Janet, Miss Jackson if you’re nasty, is not ONLY my favorite female entertainer EVER, but my favorite entertainer of ALL-TIME (and your faves, fave). Been stanning since forever and a day and will continue to do so. I own every CD (even the pre-Control ones). I know every song…singles, b-sides, remixes and features. Janet incorporates funk, soul, pop, rhythm, dance, rock and hip-hop and she does it all seamlessly while singing about life, love, sex, femininity and societal issues. And don’t even get me started on the music videos.
Love U 4 Life || Unbreakable || 2015
A bonus track that could only be found on the Target release of Janet’s Unbreakable album with great production as usual that is reminiscent of her brothers (particularly Michael). This could have had a really dope dance video.
My Need || The Velvet Rope || 1997
The general public knows Janet for her high energy or socially conscious singles, but the people that buy Janet’s music know she‘s the boss lady when it comes to her signature baby-making, bedroom music. She coos through My Need with assertion and fervor. This track is brilliantly constructed by Jam & Lewis using 3 different samples: “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell, “Love Hangover” by Diana Ross and “I Need You” by America. Surprised this is the ONLY song of this style that I chose for this playlist (but hold that thought because I’ve got an idea).
Slo Love || Damita Jo || 2004
Voice is whipped and harmonies are like cream. You can’t help but bob your head, snap your fingers and do a little dance when you listen to this song. Which came from a pretty decent album that got overshadowed and later blacklisted due to the Superbowl of 2004 aka don’t even get me started. Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Promise of You || Unbreakable || 2015
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6HRhheTxxMSlowing it down a bit we get to the first ballad on the list, which just so happens to be another bonus track that deserved to be a regular album track. “Bring it on. I’m prepared. Say I can’t, but I don’t even care. Doing things you couldn’t dream, so just watch while I keep doing me.” This is that lying in my bed staring at the ceiling contemplating life music. Once again great harmonizing. Bit of a Latin feel with the percussion.
Can’t B Good || Discipline || 2008
The second ballad on the playlist was written by Ne-Yo and features Janet’s signature layered harmonies against a sparse groove. There is a version floating out there with Ne-Yo himself singing background vocals as well as the second verse that sounds just as good as the version with just Janet (and yes, I do have a digital copy).
Runaway (JAM Sessions mix) || Design of a Decade 1986-1996 || 1995
The first remix featured on the playlist, aka Escapade 2.0, held the #3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for 5 weeks during its heyday. I love the original with its world beat, R&B sound but this jazzy, light and airy remix is my favorite out of all the 22 remixes that were made.
Got ‘Til It’s Gone (Ummah Jay Dee’s Revenge mix) || The Velvet Rope || 1997
I’m head over heels about the original version of this song, but this particular remix done by famed hip-hop producer J. Dilla (may he rest in peace) holds a special place for me (along with the Mellow Mix; this song had 12 remixes total). Listening to it transports me to a time when I would listen to nothing but Slum Village day in and day out. The genius part of the song is the fact that J. Dilla was able to mix in an entire conversation that Janet and Q-Tip were having underneath the beat. Joni Mitchell never lies, y’all. DUST.
Night || Unbreakable || 2015
This is the ringtone for my alarm Monday through Friday so I hear this song every single morning at around 5:15am and I never tire of it. Puts me in a musical trance with its futuristic groove. There is an extremely awesome fan-made music video of this song on YouTube that you can view up above.
You Ain’t Right || All For You || 2001
Janet always comes through with the best dance songs. Sung in a lower, raspier register than she normally sings; Jam & Lewis put their signature shades all up in this production – from the whistle to the Michael Jackson-esque scatting she does – this song is sick and tired and not in a bad way.
State of the World || Rhythm Nation 1814 || 1989
NATION! The only socially conscious song on the playlist (and the name of her 8th World Tour) with its industrial-like, New Jack Swing sound; I can dance and be socially aware all at once. I prefer this song over Rhythm Nation (shhhh! Don’t tell anybody…I might get my JTribe or JanFam card revoked) any day of the week.
Probably the hardest playlist I’ve had to compile because the discography is extensive and I love way too many songs (as you can see, I couldn’t even stick to the 7-song max). Being the Queen of Quiet Storm, I’m surprised I did not add ONE song of hers from that sub-genre. Like I said, so many songs that I plan to compile additional playlists specifically for my fave, your fave and your faves fave. The one…the only…the blueprint. PLUSH / DUST.
