"This is a test, no struggle, no progress, lend a hand to help your brother do his best. Things are getting worse, we have to make them better–it's time to give a damn let's work together..." Rhythm Nation - Janet Jackson
As I mentioned before, every Friday I get excited about sharing the album that comes to mind at the beginning of the week, for today's discussion. But between Tuesday and Wednesday, all I have to hear is a song that will make me change my mind and choose another album. Then of course, come Thursday, someone else throws a wrench into the mix and hence, another fricken album comes to light. I have gone through 4 albums this week in my mind, but here are the reasons why I chose the following. This woman is a music icon, regardless of what some say about her (and no I am not getting into that stupid fiasco, you know what I am talking about). She is a tireless philanthropist for AIDS and many other causes, she is a May born like me and even with her weight fluctuation through out the years, at 42 years old today she is DOING THE DAMN THING. Happy Birthday Janet- Miss Jackson if you're nasty!
As we know, Control was our full out introduction to Janet Damita Jo Jackson. Her debut album Dream Street was alright at best and Control took us to a whole other world of Miss Jackson's constraint. But when Rhythm Nation 1814 was released in '89 (fans should know what 1814 stands for), it was groundbreaking, innovative and blasted cool. I have to share my disheartening moments though, cause my write up would be nothing without them. This is one of my favorite albums from Janet, next to the Velvet Rope. Nonetheless, I managed to miss Janet's amazing tour when it passed through Montreal, because of an exam for school and a no go from my parents. Needless to say, I was NOT happy when everyone and their donkey came to school in their Rhythm Nation t-shirts. And then the sinker for me, was when I lost my damn key earring that was my trademark (ok, Janet's trademark but hey...) and the one thing I had to mesh in with those who would kindly not let me forget that I did not attend the concert of the year. Well I have some choice words for you all, ya I still do!! But we won't go there...
Anyhow, this album was another innovative feat from a sibling in the talented Jackson family yet again. With the CD, was a release of the accompanied video Rhythm Nation which was a black and white video montage starring a young Tyrin Turner, a visual perspective of what Janet's fight for a nation without social injustices of drugs and illiteracy, would be filled with. The rigid military black outfits, elaborate and precise dance scenes and that damn key earring, had everyone (including me in my choreography days) trying to figure out what track Janet would release next. With the hits, "Rhythm Nation", the fun "Love Will Never Do Without You" with fine ass Antonio Sabato Jr and Djimon Houndsou, the throwback "Alright" with the amazing cameos, the carnival ride of "Escapade", the ballad "Come Back To Me", the rock infused "Black Cat" and the black and white G-E-M "Miss You Much" – that album was a show stopper and did not show any signs of slowing down. Rhythm Nation went on to garner Janet her first Grammy and a host of other awards that year and on. That was just the beginning for Janet Jackson, that was 1989 and this is now...
Janet Jackson has gone on to become one of the best selling artists of our time. I will be the first to say that yes, Janet is not the strongest singer and does her lip syncin' thang, but she is not just standing on stage doing NOTHING y'all. I did make it out to the Velvet Rope Tour and it is one of the best concerts that I had ever attended. Janet Jackson is your consummate artist. Her performance is always on par, her dancing skills are envious to all and she continues to take care of those in need when she can. You can't be mad at that. I know this is about Rhythm Nation, but don't sleep on her latest release Discipline, it is Janet at her best. Check out my hun QH and his Janet tribute and of course you can find out more about Janet Jackson on her MySpace page and on her label Universal.
Flashback of the day was SO hard, so I cheated and have decided to go with two of my favorites from this album...lol It's my page, I am allowed!! Janet Jackson doing the damn thing...
And another...the fun and sexy Janet that we have grown to love!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Tha Connoisseur
2 comments:
Beautiful tribute to my fellow Taurus sista. Admittedly, I have fallen out of love with Penny a bit since I've been less than thrilled with her last few offerings. However, as you said, she is still a HELL of a performer. I've never been to a Janet concert but I hear it's truly an experience.
Ms Thang: Thank you dahlin! I agree, her offerings have been quite lackluster, but there are a few gems on Discipline. She's going on tour girl, check her out!
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