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Janet bares more in lyrics
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Janet Jackson's new album has mature music. But one can't say that of its lyrics
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Janet Jackson: unnecessarily explicit
THE YOUNGEST among the nine Jacksons, she is 38 and has been around in the music scene since the early '80s.
Janet began with her chart-topping 1986 album, Control, and unlike her older siblings who stuck together as Jackson 5, she decided to go solo right from her first album.
Though she was not as popular as Michael, the other big Jackson, she slowly climbed the popularly charts and was soon known as the "quiet achiever" Jackson.
Niche audience
By the time her albums Rhythm Nation and Janet were released, she created a niche audience for her music — a sophisticated mix of mainstream pop and mellowed down R&B. "That's The Way Love Goes" and "Again" were the chart-toppers from Janet after which she collaborated with Michael's song, "Scream".
Though the vocal blend of Janet and her brother was innovative, the song disappointed her fans, who wanted her to stick to softer R&B music.
What followed in the next few years was a record-breaking series of world tours. Unlike other artistes who perform tours as part of an album release, Janet's tours were meant to be thanksgiving.
This is reason why her latest album, Damita Jo, is appearing after a gap of more than three years.
For beginners, Janet's full name is Janet Damita Jo Jackson, which is the inspiration behind her album title.
The album retains the polish and class of Janet's vocals, but improvises on the music front.
Laidback rhythms
More of hip-hop and laidback rhythms stand out in tracks such as "All Nite" and "I Want You".
Some critics describe Damita Jo as one of her most mature offerings, but not all.
The album has sparked off controversy about the nature of lyrics. According to certain U.S.-based music reviewers, the wordings of certain songs are explicit.
Janet explores facets of love and relationships in a "dare-and-bare" manner, but fails to draw the line where needed. On the one hand, the music is hugely impressive, but the lyrics just kill the music with their unwarranted bluntness.
Role offer
Indian fans, though, have something to cheer about. Janet has reportedly been approached by the producers of Bombay Dreams, a $14 million musical, to play the role of the central Indian character in the play.
If the deal materialises, this would probably be the first instance where an international music icon would feature in an Indian musical.
As far as the album goes, it remains a sad combination of top-class music that is mercilessly killed by provocative lyrics.
A. VISHNU
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