Janet - Discipline

"A PASSION FOR DISCIPLINE" by Janet "It's the idea that unifies the songs on this record. As a concept, and even a lifestyle, discipline goes extremely deep. It can be applied to so much about ourselves. In my case,I see it as one of defining aspects of my character. Discipline was there for me from the start. But it was not until this record that I began to understand its full meaning. "In putting Discipline out front -- as both the title of the album and title of a song about sexual surrender -- I wanted to announce that I was venturing into new creative waters. That meant working with producers like Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins, and Ne-Yo, whose songs spoke to the immediacy of my emotions. Like all my records, this one, whether intentional or not, has autobiographical roots. It's difficult for me to work any other way. I don't feel it, if I don't believe it, I can't sing it.

"So Discipline, as a storyline, begins in my childhood which someone could see as a classic study in discipline. Discipline was part of a family culture that I absorbed. I was born with it.

"I also believe that discipline has given me the confidence to jump out of the nest. When L.A. Reid, Chairman of Island Def Jam, and I discussed co-executive producing this record, we both agreed that the feeling had to adventuresome and fresh. I was interested in exploring musical scenarios--some exotic, many erotic, but all deeply emotional. "I wanted to push the envelope. And I'm glad that Discipline, both as a song and an album, does just that."

"Deluxe Edition includes the same CD as the regular edition, plus a DVD." Album Description

Discipline

I've said this before about Mary J Blige but I truly admire artists who still have enough love for and interest in music to keep putting product out there for us to enjoy. The 2 things that I hate about peoples' comments about Janet Jackson are the seeming inability of a lot of people to let the Superbowl incident die and comments about her age. Most people who comment negatively about this album on message boards have not even listened to the album, they merely parrot comments about it being sexually explicit (which it isn't) and of course, the one line in the song FEEDBACK that's been oft repeated & denegrated.

I never considered myself a "Janet fanatic" but I have managed to purchase all of her albums and although this one is not a masterpiece like RHYTHM NATION (I haven't listened to THE VELVET ROPE or JANET in their entirety so cannot comment), it still features strong dance tracks and a couple of ballads that I really like which is a successful purchase in my book.

I hope that if she releases another album, the interludes are done away with, there are too many but out of the actual 13 tracks, I really enjoy 10:

FEEDBACK - excellent lead single, it made me anticipate getting the whole album

ROCK WITH U - this is my favorite track with its smooth dance groove & chill house beats, it works perfectly with Janet's vocals

LUV - interesting track, and although the beats used are kind of big, they don't overpower Janet's vocals

ROLLERCOASTER - another interesting track, I like the drum beats in the background

CAN'T BE GOOD - this slow melodic track works with her vocals - she sounds sweet & vulnerable

2NITE - fun get up & dance track

THE 1 - I love the beats & musical arrangement and the fact that Missy doesn't overpower the track

WHAT'S YOUR NAME - I like the kind of throwback vibe of this track

GREATEST X - has a nice musical arrangement

DISCIPLINE - I found this track really creepy on the first few listens but it has grown on me, the arrangement is different & I really like the chorus

I give Janet props for her 20+ years in the biz and can appreciate the effort. May 26, 2008

Fantastic!!!!

Let's get the obvious out of the way: This record is not on par with classics like "Rhythm Nation", "Control", or "The Velvet Rope". But should we hold that against Janet? No, because it's difficult for legendary artists - or in her case: arguably legendary artists - to continuously make masterpieces. On that note, "Discipline" is a very good album for someone who's been big since 1986. And it's better than her last two albums. I gave it 4 and not 5 stars is because the interludes need to go. They do nothing but waste time [except for "The Meaning", which is good], and I think the last few tracks are okay, but boring.

Standout tracks are:

FEEDBACK - Janet's comeback hit. My favorite Janet song ever. The beat is killer, the vocals are sexy and sassy, and I love the robotic harmonizing in the infectious chorus. Darkchild did his thing. A++ from me.

2NITE - This had to grow on me, but now I love it especially because of the beat. It's very 90's dance-pop, but with a modern twist. It's classic Janet, and the bridge is familiar with those harmonies. People who have heard this song know what I mean.

ROCK WITH U - The 'ooohs' in this song reminisce her brother's smash of the same name. This is a straight up disco joint. Like "2nite" it's very uptempo but it has more of a late 70's/early 80's sound. The bassline is fantastic. The best part of the song in my opinion.

LUV - This is a generic R&B song, but it's better than a lot of the R&B that's out today. It's very sunny and it could be a summer hit. It's a good car song, and not just because traffic is the metaphor in this song - ha ha.

Other good tracks include THE GREATEST X, a 90's styled power ballad that's very sweet and sad all in one; THE 1, a comedic collabo with Missy that's a good club-banger; SO MUCH BETTA, a Daft-Punk sampled techno-hip-hop jam; and ROLLERCOASTER, a futuristic slice of catchy R&B-pop.

In conclusion, it's a great album. I love all of the dance tracks, because Janet does those the best. I didn't like a lot of it at first, but it grew on me. Give it a chance. Listen to it a few times and you'll like it. I guarantee it. It's not really personal, especially since Janet didn't write any of the songs, and it's a very production and beat-oriented CD. But all in all, it's great. Janet's back, regardless if this CD goes platinum or not. May 18, 2008

Overall....Okay...

Not all of the songs on this album are fantastic. But it is rare to get a disc where that happens. The singles are by far the best of the songs. If you are a huge Jackson fan, it might be worth it to but the whole album, but if you're not, pick and choose and save yourself some money. May 10, 2008

Janet Could Use a Little More Discipline

Janet,

I do LUV U and there is a lot I like about this album, but listen to me. I'm your friend and your friends should always be honest. I'm here to give you a little discipline.

1. Axe the interludes. They are interesting for the first listen or two, but they are essentially filler. There is a reason why people throw away the packing foam peanuts after they get a present -- they want the actual object in the box, not the non-biodegradable stuffin's.

2. Get your head out of your va-jay-jay. It worked for "janet" and it's been downhill from there. There is more to the world than getting laid. The bondage look and title track aren't extreme enough to appeal to real S&M afficianados and I'm not sure they would be of interest to the vast swath of America. I don't think people were really buying it during "The Velvet Rope" and I sure as heck don't think they are buying it now.

3. Not unlike "Damita Jo", "The Velvet Rope", "20 Y.O." and "All for You", this album has many pop/dance/r&b pleasures. What it shares with all of those albums is an unwieldy length and a lot of chaff with the wheat. Hip-hop is not your strong suit, girl.

4. To prove that I'm generous, I'm going to tell you that I love me some "LUV", "Feedback", "Rock With U", "So Much Betta" and "The Greatest Ex". Keep that good stuff coming!

5. I was nervous about you leaving the Jam-Lewis collaboration -- the results aren't bad, just not as exciting as they could be. How about you step out of the same ol'/same 'ol R&B producer mix and get with some real pop/dance producers. Clearly you are in a rut on the last several albums and the formula essentially seems to get re-shuffled. Don't make me spank you.

In summation, Janet, I do LUV U and that's why I care. If anyone can turn this ship around, it's you. I'm not looking for you to repeat your "Control", "Rhythm Nation" and "Janet" heyday. Embrace your pop diva roots (note that your last huge hit was "All For You" which was essentially a dance club/disco jam) and ditch the sexed-up, hip-hoppy R&B that has been bogging you down. Get a little fun on us!

J-Q's May 9, 2008

Discipline is the best of 2008 albums

Discipline is Janet's best work since The Velvet Rope, it will make you dance, think, and if you are in love, it will make you think about your lover. This album is better than E=MC2 and Hard Candy. All Music Guide rated Discipline higher than both E=MC2 and Hard Candy. Discipline really is a good album. I keep it on repeat. Rock with u is one of my favorites on long with "Luv", I would like to thank Janet for this album. May 5, 2008

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