Ling-Ling
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Post by Ling-Ling on Sept 29, 2020 6:14:34 GMT -5
For those that were aware of The Velvet Rope era while it was happening, what was the reaction like when she dropped Got Til It's Gone as the lead single? I'm thinking in comparison to the mixed response to Just a Little While in 2004, though that song has aged really well. At the time, it was considered a bold move and critically lauded. But it wasn't typical Janet or radio friendly and audience/fan reception was polarized. It's one of those songs in hindsight that was such a cool move. Aside from the fact that it hasn't aged a day, I think it's one of her more influential tracks and the streaming numbers tell the true story. I don't think JALW is a solid comparison, that had such a lukewarm reception across the board and has had no shelf life. The remixes completely save it for me though, shows that there was a pretty cool pop song behind the tacky production of the album version.
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Kishi KCM
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Post by Kishi KCM on Sept 29, 2020 10:22:50 GMT -5
Janet is an artist that a lot of general public/casual fans expect a dance lead single from. Her midtempo jams and ballads to me are some of her best work. If she always gave those lead dance singles like "Miss You Much" and "All For You", it would've gotten old quick. I like that she isn't afraid to release leads like TTWLG, GTIG and "No Sleeep".
"Got Til It's Gone" was a hit on R&B radio in the USA, but of course "Together Again" was the guaranteed monster hit. GTIG was very different sonically in terms of it's mellowness and relative sparse production compared to her past singles. It definitely showed range and is a vibe.
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bat1990
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Post by bat1990 on Sept 29, 2020 12:40:47 GMT -5
I also forget that R&B radio was not part of the Hot 100 Airplay until November 1998. Janet would've had a much better showing if all of radio was aggregated early in the 90s.
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Kishi KCM
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Post by Kishi KCM on Sept 30, 2020 5:48:10 GMT -5
I also forget that R&B radio was not part of the Hot 100 Airplay until November 1998. Janet would've had a much better showing if all of radio was aggregated early in the 90s. Not only that, the fact that singles without a physical CD couldn't chart on the Hot 100 was also an obstacle.
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Edith Puthie
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Post by Edith Puthie on Oct 4, 2020 20:07:33 GMT -5
The thing about Janet is... if you were around during 1986-1995, you know that it was a mind-blowing decade of every-last-damn-thing. The charts show this, even if other things after that want to tamper with it. She wasn't alone, but 'Design of a Decade' is just as apt as 'The Immaculate Collection' - both are collections representing historic pop music female dominance that will continue to be blueprints for new artists forever.
Sidenote: I've been into Control a lot lately. After two passable but sub-par albums, it JUMPED THE FUCK OUT.
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spiritboy
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Post by spiritboy on Oct 5, 2020 8:46:54 GMT -5
I'm discovering Control album these days. Can't believe i've never listened to it before.
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Oct 5, 2020 18:45:26 GMT -5
Janet Jackson’s ‘Unbreakable’ in Retrospect: 5 Years Later
A look at how Damita Jo's eleventh studio album pays a beautiful tribute to an important figure in her life and to the world.
With the possible expectation of a few instances of sibling estrangement, many believe that the formative bond forged between brothers and sisters is close-knit. Michael and Janet Jackson proved this convincing argument in plain sight for years, particularly with the undeniable chemistry the two global icons shared in the Grammy-winning music video for their “Scream” duet in 1995. Their deep connection would gain greater visibility to the world on October 2, 2015, when Janet released Unbreakable, her first new album since the unexpected death of her brother and the King of Pop six years earlier, and her first full-length LP in seven years. As the title suggests, Janet, a frequent media target, has and will always be able to withstand an attempt to break. Simply put, she is a strong individual who cannot be broken, even when those in power have tried to tarnish the career she built on her own merits. But Unbreakable has a sizable parallel to Michael and his tenth and final album Invincible. The title of MJ’s 2001 record means too powerful to be defeated or overcome, remarkably similar to the bulletproof definition of Damita Jo’s eleventh album. The most obvious linkage between the two distinctive albums is that the opening tracks share the same title. On Invincible’s opener, co-produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Michael wears an indestructible armor to shield himself from the widespread of bullets shot by heinous media reports. The aggressive keyboard playing of Jerkins interplays with the robust vocal performance of Michael, who repeatedly associates himself on this track with an immortal persona. In turn, Janet, who reconnected with the dynamic songwriting and production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for the new material, executed an opener and titular track that has a dual significance. At first glance, the meaningful lyrics have a relevant appeal to her loyalists who have tirelessly supported her through personal and professional highs and lows. But dissecting the context of the song under a different microscope, listeners might consider she is musing about the infinite tie between her and Michael. She makes reference to an important relationship that is “ever sacred, everlasting,” which could be indicative of the very special bond with Michael she is pledging to treasure even beyond his death. She gives the title track a more saintly affinity, noting that when she gets lost in the chaotic world, a guardian angel, possibly Michael, will always be there to steer her through. Darkness and light often deviate from each other, though, in part, they also go hand-in-hand, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. These noticeable contrasting ambiances play significant roles on Janet’s and Michael’s albums. “Night,” eclipsing from Unbreakable, begins with a rapturous Janet rising from a refreshed repose, spiritedly singing, “I woke up in heaven in the morning / With the biggest smile upon my face.” It has a sublime dreamy house sound that helps interpret a message of indescribable love that manifested after a nocturnal embrace with a new flame. In contrast, Michael’s “Break of Dawn” features beguiling bits of early morning and easy listening imagery: the chirps of bluebirds and gentle flutes floating through the air. Like “Night,” the Dr. Freeze co-produced track connotes an intense lovemaking session. But while Janet was infatuated by a brand new lover, Michael is already deeply in love with a woman that has continued to recapture his heart over and over. Creating a contemporary Western standard isn’t a difficult task; particularly because it can be done expertly outside of the open range and away from the cattle. All it takes is really good storytelling. That said, Janet and Michael saddled up and headed out west for their own revival of wrangler music. “Whatever Happens,” the Carlos Santana-contributed number off Invincible, starts with the epic whistling of the spaghetti western film era before it embodies a Latin twang from the guitar licks of its respected feature star. It tells the ambiguous tale of a distressed woman and how her concerned lover attempts to console her through her troubles. She tries not to worry him much over her problems. She just asks that he not unclasp his hands from hers no matter what. Miles away in another part of the countryside, Janet meekly rides over a tumbleweed of plucked guitar sounds and an eclectic form of adorned Western-style instrumentation for the guilt-laden “Lessons Learned.” It plays out the unfortunate aftermath of a domestic violence dispute, where the woman puts the blame on herself instead of the abusive man. He attempts to remedy the results of his monstrous behavior by using not his own words to apologize, but those of a penitent musical entity, that he feels can better articulate his remorse.
Janet’s “Take Me Away” and Michael’s “Don’t Walk Away” are two stylistically separate compositions that exist in different tempo galaxies but both flirt with the theme of escapism. Having a familiarity with genres such as electronic and rock from previous records (“Black Cat,” “Feedback”) Janet applied the two extreme sounds to the former track that has a catchy chorus about retiring to nirvana with a desired partner. The latter, co-helmed with Teddy Riley, is a plaintive ballad where Michael is stricken with romantic pain. He realizes that a rocky relationship is almost doomed for salvation and relies on his weeping timbre and aching pleas as a final attempt to persuade his lover from leaving. Other songs on Janet’s Unbreakable seem more straightforward and intentional in honoring the legacy and memory of her brother. “The Great Forever,” a maturely written headline to all those prying naysayers and critics who were overly concerned about her personal life, hears Janet’s voice embodying the unfading vocal phrasing of Michael. Whereas on “Broken Hearts Heal,” blatantly inspired by the treasured records from her brother’s esteemed career, Janet nostalgically recalls fond memories of growing up together and promises to see him again in the next life.
Unbreakable wasn’t just nuances of Michael’s Invincible and intimate songs written during a period of grief. It’s about a respected artist who had comfortably settled into her earned place in a fickle industry that she joined more than three decades earlier. Unbreakable consists of 16 well-crafted songs, and one interlude (“Promise”) that deftly demonstrates her versatility and confidence to produce music that doesn’t stretch her too great but alerts the world that she hasn’t lost touch with its ever-changing soundscape. Songs that best illustrate her resilience to that career point were the piano-based “After You Fall” and the ‘70s arena anthem “Well Traveled.” Missy Elliott and J. Cole make up the shortlist of guest spots on Unbreakable, from appearing on the inferno dance siren “BURNITUP!” to the thundering quiet storm and lead single “No Sleep.” The latter, featuring the Dreamville Records chief, flew to the pole position on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart for 12 non-sequential weeks. That move secured Janet her second number-one single and biggest hit after The Velvet Rope’s “I Get Lonely” on the same chart in 1998. Unbreakable also put Jackson’s name in the Billboard history books when it debuted at the top of the popular 200 albums chart. Opening with 116,000 equivalent album units, the LP crowned Jackson as the third act behind Barbara Streisand and Bruce Springsteen to have number one albums in the last four decades: ‘10s, ‘00s, ‘90s, and ‘80s. In retrospect, while Unbreakable, for the most part, is a conscious effort to showcase Janet in the most mature and content light, the album in sort, pays a beautiful tribute to an important figure in her life and to the world who was also unbreakable.
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Caviar
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Post by Caviar on Oct 8, 2020 21:23:13 GMT -5
Janet’s Hot 100 history on a graph.
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🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Oct 9, 2020 11:42:37 GMT -5
Very interesting video. It really took me back. Seeing both Janet and Madonna ruling the charts. I miss those days so much! 😢😢😢😢😭
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Ling-Ling
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Post by Ling-Ling on Oct 9, 2020 18:18:37 GMT -5
Why did it have "Everybody" as Madonna's first entry? That should have been "Holiday."
Either way, ICONIC.
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bat1990
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Post by bat1990 on Oct 14, 2020 16:11:26 GMT -5
I'm so hungry to break my teeth on some BLACK DIAMOND
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🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Oct 18, 2020 14:01:10 GMT -5
Just realized that Janet had included a "Latin Vibes" playlist on Spotify for Hispanic Heritage Month....and OMFG you guys...she included Selena's Dreaming Of You, J. Lo, Shakira, and Rosalia!!!!!
Stan queen!!!!
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🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Oct 19, 2020 17:54:05 GMT -5
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Dreams
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Post by Dreams on Oct 19, 2020 19:42:55 GMT -5
I really hope the album comes out next year. I'm so anxious to hear if it will be a continuation of Unbreakable quality-wise.
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🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Oct 20, 2020 19:18:44 GMT -5
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Oct 20, 2020 22:43:31 GMT -5
Janet Jackson’s ‘Unbreakable’ Named One Of Most Overlooked Albums Of The Decade
With the decade coming to an end, Entertainment Weekly has listed what they believe are the 10 most overlooked albums released in the 2010s. One of the biggest names on the list, Janet Jackson, is placed at No. 3 for her Unbreakable record.
The publication insisted that Jackson reaffirmed her place in the pop pantheon with the 2015 release. The LP saw the “What Have You Done for Me Lately” icon reunite with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who she goes way back with.
Entertainment Weekly described the lead single, “No Sleeep,” as sultry. The publication also claimed that the track “Take Me Away” and collaboration with Missy Elliott, “BURNITUP!” brought the New Jack Swing sound into the 21st century with “grace and bravado.”
Unbreakable became Janet’s seventh chart-topper on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart and cemented her status as a legend in music. It debuted at the top of the chart in its first week and shifted an impressive 116,000 units. According to Entertainment Weekly, the LP helped her be the third act to achieve No. 1 albums in each of the last four decades. Other artists to achieve this status include Barbra Streisand and Bruce Springsteen.
Not only was Unbreakable Janet’s first release since 2008’s Discipline, but it was also released via her own independent label, Rhythm Nation. To support the record, she embarked on a tour named after the album. As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the tour made her roughly $626,000 per night from ticket sales alone.
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Caviar
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Post by Caviar on Oct 21, 2020 0:04:31 GMT -5
“Take Me Away” could’ve been huge.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2020 8:42:32 GMT -5
H.E.R.'s new single "Damage" samples "Making Love In The Rain".
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Kishi KCM
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Post by Kishi KCM on Oct 22, 2020 8:22:25 GMT -5
“Take Me Away” could’ve been huge. I wish this song was released! My only question is...which format would have supported it?
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bat1990
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Post by bat1990 on Oct 22, 2020 8:27:45 GMT -5
“Take Me Away” could’ve been huge. I wish this song was released! My only question is...which format would have supported it? I feel like Janet could make waves at Hot AC and AC if her radio team made a concerted effort. There are plenty of acts supported by those formats who were successful on the pop charts at the same time as her. And also for them to push that recurrent play for If
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🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Oct 22, 2020 8:29:53 GMT -5
“Take Me Away” could’ve been huge. I wish this song was released! My only question is...which format would have supported it? I could see it being played on pop radio. It has a very pop feel to it.
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🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Oct 31, 2020 18:29:58 GMT -5
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Caviar
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Post by Caviar on Oct 31, 2020 18:35:04 GMT -5
Too cute.
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Tea-why
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Post by Tea-why on Nov 15, 2020 18:38:20 GMT -5
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Nov 15, 2020 18:52:57 GMT -5
Nice to finally hear the updates on the album! It sucks that the early stages of it got halted because of the pandemic.
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🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Nov 16, 2020 23:55:49 GMT -5
Skai Jackson dancing to "If" on Dancing With The Stars last week!!! How the hell did I miss this one??? Then again, I haven't been watching the show since Jeannie Mai had to withdraw from the competition. I wonder what Jeannie would have chosen for Icons Night if she didn't became ill with epiglottis.
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Nov 17, 2020 12:04:28 GMT -5
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bat1990
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Post by bat1990 on Nov 17, 2020 13:00:43 GMT -5
"Where Are You Now?" was on the Hot 100 Airplay chart for 37 weeks?!?!?!?!?
How did I not know this?
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Post by Caviar on Nov 17, 2020 16:29:55 GMT -5
What a LEGENDARY career
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Post by 🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲 on Nov 24, 2020 9:35:28 GMT -5
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