Rating:
Genre:
R&B
Release Date: 05/17/1993
Run Time: 69:39
After
Control and
Rhythm Nation 1814,
Janet Jackson had quite a lot to live up to. Anyone who expected
Jackson to top
Rhythm Nation -- her crowning achievement and an incredibly tough act to follow -- was being unrealistic. But with
janet., she delivered a respectable offering that, although not as strong as either
Control or
Nation, has many strong points. As before,
Jackson is joined by the prolific
Jimmy Jam/
Terry Lewis team, and their input is valuable on everything from the angry
"This Time" and the hypnotic
"That's the Way Love Goes" to the '60s-flavored
"What'll I Do" and the sociopolitical
"The New Agenda" (which features
Public Enemy leader
Chuck D). But perhaps the CD's most exciting track is
"Funky Big Band," which samples
jazz legend
Lionel Hampton's 1938
big-band classic
"I'm in the Mood for Swing" with thrilling results. There are a few throwaways (including the lightweight
ballad "Again"), but despite its shortcomings,
janet. is a welcome addition to her catalog.
~Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
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