Political Pop At Its Finest!!
Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989)
1. Interlude: Pledge
This was the first Janet album to include her famous signature interludes and this was a perfect way to introduce the album. "We are a nation with no geographic boundaries. Bound together through our beliefs. We are like-minded individuals. Sharing a common vision. Pushing toward a world rid of color lines." I love the haunting feeling of this intro gives as well as the bell rings, industrial sounds, cold opening of a door and that iconic countdown. Very symbolic and sets the tone for the album's social conscious message.
This was the first Janet album to include her famous signature interludes and this was a perfect way to introduce the album. "We are a nation with no geographic boundaries. Bound together through our beliefs. We are like-minded individuals. Sharing a common vision. Pushing toward a world rid of color lines." I love the haunting feeling of this intro gives as well as the bell rings, industrial sounds, cold opening of a door and that iconic countdown. Very symbolic and sets the tone for the album's social conscious message.
2. "Rhythm Nation"
Here we have the most iconic song of Janet's career and for good reason!! With an awesome sample of "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" by Sly and the Family Stone, Jimmy and Terry concoct musical excellence with this industrial inspired, hip-hop infused political anthem! The lyrics still hold up so much meaning 26 years later with such lines as "With music by our sides/to break the color lines/Let's work together to improve our way of life!" and "It's time to give a damn/let's work together!" In fact, a song like "Rhythm Nation" probably hold even MORE meaning today than it did back in '89. Janet's vocals also don't get enough credit on this song! The immense amount of passion in her voice elevates the song and really makes you take notice! Sure, it isn't the first social conscious song ever made, but what Janet and her team did with this song (not to mention that masterful militaristic video!) made us want to dance but take notice at out world's problems at the same time. Like a said before, a song that can be fun and meaningful is the highest level of music accomplishment! Sure, the song was a HUGE hit but it wasn't a #1 hit!!! Dammit!
(A+)
Here we have the most iconic song of Janet's career and for good reason!! With an awesome sample of "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" by Sly and the Family Stone, Jimmy and Terry concoct musical excellence with this industrial inspired, hip-hop infused political anthem! The lyrics still hold up so much meaning 26 years later with such lines as "With music by our sides/to break the color lines/Let's work together to improve our way of life!" and "It's time to give a damn/let's work together!" In fact, a song like "Rhythm Nation" probably hold even MORE meaning today than it did back in '89. Janet's vocals also don't get enough credit on this song! The immense amount of passion in her voice elevates the song and really makes you take notice! Sure, it isn't the first social conscious song ever made, but what Janet and her team did with this song (not to mention that masterful militaristic video!) made us want to dance but take notice at out world's problems at the same time. Like a said before, a song that can be fun and meaningful is the highest level of music accomplishment! Sure, the song was a HUGE hit but it wasn't a #1 hit!!! Dammit!
(A+)
3. Interlude: TV
I like the switching of channels as we hear everything from commercials to cartoons to a news report about an up rise in crime to suddenly...even chillingly, the TV beeps for a beat leading into...
I like the switching of channels as we hear everything from commercials to cartoons to a news report about an up rise in crime to suddenly...even chillingly, the TV beeps for a beat leading into...
4. "State of the World"
...this eerily powerful track that once again is far ahead of it's time in it's lyrical content. "State of the World" tackles issues from poverty to prostitution to bullying to crime to lack of security and it's all done in 5 minutes! Sure, it's another industrial dance inspired track but the fact that it works so well is astounding! Also, this is another great vocal showcase from Janet.
(A+)
...this eerily powerful track that once again is far ahead of it's time in it's lyrical content. "State of the World" tackles issues from poverty to prostitution to bullying to crime to lack of security and it's all done in 5 minutes! Sure, it's another industrial dance inspired track but the fact that it works so well is astounding! Also, this is another great vocal showcase from Janet.
(A+)
5. Interlude: Race
Gun shoot! "We are race between education and catastrophe!" "The Knowledge!"
Gun shoot! "We are race between education and catastrophe!" "The Knowledge!"
6. "The Knowledge"
Another politically charged track but this time the topics are drugs and education as well as illiteracy, prejudice and bigotry! Hell, she even lists the last three with a cleverly responding "No!" after each one of them. Aside from being a strong socially conscious song, it's a flawless production by Jimmy and Terry with some great harmonies, like the part of the song with "Ahs" in it. Janet once again rises to the occasion as a political activist and she sure sells the hell out of it. The fact this song was so instrumental in encouraging and succeeding at making kids want to pursue an education is quite the landmark in pop music. Who said mainstream music can be positive? Well, most people say that today and who can blame them!?
(A+)
Another politically charged track but this time the topics are drugs and education as well as illiteracy, prejudice and bigotry! Hell, she even lists the last three with a cleverly responding "No!" after each one of them. Aside from being a strong socially conscious song, it's a flawless production by Jimmy and Terry with some great harmonies, like the part of the song with "Ahs" in it. Janet once again rises to the occasion as a political activist and she sure sells the hell out of it. The fact this song was so instrumental in encouraging and succeeding at making kids want to pursue an education is quite the landmark in pop music. Who said mainstream music can be positive? Well, most people say that today and who can blame them!?
(A+)
7. Interlude: Let's Dance
"Get the point? Good. Let's Dance!"
"Get the point? Good. Let's Dance!"
8. "Miss You Much"
...And dance we shall Janet, as who in their right minds could resists dancing to this 4+ minute track that delivers nothing short of pop perfection?! The crazily upbeat single that was the debut single for this ablum, "Miss You Much" is Janet at her finest. She sounds great, the lyrics are playful and well written, the beat is insane and who doesn't do the choreography while listening to it! Another chart topper for Janet, I wouldn't be surprised if this was the song that made Janet the dance Icon she was! Once this song ends, you will definitely miss it...much!
(A+)
(A+)
9. Interlude: Come Back Interlude
How dare you tease me album with the overwhelming emotional "Come Back To Me"!? Booooooo!
How dare you tease me album with the overwhelming emotional "Come Back To Me"!? Booooooo!
10. "Love Will Never Do (Without You)"
Seriously, as great as the socially conscious material is on this album, Jimmy and Terry really turn Janet into a sensational pop artist with tracks like this. This chart topper is a beautifully crafted song for Janet, with come great shifts in vocal octaves. I like how the first verse, Janet sings lower, a bit masculine while the second verse, she sings higher (and clearly). It's a hopeful love song where Janet sings about friends dooming her relationship with her man but staying resolute and showing them that love with last. I love chorus as well as toward the end where the background singers sing "Love Will Never Do/Never Do Without You!" over and over. Also, Janet's vocals toward the end when she rises up and up is a cherry on top of this wonderful sundae.
(A)
Seriously, as great as the socially conscious material is on this album, Jimmy and Terry really turn Janet into a sensational pop artist with tracks like this. This chart topper is a beautifully crafted song for Janet, with come great shifts in vocal octaves. I like how the first verse, Janet sings lower, a bit masculine while the second verse, she sings higher (and clearly). It's a hopeful love song where Janet sings about friends dooming her relationship with her man but staying resolute and showing them that love with last. I love chorus as well as toward the end where the background singers sing "Love Will Never Do/Never Do Without You!" over and over. Also, Janet's vocals toward the end when she rises up and up is a cherry on top of this wonderful sundae.
(A)
11. "Livin' In A World (They Didn't Make)"
God, is this one a HUGE shift in tone from the previous tracks!! This track is always hard for me to listen to...for all the right reasons. A song dealing with violence against children! Who wouldn't be disturbed and freaked out?! What makes it worse considering how even more powerful this song remains to this day as the amount of massive shootings have increased since the album came out. From the Columbine High School shooting, the Dark Knight theater shooting, the Elementary school shooting in Connecticut, the mass shooting in Charleston's prestigious black church to the recent shootings in Orlando and Las Vegas. The song raises questions about not only the safety of children but what we are exposing out children to. Not to mention, the heavy implications of gun control that I'm sure Janet, Jimmy and Terry weren't thinking about the time but it shows just how ahead of it's time this song was. I get chills listening to the end of the song listening to those kids getting slaughtered followed by that newsbreak that fades out. Seriously, my God!!
(A+)
God, is this one a HUGE shift in tone from the previous tracks!! This track is always hard for me to listen to...for all the right reasons. A song dealing with violence against children! Who wouldn't be disturbed and freaked out?! What makes it worse considering how even more powerful this song remains to this day as the amount of massive shootings have increased since the album came out. From the Columbine High School shooting, the Dark Knight theater shooting, the Elementary school shooting in Connecticut, the mass shooting in Charleston's prestigious black church to the recent shootings in Orlando and Las Vegas. The song raises questions about not only the safety of children but what we are exposing out children to. Not to mention, the heavy implications of gun control that I'm sure Janet, Jimmy and Terry weren't thinking about the time but it shows just how ahead of it's time this song was. I get chills listening to the end of the song listening to those kids getting slaughtered followed by that newsbreak that fades out. Seriously, my God!!
(A+)
12. "Alright"
You know for a song called "Alright", it's certainly much more than that! Considering Jimmy and Terry pioneered the New Jack Swing sound, it's no surprise this is one of the best songs from that genre to come out at that time! It's fun, flashy and has a beat that easily rivals all those pop hits at the time.
(B+)
You know for a song called "Alright", it's certainly much more than that! Considering Jimmy and Terry pioneered the New Jack Swing sound, it's no surprise this is one of the best songs from that genre to come out at that time! It's fun, flashy and has a beat that easily rivals all those pop hits at the time.
(B+)
13. Interlude: Hey Baby
"Baby. Hey Baby! Don't get me acting silly now! You're taping this are you?" Oh the laugh that follows! How could you not love woman?!
"Baby. Hey Baby! Don't get me acting silly now! You're taping this are you?" Oh the laugh that follows! How could you not love woman?!
14. "Escapade"
I feel like a broken record but this album really set a new standard for pop music! "Escapade" is the ultimate "It's Friday, time to party!" anthem before it was cool! The production is off the charts, the lyrics are classic and Janet sounds like she's having a blast! It sounds so simple but for anyone who has ever heard this song knows this cutsy, cookie cutter pop done to it's absolute highest level.
(A+)
I feel like a broken record but this album really set a new standard for pop music! "Escapade" is the ultimate "It's Friday, time to party!" anthem before it was cool! The production is off the charts, the lyrics are classic and Janet sounds like she's having a blast! It sounds so simple but for anyone who has ever heard this song knows this cutsy, cookie cutter pop done to it's absolute highest level.
(A+)
15. Interlude: No Acid
Broken glass followed by "Ain't no Acid in this House!"
Broken glass followed by "Ain't no Acid in this House!"
16. "Black Cat"
Ok, we know Michael did the whole rock thing with "Dirty Diana". Hell, even as far back as "Thriller" with "Beat It", if you want to get technical. But let's not forget as a black female venturing into rock, this was very rare at the time. It still is actually! I mean, if your name isn't Tina Turner, Rock music was mostly dominated by mostly white bands. So it's nearly jaw dropping knowing that Janet not only wrote this song but it's HUGE hit becoming a #1 on the BB Hot 100 but became the only female artist to dominate rock charts as well as other charts! For such a pop heavy album to have a rock track, not to mention a great rock track is a shocker. If you're not a fan of the genre, "Black Cat" surely with make you one! I definitely made me one! Janet's vocals are brilliant with her easily switching genres. The music is superb, with a terrific guitar solo by David Barry. Janet also doesn't get enough credit as a song writer as she definitely knows how to make a hit. Can't get enough of this rock powerhouse!
(A+)
Ok, we know Michael did the whole rock thing with "Dirty Diana". Hell, even as far back as "Thriller" with "Beat It", if you want to get technical. But let's not forget as a black female venturing into rock, this was very rare at the time. It still is actually! I mean, if your name isn't Tina Turner, Rock music was mostly dominated by mostly white bands. So it's nearly jaw dropping knowing that Janet not only wrote this song but it's HUGE hit becoming a #1 on the BB Hot 100 but became the only female artist to dominate rock charts as well as other charts! For such a pop heavy album to have a rock track, not to mention a great rock track is a shocker. If you're not a fan of the genre, "Black Cat" surely with make you one! I definitely made me one! Janet's vocals are brilliant with her easily switching genres. The music is superb, with a terrific guitar solo by David Barry. Janet also doesn't get enough credit as a song writer as she definitely knows how to make a hit. Can't get enough of this rock powerhouse!
(A+)
17. "Lonely"
"Lonely" is actually a good song, but compared to the rest of the album is certainly the weakest of the bunch. But to say that weakest song is still a good song just shows the magnitude of quality that is this album. The production is different than the other songs on the album, I love the background instrumental that are beautifully produced. It's a song about Janet reminding a friend that she will be there when they are lonely but she does it in her charming, lovely way that how could you resists that offer?
(B)
"Lonely" is actually a good song, but compared to the rest of the album is certainly the weakest of the bunch. But to say that weakest song is still a good song just shows the magnitude of quality that is this album. The production is different than the other songs on the album, I love the background instrumental that are beautifully produced. It's a song about Janet reminding a friend that she will be there when they are lonely but she does it in her charming, lovely way that how could you resists that offer?
(B)
18. "Come Back To Me"
Ok, I'm just going to say this and I probably would get a lot of fact for this by the media if I was some professional critic but "Come Back To Me" is one of the best pop ballads of all time! There I said it! And no, Kanye West did not hack my account! Yes, I know Janet is not considered a vocalist and when comparing her ballads to the likes of Whitney, Mariah and Celine's long catalog of pop ballads, what am I saying!? But I'm sticking to opinion. Sure, Janet's voice is limited in that regard and she is not a belter, but who says you need a powerful voice to make a great ballad? Janet, Jimmy and Terry sure prove that it can be done just as well (hell, even better) as long as the production is incredibly moving and the singer has the emotion to back it up! And Janet sure does! I love just listening to the instrumental of the song as it so beautifully done and Janet's range is perfect for it. It's a classic song about desperately wanting to re-connect to a loved one. This is a home run in pop balladry and you will understand why when you listen to it. Trust me!
(A+)
Ok, I'm just going to say this and I probably would get a lot of fact for this by the media if I was some professional critic but "Come Back To Me" is one of the best pop ballads of all time! There I said it! And no, Kanye West did not hack my account! Yes, I know Janet is not considered a vocalist and when comparing her ballads to the likes of Whitney, Mariah and Celine's long catalog of pop ballads, what am I saying!? But I'm sticking to opinion. Sure, Janet's voice is limited in that regard and she is not a belter, but who says you need a powerful voice to make a great ballad? Janet, Jimmy and Terry sure prove that it can be done just as well (hell, even better) as long as the production is incredibly moving and the singer has the emotion to back it up! And Janet sure does! I love just listening to the instrumental of the song as it so beautifully done and Janet's range is perfect for it. It's a classic song about desperately wanting to re-connect to a loved one. This is a home run in pop balladry and you will understand why when you listen to it. Trust me!
(A+)
19. "Someday is Tonight"
Yet another precursor to her future material, "Someday Is Tonight" is an extremely sensual track that feels like a sequel to "Let's Wait Awhile" as even Janet sings at one point "You know I'd promised I'd be worth the wait/Now the wait is over baby/Please/Don't hesitate." Very steamy stuff!!! With a smoldering production with a beautiful saxophone melody added and Janet's sultry vocals (as well as moaning lol!), this is a great indication of where she would take us with her next album; making listeners excited....not in that way, I mean for more music like this! lol
(B+)
20. Interlude: Livin'...In Complete Darkness
As we get a reprise of "Livin' In A World (They Didn't Make)" Janet goes on to deliver one of my favorite quotes: "In complete darkness, we're all the same. It's only our knowledge and wisdom that separate us. Don't let you eyes deceive you." Followed by a bell ringing that slowly fades out....
You know....after such a successful breakthrough with "Control", the executives at A&M wanted Janet and her team of producers to produce yet another follow-up in the same vein as that album. But instead of going that predictable route, Janet turned to social/world issues and used the world's problems as her muse to create an album that much more than a personal evolution of maturity and freedom. If "Control" was ahead of it's time, than "Rhythm Nation" was a landmark in pop music history. Janet's reinvention as a political activist not only resonated more with critics and audiences but it made for a bolder statement that's STILL so relevant even today. When the album is tackling serious topics such as violence and poverty, it really drives home the theme of the album so well and when it's focused on purely dance-pop, it's some of the catchiest and most well produced pop hits you'll ever here. "Escapade" is a knock out classic, "Miss You Much" is contagiously fun, etc. The album went on sell even more than "Control"; topping the BB 200 for 4 weeks and selling over 15 million copies worldwide. Janet went on to become the first African American female to be nominated for a Grammy for Producer of the Year and at the first Billboard Awards ceremony won 15 awards including R&B and Pop Album of the Year in 1990. If that wasn't enough, the album went on to produce 7 top 5 hits off of it as well as having a #1 hit in 3 consecutive calendar years: 1989-1991. Something even Micheal never achieved! It only proves if "Control" was her "Off The Wall" moment, then "Rhythm Nation was her "Thriller"! Such a strong and profound album that has truly stood the test of time; hell probably is even MORE relevant now than it was in 1989!
"Tackling issues such as racism, education and homelessness as well as mixing it with some of the best pop singles ever produced, "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814" closed out the 80's with not only one of it's best albums but one of the best pop albums of all time!"
(A+)
Yet another precursor to her future material, "Someday Is Tonight" is an extremely sensual track that feels like a sequel to "Let's Wait Awhile" as even Janet sings at one point "You know I'd promised I'd be worth the wait/Now the wait is over baby/Please/Don't hesitate." Very steamy stuff!!! With a smoldering production with a beautiful saxophone melody added and Janet's sultry vocals (as well as moaning lol!), this is a great indication of where she would take us with her next album; making listeners excited....not in that way, I mean for more music like this! lol
(B+)
20. Interlude: Livin'...In Complete Darkness
As we get a reprise of "Livin' In A World (They Didn't Make)" Janet goes on to deliver one of my favorite quotes: "In complete darkness, we're all the same. It's only our knowledge and wisdom that separate us. Don't let you eyes deceive you." Followed by a bell ringing that slowly fades out....
You know....after such a successful breakthrough with "Control", the executives at A&M wanted Janet and her team of producers to produce yet another follow-up in the same vein as that album. But instead of going that predictable route, Janet turned to social/world issues and used the world's problems as her muse to create an album that much more than a personal evolution of maturity and freedom. If "Control" was ahead of it's time, than "Rhythm Nation" was a landmark in pop music history. Janet's reinvention as a political activist not only resonated more with critics and audiences but it made for a bolder statement that's STILL so relevant even today. When the album is tackling serious topics such as violence and poverty, it really drives home the theme of the album so well and when it's focused on purely dance-pop, it's some of the catchiest and most well produced pop hits you'll ever here. "Escapade" is a knock out classic, "Miss You Much" is contagiously fun, etc. The album went on sell even more than "Control"; topping the BB 200 for 4 weeks and selling over 15 million copies worldwide. Janet went on to become the first African American female to be nominated for a Grammy for Producer of the Year and at the first Billboard Awards ceremony won 15 awards including R&B and Pop Album of the Year in 1990. If that wasn't enough, the album went on to produce 7 top 5 hits off of it as well as having a #1 hit in 3 consecutive calendar years: 1989-1991. Something even Micheal never achieved! It only proves if "Control" was her "Off The Wall" moment, then "Rhythm Nation was her "Thriller"! Such a strong and profound album that has truly stood the test of time; hell probably is even MORE relevant now than it was in 1989!
"Tackling issues such as racism, education and homelessness as well as mixing it with some of the best pop singles ever produced, "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814" closed out the 80's with not only one of it's best albums but one of the best pop albums of all time!"
(A+)
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