How do you even begin to quantify the influence of Janet Jackson? As a cultural icon, she’s transcended music, leaving an indelible mark on fashion, dance, and female empowerment. But at her core, Janet is a hitmaker, a weaver of sonic tapestries that have soundtracked our lives for decades.
Unilever.edu.vn invites you on a nostalgic journey through Janet Jackson’s illustrious career, revisiting 30 of her greatest musical triumphs. From the infectious energy of “Escapade” to the sensual whispers of “That’s the Way Love Goes,” prepare to be captivated by the sheer brilliance of a pop pioneer.
30. Feedback (2008)
2008’s “Discipline” marked an intriguing departure for Janet Jackson. Notably absent were the familiar songwriting contributions of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the production duo synonymous with her signature sound. Even more significant was the absence of Janet’s own songwriting, a first in her career. Despite these shifts, the album’s lead single, “Feedback,” emerged as a metallic-tinged electropop behemoth. Produced by Darkchild, the track pulsates with an undeniable energy, driven by Janet’s unapologetically bold lyrics.
29. Better Days (2001)
“Better Days,” the closing track of the infectiously upbeat “All for You” album, is a sonic exhale, a moment of liberation. Janet herself described it as “untying the knots that were choking me,” and that sense of release permeates every note. Beginning as an intimate ballad, the song gradually unfurls into a sweeping mid-tempo reverie. Lush orchestral flourishes and a playful, skipping guitar solo evoke the carefree spirit of the 1960s, leaving the listener bathed in sonic sunshine.
28. 2 B Loved (2015)
While Janet Jackson’s eleventh studio album, “Unbreakable,” explores themes of loss and social injustice, it also showcases her unwavering ability to radiate pure joy through music. “2 B Loved” is a testament to this gift. The track is a delightful confection of handclaps and layered vocals, creating a sonic landscape that feels like floating on a cloud of spun sugar.
Janet Jackson at the 2018 Essence festival in New Orleans in 2018.
Janet Jackson radiates joy at the 2018 Essence Festival in New Orleans.
27. Enjoy (2006)
Tucked away on Janet Jackson’s often-overlooked “20 Y.O.” album, “Enjoy” is a hidden gem. The track embodies Janet’s signature blend of sweet pop sensibilities and infectious grooves. Her unmistakable vocal delivery, brimming with warmth and a hint of mischief, suggests her iconic smile shining through the music. “Enjoy” is a reminder to embrace life’s simple pleasures, to find joy in the everyday moments that make life worth living.
26. The Great Forever (2015)
Janet Jackson has always been fiercely private, despite living her life in the public eye. “The Great Forever,” from her “Unbreakable” album, directly addresses the public’s fascination with her personal life. The song opens with a playful nod to her brother Michael’s vocal stylings, layered over a grinding bassline. The chorus is classic Janet—a soaring, multi-layered melody that builds to an exhilarating crescendo.
25. Rock With U (2008)
Dedicated to her LGBTQ+ fanbase, “Rock With U” is a pulsating dancefloor anthem from Janet Jackson’s “Discipline” album. Co-written with Ne-Yo, the track wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Kylie Minogue’s similarly club-oriented album, “X,” released a year prior. With its driving beat and Janet’s seductive vocals, “Rock With U” is an irresistible invitation to let loose and surrender to the music.
24. Strawberry Bounce (2004)
Janet Jackson’s “Damita Jo” era was a period of artistic exploration. She experimented with new sounds, collaborating with the likes of Richard X, the DFA, and Basement Jaxx. The album also saw Janet embracing different facets of her persona, most notably through the alter ego “Strawberry.” “Strawberry Bounce,” co-produced by a then-emerging Kanye West, showcases this playful, sensual side. Built on a foundation of chopped-up Jay-Z samples and whimsical glockenspiel, the track is a testament to Janet’s ability to seamlessly blend genres and push creative boundaries.
23. Someone to Call My Lover (2001)
“Someone to Call My Lover,” the second single from Janet Jackson’s “All for You” album, is a delightful slice of pure pop escapism. Sampling the breezy guitar riff from America’s 1972 hit “Ventura Highway,” the song perfectly captures the giddiness of new love. Janet’s vocals are light and airy, her lyrics filled with the excitement and anticipation of finding that special someone.
Janet Jackson’s captivating stage presence in 1993.
22. Shoulda Known Better (2015)
“Shoulda Known Better” begins as a delicate ballad before transforming into a powerful dance anthem. Lyrically, the song reflects on the complexities of the human experience, touching on themes of love, loss, and the desire for a more unified world. Janet’s vocals are both vulnerable and strong, conveying a sense of resilience and hope.
21. Got ‘Til It’s Gone (1997)
In 1997, a year before releasing her deeply personal album, “The Velvet Rope,” Janet Jackson signed a groundbreaking $80 million deal with Virgin Records. It’s fascinating to consider the label’s reaction to the album’s lead single, “Got ‘Til It’s Gone,” a decidedly low-key affair compared to her previous chart-toppers. The track, a J Dilla-inspired ode to cherishing the present moment, seamlessly blends a Joni Mitchell sample with a verse from Q-Tip. Deliberately made ineligible for US chart consideration, “Got ‘Til It’s Gone” showcased Janet’s willingness to defy expectations and follow her artistic muse.
20. R&B Junkie (2004)
Built around a sample of Evelyn “Champagne” King’s 1981 disco-funk classic “I’m in Love,” “R&B Junkie” unfortunately became entangled in the controversy surrounding Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl performance that year. Despite the surrounding noise, the song stands as a testament to Janet’s ability to effortlessly inhabit various musical worlds. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, “R&B Junkie” is a shimmering throwback to early 1980s dancefloors, a reminder of Janet’s undeniable pop prowess.
19. The Best Things in Life Are Free (1992)
Recorded for the soundtrack of the Damon Wayans comedy “Mo’ Money,” Janet Jackson’s duet with the legendary Luther Vandross, “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” is a heartwarming celebration of love’s simple joys. Their voices blend seamlessly, capturing the euphoria and giddiness of new love against a backdrop of shimmering synths and feel-good melodies.
18. Come Back to Me (1989)
“Come Back to Me,” a standout track from Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation 1814” album, showcases the often-underestimated nuance of her vocal abilities. Critics, at times, have mischaracterized her voice as “slight,” a baffling assessment considering her versatility across genres and emotional ranges. On “Come Back to Me,” Janet’s delivery perfectly complements the song’s delicate production, her vocals like velvet draped over a sonic landscape of gentle beats and sighing strings.
17. I Get Lonely (1997)
Janet Jackson’s “The Velvet Rope” explored new sonic territories, delving into neo-soul and contemporary R&B. “I Get Lonely,” the album’s third single, is a masterclass in expressing vulnerability through music. The production is crisp and polished, highlighting Janet’s yearning vocals as she navigates the complexities of longing and desire.
16. Any Time, Any Place (1993)
“Any Time, Any Place,” from Janet Jackson’s eponymous fifth studio album, is a slow-burning masterpiece of sensuality. Built on a foundation of shimmering percussion, delicate sound effects, and Janet’s signature breathy vocals, the song perfectly captures the intimacy and yearning of desire.
Jackson performing the the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2011.
Janet Jackson commands the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2011.
15. All Nite (Don’t Stop) (2004)
Released during a tumultuous period in Janet Jackson’s career, “All Nite (Don’t Stop)” sadly became overshadowed by the controversy surrounding her Super Bowl performance. It’s a shame, as the song is a sonic tour de force, effortlessly blending elements of house, electro-funk, R&B, and Latin rhythms. Janet’s vocals are both powerful and seductive, making “All Nite (Don’t Stop)” a timeless addition to her catalog of club bangers.
14. Control (1986)
“Control” wasn’t just a song; it was a declaration of independence. Released when Janet Jackson was just 20 years old, the song marked a pivotal moment in her career and personal life. Having parted ways with her father as her manager, ended her marriage, and moved out of the Jackson family home, Janet channeled her newfound agency into a bold statement of self-determination. “Control” became an anthem for young women, its message of empowerment resonating across generations.
13. Miss You Much (1989)
Instantly recognizable for its iconic chair-based choreography (later referenced by Britney Spears in her “Stronger” music video), “Miss You Much” was the lead single from Janet Jackson’s groundbreaking “Rhythm Nation 1814” album. The song topped the US charts, solidifying Janet’s status as a global superstar.
12. All for You (2001)
Following the introspective themes of “The Velvet Rope,” Janet Jackson returned to the dancefloor with the exuberantly catchy “All for You.” The song is a love letter to the carefree joy of the disco era, a reminder to embrace life with open arms and an open heart. “All for You” is Janet at her most playful and flirty, her vocals a blend of sweetness and sass.
11. When I Think of You (1986)
Janet Jackson’s first US number-one single, “When I Think of You,” established her signature sound—a blend of infectious pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The song perfectly captures the giddiness of new love, the feeling of the world melting away when you’re with that special someone.
10. Together Again (1997)
Inspired by the loss of a friend to AIDS and a letter from a young fan who had lost his father, “Together Again” is a poignant and uplifting tribute to those we’ve loved and lost. Initially conceived as a ballad, the song evolved into a powerful dance anthem, its message of hope and resilience resonating on dancefloors and in hearts worldwide.
9. That’s the Way Love Goes (1993)
“That’s the Way Love Goes,” the lead single from Janet Jackson’s eponymous fifth studio album, marked a departure from the high-energy dance anthems of her previous work. The song is a sultry and seductive exploration of love’s intoxicating embrace, its laid-back groove and Janet’s breathy vocals setting the mood for intimate moments.
8. Island Life (2004)
Co-written with British hitmaker Cathy Dennis, “Island Life” is pure sonic escapism. The song evokes a feeling of pure bliss, like diving into a cool ocean on a sweltering day. With its infectious melody and Janet’s carefree vocals, “Island Life” is a summer anthem for the ages.
7. Rhythm Nation (1989)
“Rhythm Nation” wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon. The song’s message of unity, social justice, and hope resonated deeply, inspiring a generation to fight for a better world. The accompanying music video, with its iconic choreography and militaristic imagery, became a cultural touchstone, solidifying Janet Jackson’s status as a visionary artist.
6. Nasty (1986)
Released a year before her brother Michael’s exploration of social commentary on his groundbreaking “Bad” album, Janet Jackson delivered her own brand of playful confrontation with “Nasty.” The song, inspired by street harassment, became an anthem of self-respect and empowerment.
Janet Jackson at the height of her “Rhythm Nation” era in 1989.
5. Empty (1997)
Years before the rise of dating apps and online romance, Janet Jackson explored the complexities of digital connection with “Empty.” The song’s lyrics capture the excitement and uncertainty of forming relationships in a virtual world, while the music, a blend of jittery beats and swirling synths, feels remarkably prescient.
4. What Have You Done for Me Lately (1986)
“What Have You Done for Me Lately,” the opening track of Janet Jackson’s breakthrough album “Control,” instantly shattered any lingering perceptions of her as merely a pop princess. The song is a bold declaration of independence, a sassy kiss-off to an unappreciative lover.
3. Love Will Never Do (Without You) (1989)
It’s a testament to Janet Jackson’s incredible run of hits in the 1980s that a song as flawlessly crafted as “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” was the seventh single released from “Rhythm Nation 1814.” The song topped the US charts, its message of love’s enduring power resonating with listeners worldwide.
2. If (1993)
“If,” the second single from Janet Jackson’s eponymous fifth studio album, is a masterclass in building anticipation. The song simmers with a palpable tension, driven by a frenetic blend of swirling guitars, stuttering synths, and Janet’s increasingly urgent vocals. Lyrically, “If” is a playful exploration of desire, a fantasy played out against a backdrop of musical fireworks.
1. Escapade (1989)
Capturing pure joy in a song is a rare feat. It’s easy to veer into cheesy territory or lose the sense of effortlessness that makes a song truly infectious. “Escapade,” however, is a masterclass in bottling pure, unadulterated joy. From the opening notes, the song transports you to a world of carefree abandon. The shimmering synths, the playful ad-libs, Janet’s radiant vocals—every element works in perfect harmony to create a sonic masterpiece.
