Janet Jackson, uber-giant in the R&B and hip-hop music industry, has with her past offerings shared her most personal experiences with the public.
As a young women on the verge of becoming an adult, she implores the world to give her "Control" of her own life on the coming-of-age album of the same title. As an adult, she preoccupied herself with the plight of others and thus she gave birth to her musical love child, "1814: Rhythm Nation." And as a woman of the 1990s, she asserted her sexuality in the libido-inspired self-titled release, "janet." Now just a little older and little wiser, Janet, the one-name moniker of today's R&B It-girl, releases probably the most introspective and personal album of her career. Titled "The Velvet Rope," the album is equal parts revelation and renovation, social commentary and sexual exploration.
Jackson begins her vision with a brief intro which frames her philosphy behind the album. "It's my belief that we all have the need to feel special," whispers Jackson in this poetic intro, "and it's this need that can bring out the best in us, yet the worst in us, this need created 'The Velvet Rope."'
As "The Velvet Rope" slowly unfurls, listeners will find that this album will probably redefine our view of the artist. Each track is tinged with heart-felt lyrics that explore such issues as bisexuality, sexual bondage and homophobia.
The first release from the album, "Got 'Til Its Gone," features Q-Tip of "A Tribe Called Quest" fame and a sample by Joni Mitchell. The catchy, bass-heavy set is powered by Jackson's cooing and Q-Tip's rap. Infectiously catchy and yet annonying (the Mitchell sample is a bit much), this track only provides a glimpse on what is to follow.
Included on the album is also a unique interpretation of a Rod Stewart cover, "Tonight's the Night" and the bondage-inspired track, "Tie Me Up."
Jackson manages to push all the wrong buttons with this release. However, edgier, more intense and focused, "The Velvet Rope" is the right mix of commentary and new music. Although it will be very hard to outshine, "janet," "The Velvet Rope" continues in Jackson's long tradition of making hits and encouraging discussion.
However, with all the self-introspection and shock value, "The Velvet Rope" doesn't show any maturity of Jackson's voice. Jackson leans heavily on the soundscapes created by longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who manage to disappoint on a few selections.
With solid beats that will make your head nod and lyrics that may make some of your other body parts stir, "The Velvet Rope" is a sex-inspired musical tour-de-force.
