The Youngest Jackson Takes Control

Control (1986)

1. "Control"
Starting off this iconic album is Janet's personal declaration of independence!! With funk infused beats and memorable lyrics as "When I was 17/I did what people told me/Did what my father said/And let my mother mold me...", "Control" is more than just Janet needs for individual freedom, it's a song that resonates with listeners to find their own independence as I'm sure most fans felt the same way as the young 19 year old at the time of this recording. "Control" is a superb introduction to this new take charge Janet who isn't afraid to step out of her family's shadow and become a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
(A+)

2. "Nasty"
A true feminist anthem!!! "Nasty" is a song where Janet has had enough of those guys who won't take a hint and keep hitting on her in the most inappropriate ways. And what does Janet have to say to those low life men??? "No my first name ain't baby/It's Janet/Ms. Jackson if you're nasty!" One of, if not her most legendary catch phrase. I love the sassy vocals as well as Janet adds some attitude ridden inflections and tones to the song that elevate to the masterwork of R&B, Hip Hop and Funk it truly is. Only two tracks into this album and I'm already floored!
(A+)

3. "What Have You Done For Me Lately"
Her very first hit single, "What Have You Done For Me Lately" finds Janet unsatisfied with her man's shortcomings in the relationship department. He's standing her up, making empty promises and it pretty much uses her which leaves this fierce singer in need to vent to her girls as well as he man. Another track that excellently fuses R&B, funk as well as pop, this contagiously catchy top 5 hit is one of Janet's most memorable and really emphasizes this is not the same Janet from her first two albums. She is really ready to speak her mind and let people know that she may be sweet but definitely has a side to her you don't want to mess with. Classic!
(A+)

4. "You Can Be Mine"
The first of the 3 non-single tracks of the album, "You Can Be Mine" kind of reminds me of the material from her first two albums, only MUCH better produced. Janet sings with a cute sweetness against the song's rock/R&B production; especially hearing that amazing guitar riff toward the middle of the track. I also love the trumpets that add excitement and fun to the track as well as it's funky beat. Definitely a standout in an album that is already living up to it's legacy!
(A)

5. "The Pleasure Principle"
You know a part of me wonders why this single never became a MUCH bigger hit!!! Sure it landed on #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 but it should have charted MUCH higher!!! -_- I love the toughness of "The Pleasure Principle" with it's rock edge and 80s synth bliss mixed together. We are seeing Janet once again showing a side we haven't seen before; a kind of brassiness and rough persona that made for an equally entertaining and thrilling video. Oh the days I use to do that chair portion of the video and fall to the ground in shame. Another classic single from Janet's early arsenal of pop hits, "The Pleasure Principle" is one of the finest moments of the album and I'm still bitter about it not being a BIGGER hit! -_-
(A+)

6. "When I Think of You"
Becoming her very first #1 hit on top of the Billboard Hot 100, "When I Think of You" is Janet's ode to a lover who she finds so much calmness and bliss around. I love the soft, sweetness of this song as we see the sensitive side of Janet who is vulnerable but extremely happy and it's just so irresistible as well as unforgettable. Jimmy and Terry really knew their way around a magical pop hit as this is another sensational record among an album full of them!
(A+)

7. "He Doesn't Know I'm Alive"
Featuring probably her best recorded vocal performance, "He Doesn't Know I'm Alive" is a song that sees Janet's classic shyness comes back as she sings passionately about a guy she likes but is too scared to approach or talk to. I just love how Janet hits some high notes during this song! She's a little powerhouse here who doesn't get enough credit for her often overlooked vocal prowess. It's just a contagiously fun song and it' funny hearing Janet singing about trying to ring the doorbell but hiding for her love interest could see her! lol
(A)

8. "Let's Wait Awhile"
Awww, Janet's first hit ballad! <3 I love the coy, innocence of this song as Janet sings about waiting to get intimate with her lover. Wow, a song about abstinence!!! I don't know if that was a topic discussed much in the 80s (I was born in the late 80s, ok! lol) but the way Janet delivers it once again makes it relatable and urges listeners to wait themselves before getting physical with their significant others. Such a beautiful ballad that had stood the test of time and is such a fresh reminder of how Janet was adamant about waiting for the right moment to have sex.
(A+)

9. "Funny How Time Flies (When You/re Having Fun)"
Ending this classic album is Janet's first baby-making song! Featuring her signature moaning and all! My goodness! But I have to say I love the sensuality of the song; it's so peaceful and soothing. Janet's french also sounds very seductive and smooth; eager for you to be tempted by her yearning to want to be intimate but not having the time for it. Get it! lol It's a very solid end to an album that has gone down in the history books!
(B+)

WOW!!! What's really remarkable about this album is that we see such a significant Janet change in Janet here. This isn't the unsure singer of her first two albums, this is a confident, feisty new Janet who has finally found her musical calling. Jimmy and Terry really brought out the best in Janet as this album is LEAGUES beyond what her father could have ever have dreamed for her daughter! I also love how I can hear the origins of New Jack Swing in the music which this album is quoted for pioneering! What makes the album work so well outside of her previous is that Janet is singing about what she's gone through and for the first time, where she is in her life. You would think what could a 19 year old at the time have gone through to make such credible music??? But not only to I love what Janet is singing about, I believe what she is singing about; which is the true indication of a great artist! She is tackling real themes for the first time such as independence, relationship issues and abstinence; unlike the poor attempts at mature themes with her last two albums. It's no wonder "Control" was such a success and the beginning of a long, legendary career that would span three decades.

"Finally finding the right team of producers and putting her adolescent experiences to paper, "Control" is one of the most influential albums of the 80s; right next to Michael's "Thriller", "Madonna's "Like A Virgin" and Prince's...well...ANY of his 80s albums!"
(A+)