Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Pop Princess of All Time: Miss Jackson


When I think of a timeless pop icon, only one name comes to mind – Miss Janet Damita Jo Jackson. Often referred to as the sole “sane” sibling of the Jackson bunch, Janet has been making chart-topping pop hits since many of us were born. What BGs and probably some guys didn’t dance in front of the mirror to “Control” or “Pleasure Principle” back in the day? I know I’m not the only one!

Janet always has sing-along, catchy hooks and enviable dance moves that consistently separate her from the cookie-cutter masses. Granted, her voice may not be as strong or intense as some of her counterparts, but she definitely holds her own.

Her latest CD, Discipline (Island Def Jam), which was released yesterday is her 10th studio album to date. It has a funky futuristic sound sprinkled with synthesizers and up-tempo beats. There are several good tracks on the album, my favorite being – "Luv."

The downside of Discipline is that there are too many unnecessary interludes that add nothing to the project. Janet might be in her 40s, but most of these young pop/R&B girls still don’t have anything on Miss Jackson!

What’s your favorite Janet song or CD?


Janet Jackson, 1982


Dream Street, 1984


Control, 1986


Rhythm Nation, 1989


Janet, 2003


The Velvet Rope, 1997


All For You, 2001


Damita Jo, 2006


20 Y.O, 2006


Discipline, 2008

20 comments:

Rich Fitzgerald said...

I see I came over at the right time. You got Janet up. She never gets old, but she sure looked a little aged in "Why did I get married"

12kyle said...

Damita Jo aka Penny Gordon still looks good after all these years.

If had to pick a favorite song...it'd have to be "Let's Wait Awhile." That song takes me back to some good times in my life.

K-Bear said...

BGG, you are so right. Ms. Jackson is awesome. I mean she put the oh so cute baseball cap and ponytail look on the scene. In fact, I think if you look up cute in the dictionary you'll find her picture. As for my favorite Janet song, I think it would be wrong to choose just one. She went from cute little girl, to independent young lady, to sexy adult woman and now (as Luda would say) she's a grown a$$ woman! Ha!

Anonymous said...

My favorite is That's the Way Love Goes....the lyrics are just so HOT!

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

all you needed was a tgoodtime pic

Anonymous said...

"what have you done for me lately" 100% the video cracks me up. soooo 80s

Brown Girl Gumbo said...

I agree K-Bear there are too many to choose from but "All for You," "Alright" and "Pleasure Principle" are my 3 favorites!

Nerd Girl said...

Miss You Much. And Love Will Never Do.

Don said...

Its hard to believe Janet Jackson has been aroun as long as she has. Thats something. Control was the album though. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis made her "Janet."

Kwana said...

Good Janet retrospective. I have to admit there is always a song or two I like on Janet's albums, but most of the time I don't know what Miss J is saying! LOL.
That said: I loved Pleasure Principle knew the WHOLE dance and got my hair done just like her. Those bangs were hot.

Anonymous said...

Janet was great back in the day, but now it's time for her to give it up.

Anonymous said...

For me, its a three way tie between The Velvet Rope, Janet and Control. Although, I do really like her new single "LUV", I might even get her album because of that song.

Anonymous said...

There are too many great songs and albums that she has came out with its kind of hard to pick a favorite but i personally love the All 4 U album i thought it was fantastic. I know its hard to keep putting out album after album but she is good at what she do and think she should keep it coming.

Anonymous said...

You can't ever go wrong with Janet...

Anonymous said...

Girl knows how to jam out. She's timeless!

AZ

Afrodite said...

"Velvet Rope"! All the way, followed by "All For You".

Anonymous said...

I love Ms. Jackson! She did look a little old in why did I get married and she should leave the acting alone.

However, Her music is great and we all love her dancing!!!

Ananda said...

janet is so wonderful. i can't wait to get her new cd.

Be Just said...

Hello folks! I would like to ask Janet one question. Why in the world does she act like she's 2yrs old. Did you see her on Larry King Live? I was too out done! I love her music and her dancing style, but come on. She said she wasn't shy in the interview, but you could barley hear her. What's up with these pseudo personalities! Janet, Mariah Carey, oops I mean Mimi. Have you seen her interviews! If I hear one more 'oh darling, oh darling' I'm gonna explode! Is this fashionably cool? Another thing, if Mariah Carey wears one more En Vogue body dress, I'm gonna puke! Just venting! Thanks!

Brown Girl Gumbo said...

@Be Just -- HILARIOUS!!!! That's too funny. I agree...the entire Jackson family acts like their 2-years-old. Do they think that's cute to whisper?

As for Mariah...I must admit...I love her "oh darling" persona...it's so Hollywood! She's just entertaining to watch because it's so ridiculous. She basically tip-toes instead of walking. As for her 90s tight dresses...they do look dated. She could use a style update! LOL!