Janet Jackson - janet.

Why is Janet Jackson's Janet the best Michael Jackson album since Thriller and the best Madonna album since..., well, since ever? Perhaps it's because Michael's kid sister is the only one of these three aerobic video stars with enough smarts to realize that sex, hooks, and beats are all that matter in this field of lightweight dance pop. Or perhaps it's because the sexuality Janet radiates through her sweet melodies and hip-tugging grooves is so much more credible than Michael's arrested prepubescence or Madonna's nothing-personal-just-business comeons. After her embarrassing posture as a sociocultural analyst on 1989's Rhythm Nation 1814, Janet has returned to her strength--using her odd mix of girlishness and maturity to make dance numbers about personal relationships ring exceptionally true. Even so, the 75-minute, 27-track Janet doesn't really work as an album; there's too much filler and the between-song transitions quickly grow tiresome. The album is full of killer singles, though, starting with such proven cuts as the extremely slinky "That's the Way Love Goes" and rock-guitar-driven "If," and featuring such future hits as the Prince-like "This Time," the Motown-like "Because of Love," the breathy ballad "Where Are You Now" and the inspired Stax cover, "What'll I Do. --Geoffrey Himes Amazon.com essential recording

 Simply amazing
It seems that most Janet Jackson fans would rank either "Rhythm Nation" or "Velvet Rope" as their favorite Janet albums. "Rhythm Nation" is one pop hit after another, and "Velvet Rope" shows a very dark and personal side of the artist. Both of those albums are outstanding in their own way.

But this is the album that took me from a Janet listener to a true Janet fan. I honestly believe that every song, including the bonus track, are good. "That's The Way Love Goes" remains one of my five favorite songs of all-time, a perfect, smooth R&B song that I'll listen to in any mood. "If" is a great dance song. "This Time" is a catchy, upbeat song with an opera feel -- who else can pull that off? "Throb" is perfect for the dance club. "New Agenda" is a song featuring the legendary Chuck D that tells African American women to be proud of who they are. "Anytime Anyplace" is smooth and soulful.

This album was about Janet, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis taking some chances, and it was the bridge from the in-your-face Janet with a message to the unnecessarily erotic Janet we often get these days. It's an absolute gem. April 3, 2008

 "janet."-A Bold and Beautiful Album
After 2 blockbuster albums, Janet was riding high in the early 90s. But 1993, saw a change for Ms. Jackson. First, came her switch record labels from A&M to Virgin, and the second being this album. Breaking away from her shy, tomboy persona, Janet makes one of the sexiest album from a female artist ever. Without getting too down and dirty like Madonna's Erotica a year before, Janet makes a wonderful transition political activist to sexy siren. "janet." as sees Janet experimenting with many genres of music and she executes very well. From, pop, r&b, rock, jazz, even country, there is a lot to find and love about "janet." This sexy and sultry album can be sumed up like this:

Morning-Janet opens with talking about how she and her lover made love.

That's The Way Love Goes-Without a doubt, One of the best R&B songs of the 90s. It's very laid-back, sensual and Janet's vocals have never been so sharp yet sexy. Becoming her biggest record to date by staying at #1 for an unbeliveable 8 WEEKS, this is a soulful classic!-5/5stars

You Know...-A door opens, Janet's friends enter, dorr slams..."You know you want me." Interlude

You Want This-A very funky and energic r&b jam that you can't help but sing along to. I just wish the remix with MC Lite was on the album-4.5 stars

Be A Good Boy-"Be a good boy and put this on." Interlude

If-A very inventive track as Janet incoprates r&b and rock to create a very infectious club thriller. Her vocals are top notch and the arrangements are pure class, not to mention the video for this song is amazing!

Back-"I'm giving you back." Interlude

This Time-An epic rock opera track that sees Janet singing with fury as she is a woman scorned by her lover and there is an incredible opera solo in the middle. This breathtaking track track should have been a single!-5/5 stars

Go on Miss Janet-"Go On girl...Miss Janet." Interlude

Throb-A sensational dance track that has very few lyrics but the wonderful beat, jazz arrangements and Janet's chanting will have you dancing in the night club like crazy!-5/5 stars

What I'll Do-A country jam that has Janet singing about what she's do for satisfaction. It's a good song but not one of my favorites.-3.5/5 stars

The Lounge-Sounds of people taking showers? lol. Interlude

Funky Big Band-A jazz influenced track that is very catchy and upbeat.-4.5/5 stars

Racism-Janet makes a great point about racism. Interlude

New Agenda-A little throwback to "Rhythm Nation", Janet makes powerful statment about being an African American women and how her people should stick together. Chuck D. guest stars for a strong rap verse.-4/5 stars

Love, Pt. 2-A little remix of That's The Way Love Goes.

Because of Love-A very upbeat and feel good song that has Janet singing about good things in life. What not to love?-4.5/5 stars

Wind-Wind..uhh..blows, lol. Interlude

Again-One of the best ballads of Janet's career. Janet's vocals are clear and full of so much emotion and the lyrics are well written as well as piano playing is so beautiful.-5/5 stars

Another Lover-Janet will never have another lover, what is with these interludes, lol! Interlude

Where Are You Now-An emotional ballad that Janet singing about a lose lover. The arrangements again are perfect and the mood of the song couldn't be better.-5/5 stars

Hold on baby-"Hold on baby, let me get you ready." Interlude

The Body that Loves You-A great sultry ballad that is soothing and easy on the ears.-4/5 stars

Rain-rain..obviously, lol. Interlude

Any Time, Any Place-Janet's sexiest song to date with wonderful arrangements and her signature sexy vocals. Never has an r&b ballad been so sexy and classy as this...never!-5/5 stars

Are You Still Up-No! lol. Interlude

Sweet Dreams-Janet says sweet dreams.

*Hidden Track* "Whoops Now"-A fun song and very catchy!-4/5 stars

With such a solid album seeing this artist make a bold statement with her sex appeal, it's no wonder "janet." became Janet's biggest selling album with over 17 million albums sold. While Janet would continue to make her signature baby-making songs on her future album, they will never be as sexy and as classy as how she did them on this brilliant album! February 6, 2008

 Janet's Only Masterpiece : Absolutely Flawless from Start to End
Other than Aaliyah, this is the only artist who has made R&B Music that stands the test of time.

Top Reasons why you should get this:

1. This remains Janet Jacksons' most critically acclaimed record of all time. Despite being almost 15 years old, it still has the same replay value.
2. "Thats the Way Love Goes" : This song gave R&B music the edge it was losing at the time, and paved the way for stellar production by artists like TLC & Aaliyah
3. "If" : One of the first tracks to merge both R&B and Rock, only bested by Janets' own "Black Cat" on her 1989 album. The video revolutionized MTV almost overnight.
4. "Again" : Janet's greatest ballad is on this album
5. "Where Are you Now" : The beats on this remain rivalled only by some of the tracks on Aaliyah's third studio album. This song is never mentioned by reviewers, but is one of the centerpieces of this flawless record.
6. "This Time" : An R&B vs Opera track that is almost too dramatic to sit through. Opera star Kathleen Battle especially contributed to this song, which remains a standout much like "Trust a Try" from Janet's "All for You" CD
7. The Interludes : Unlike her later CDs, the interludes on this one signal the oncoming track with great beauty and subtlety.
8. "Because of Love" and "Anytime Anyplace" : Two of her greatest love songs are also here
9. "You Want This" - Vastly underrated, this is one of her most melodious singles.
10. This album has excellent production throughout, some amazing lyrics, and despite the cover, is NOT only about sex and love. Rather, its also about empowerment, female rights, racism, human rights violations, and genocide.

Forget about the Janet from the 2000s. This is her classic right here, and retains its position as one of the all time great R&B albums. Its THAT good. Amazon.com lists this as an essential recording - I say, this is beyond essential, this is groundbreaking. Get it now. August 30, 2007

 Miss Jackson is right on the money with this album!!!
I love this album. Janet delivers on every track. Four of my favorite songs on this album include If, Where are You Now, The Body that Loves You, and of course, Anytime, Anyplace. Janet clearly exemplifies that she is not afraid to sing about what is on her mind. A must have album. One of my favorites. July 24, 2007

 'Janet' May Well Be Ms. Jackson's Very Best. It's Definitely Her 'Sexiest'.
Is "Janet" her best CD? It's a tough call, but personally I would say so. Most fans would place this one among the top three of her catalog, right beside "Control" and "Rhythm Nation".

What really separates "Janet" from the other two is the maturity and plain SEXUALITY Janet exhibits here. "Janet" is SEXY without any signs of strain or pretentiousness. The entire CD just ooozes "Sex" with minimal effort. On "Control" the listener could hear and feel Janet trying hard to break free from her mold and mature into an adult. "Rhythm Nation" finds her more or less continuing that path with better results. But on "Janet" the CD just OOZES images that words like "Lust" and "Sex" can only barely hint at.

There are dance grooves to please the die-hard fan like "Throb" and "If". Of course for all you "Midnight Storm" fans who like their music soft, sexy and romantic, "Again", "The Body That Loves You" and "Anytime, Any Place" will certainly please. But my fav is still the first track released on the radio airwaves "That's The Way Love Goes". The song is perfect for "Quiet Storm" or the dance floor. The gentle groove just grows on you with repeated listens.

Some listeners HATE the 5 second to 15 second interludes between songs where Janet and her producers (Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis) place filler and sound effects, but I LOVE those interludes, where one minute you can hear Janet moaning with pleasure or in the midst of coo talk with her lover.

This is probably Janet Jackson's most effortless CD and a joy to listen to. Released in 1993, it certainly has aged very well. It could easily be played on today's airwaves and still sound fresh and relevant. Definitely a MUST HAVE for any Janet Jackson Fan !! I hate to say it, but this release may have been Janet's last CD to keep. Starting with "Velvet Rope" you can hear the deterioration of the quality of songs, so "Janet" is definitely a keeper!

I guess the one difference is "Janet" doesn't grow on you immediately like "Control" or "Rhythm Nation" does, but it has longer lasting power. The songs just ease and ooze into your consciousness and stay there. July 7, 2007

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