domestic abuse, sexual ambiguity, regret, bisexuality etc. Hell, there are more issues brought to the table here than "Rhythm Nation" and the introspective concept that Janet used was a confident statement she was making about human nature in general. How brutal and painful life can be...yet also beautiful and how we must embrace it. Around this time, there seemed to be renaissance of pop divas making some powerfully personal music. Madonna"s electronica inspired "Ray of Light" was an epic album and featured some of my favorite songs from her like "Frozen" and "The Power of Goodbye". The album is almost like musical poetry with chilling sound cues and amazing arrangements. Then there was Mariah's "Butterfly". While not nearly as great as the other two, it was a deeper look into a post-divorced diva feeling liberated yet slightly traumatized by the ordeal. This was certainly a standout era for pop music as while many were feeling the girl power of the Spice Girls and Mmboping to Hanson, "The Velvet Rope" reminded us that pop music isn't all fun and games, it's still an art form that can be used to make classics such as this! It may not be an album for everyone, I completely understand and feel free to disagree with me. But when it comes to me, this album is a scary reflection of myself! As I get older, I relate to it's music more and more; always bringing me to tears on repeated listens and I have no shame in saying that.
"With a rich, daring production that mixes thought provoking lyrics with music that encompasses a wide range of emotions, Janet reached a new level of artistic achievement with this album! "The Velvet Rope" is what I've always called a morbid masterpiece. The window that Janet opened up into the cold and cluttered psyche that was her mind at the time was beyond fascinating and something that she has never topped 'til this day."
(A+)
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