Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation 1814

Picking up where the breakthrough funk-pop of Control left off, Janet Jackson and her production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis laced Rhythm Nation with high-minded references to societal ills--seldom the favored province of dance music, but a daring attempt nonetheless. Songs like "State of the World" and "The Knowledge" follow in the tradition of "free your mind and your ass will follow." Still, aside from the title track, it was the pure pop fare and dance music that stormed the charts: "Escapade," "Love Will Never Do (Without You)," "Alright," and "Come Back to Me" concentrate on the politics of personal relationships, not public policy, while "Black Cat" burns the place down with a fierce burst of hard rock. Rhythm Nation 1814 doesn't necessarily hang together thematically, but it's so chock full of hits, you scarcely notice. --Daniel Durchholz Amazon.com essential recording

JJ'S BEST ALBUM

THIS ALBUM WAS WHEN JANET WAS ON TOP OF HER GAME. SHE WAS DANCING AND SINGING. ALL HER SONGS WEREN'T SEXUAL.
THIS IS JUST A GREAT ALBUM. September 26, 2008

Rhythm Nation 1814

Product was a great price, i enjoyed the songs cause i love 80's music. CD did not come in a case. March 24, 2008

Simply Ageless : 20 Years Later, and Still as Vital

I don't know what Janet Jackson was on in 1989, but I'd suggest she get back on it. I recently purchased this album yet AGAIN on CD about two weeks ago, and while I knew all the tunes, it also really surprised me. Despite being of the same pop-funk genre that Paula Abdul so heartily embraced in the early 1990s, the songs here are just TIMELESS. How could Janet use the same old instruments everyone else did, but still craft songs that could stand the test of time? I don't know, but one things for sure - this album is a flawless masterpiece.

Its also the only Janet album where every interlude actually works, makes sense, and acts as a proper segue for the next track. The most famous one of these is the "Lets Dance" intro that segues into "Miss You Much". An impeccable transition. But the R&B overtones of the album never really harm it. Instead, it serves as a precursor to the Neo-Soul movement - especially realized on the simply breathtaking "Someday is Tonight" that can leave me speechless all these years later. It is a song that defines what songwriting is all about, it is a song that reinvents the world of balladry and the very meaning of R&B. By far, this is the greatest track on the album (and ironically most people don't even know it, as it wasn't released as a single).

The singles of course, are spectacular. "Miss You Much" set the standard that all of todays' third-rate pop stars try to emulate, and the ageless "Love will Never Do Without You" is a crystal slice of pop music glory. "Escapade" (another No. 1 Single for Janet) is a fun romp that has an indescribably catchy melody as its' hookline, and the wondrous "Black Cat" with its electric guitars act as a perfect marriage between R&B and Rock (this hadn't even been attempted at the time, which is why the song was considered groundbreaking).

Albums come and go but "Rhythm Nation" will have a special place in pop music history. Why? Well, there is a theme here. Listen to "The Knowledge". This is an album that focusses on social issues - homelessness, unemployment, racism, homophobia; but it also speaks of other, more pressing issues such as childrens' education ("Livin in a World they Didn't Make"), and world politics and geoeconomics ("State of the World"). And the amazing thing is, Janet actually managed to roll these messages in the most beautiful tunes - tunes that you will never forget once you listen to them.

Its hard to imagine that Janet Jackson was once a social activist and a TRUE MUSICIAN. This album proves that she once was - and what an album this was because of that.

An Essential Purchase. March 21, 2008

Ahhhhh!

This album is still the best. Still putting a smile on my face making my head bop and my feet tap under my desk. Classic. February 19, 2008

"Rhythm Nation 1814"-A State of Perfection

If her 1986 mega hit "Control" wasn't enough to show that Janet Jackson was a great artist, then 1989's "Rhythm Nation 1814" would show that Janet Jackson was an artist beyond her time! One of her strongest and most impressive efforts, "Rhythm Nation 1814" takes the concept of world issues like poverty, prejudice, and homicide and mixes in some of the best pop music ever created to create on of the best albums of all time! I'm serious! "Rhythm Nation 1814" is a very bold album as well as it shows how creative and innovative Janet's music is. Winning countless awards and becoming the first artist in history to score 7 top 5 hits from one album, this remarkable album can be summed up like this:

Pledge-A haunting intro that has Janet chanting and counting down to the title track.

Rhythm Nation-A glorious title track that sees Janet singing strongly about desperately saving a child. With a powerful message, touching lyrics, and a groundbreaking video to match, this is one of the most pivotal songs of Janet's career.-5/5 stars

Interlude: TV-An interlude that sees channels being changed.

State of the World-A wonderful track that sees Janet singing about the poor children of the world with no place to go. Janet sings with conviction as this profound song never stops touching your heart.-5/5 stars

Interlude: Race-Janet makes a bold statement what race we are in.

The Knowledge-A increible song about the importance of education and how it can change the world. The lyrics are clever and Janet conveys the message of the song beautifully.-5/5 stars

Interlude: Let's Dance-"Get the point? Good...let's dance!" Nicely said.

Miss You Much- A fun and catchy pop smash that scored Janet her second #1 hit. The lyrics are great and Janet is at her finest when it comes to dance funk!-5/5 stars

Interlude: Come Back-A great preview of the upcoming ballad "Come Back To Me".

Love Will Never Do (Without You)-One of Janet's popular records that sees the superstar showing some wonderful vocals. She starts off in a low-ish singing voice only to come back hard with her high and sweet sounding vocals. With her fellow producers and then unknown husband singing back up, this is a class act of song which of course went to #1.-5/5 stars

Livin' In A World (They Didn't Make)-A haunting and moving ballad about the 1989 elementary school shootings. Janet sings with such emotion and the last few moments where we hear the shootings followed by a newscaster is truly an overwhelming ending.-5/5 stars

Alright-An upbeat and irresistible r&b tune that captures freshness of old school jams from MGM days. A sometimes underrated single that should get more praise by fans.-5/5 stars

Interlude: Hey Baby-Janet giggling and fooling around.

Escapade-A fantastic pop tune that became one of Janet's most well known hits. It's fun, care-free and Janet is as sweet as ever.-5/5 stars

Interlude: No Acid-Some scary music, a window smashes and "Ain't acid in this house."

Black Cat-Indicating that Janet is a much more capable artist than just pop and r&b, this rock thriller written by Janet herself is truly amazing with the flawless guitar solo and Janet's edgy vocals.-5/5 stars

Lonely-A dreary ballad with depressing lyrics yet Janet captures the mood of the song perfectly with her vocals it's incredible!-5/5 stars

Come Back To Me-A soulful and sultry ballad where Janet shows such vulnerability. The lyrics are touching and the arrangements are so beautiful.-5/5 stars

Someday Is Tonight-A prequel of sorts to the sexy "janet." album, Janet expresses ecstasy as she and her lover finally get to act on their lustful yearning on a steamy night. With a very jazzy yet sexual arrangement with an excellent saxophone solo toward the ending, not to mention, Janet's heavy breathing, this will definitely catch your ear!-4.5/5 stars

Interlude: Livin'...In Complete Darkness-Janet concludes the album with one of the most powerful quotes I've ever heard on an album.

"Rhythm Nation 1814" was one of the most defining moments of Janet's career. Not only did it go on to sell 15 million copies worldwide, but the Rhythm Nation Tour became the most successful debut tour of all time opening to audience of 2 million! But the album was also Janet's most influential album as its world changing concept inspired a variety of people including college students, pushing them to finally graduate by not taking their education for granted as well as creating a larger fan base for Janet. An undeniable classic and an album that still sounds as fresh today! February 6, 2008

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