Janet Jackson's music and dance videos have always been compared to her siblings Michael and the Jackson 5, and some would say she was cashing in on the family name. It's a valid argument, but ultimately unfair, because she brought music to the world which is her own. While some of her dance moves were influenced by her brother, it's also worth mentioning that Michael was influenced by Janet.
Her first two studio albums from 1982 and 1984 failed to make an impact. She achieved mainstream succes with Control (1986), and this would mark the first of a string of chart-topping albums including Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), janet. (1993), and The Velvet Rope (1997). I consider those four albums between 1986-1997 her peak. My favorite is the 1989 album.
She still put out good songs in the 2000s, but to me the albums weren't as strong. The scandalous 2004 Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction" was blown out of proportion and really had nothing to do with her music. Unfortunately it may have had a negative impact on her career. Below is my top 10:
1.) That's The Way Love Goes (from 1993's janet.)
2.) Come Back To Me (from 1989's Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814)
3.) Black Cat (from 1989's Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814)
4.) Control (from 1986's Control)
5.) Got 'til It's Gone ft Q-Tip & Joni Mitchell (from 1997's The Velvet Rope)
6.) Together Again (from 1997's The Velvet Rope)
7.) Love Will Never Do (from 1989's Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814)
8.) All For You (from 2001's All For You)
9.) Everytime (from 1997's The Velvet Rope)
10.) Again (from 1993's janet.)
Just missed:
Nasty (from 1986's Control)
This Time (from 1993's janet.)
Escapade (from 1989's Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814)
Runaway (from 1995's Design of a Decade: 1986–1996)
What Have You Done For Me Lately (from 1986's Control)
Rhythm Nation (from 1989's Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814)
Anytime, Anyplace (from 1993's janet.)
Scream (from 1995's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I)
Doesn't Really Matter (from 2001's All For You)
Go Deep (from 1997's The Velvet Rope)
Someone To Call My Lover (from 2001's All For You)
Miss You Much (from 1989's Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814)
If (from 1993's janet.)
All Nite (from 2004's Damita Jo)
Young Love (from 1982's Janet Jackson)
Agree or disagree? Which are your favorite Janet Jackson songs or albums? As always, comments are welcome.
