3 1/2 years ago, I wrote this article for Popblerd, discussing a turnaround in fortune for Janet Jackson. The pop icon’s image was irreparably tarnished by that Incident Which Shall No Longer Be Named, and that misfortune was compounded by a series of albums that were not up to the standard set by classics like Control, Rhythm Nation, janet. & The Velvet Rope.
When I wrote said article, I wasn’t expecting Janet to virtually disappear from sight. However, after her Number Ones tour ended, Janet fell off the map. In the time since, rumors of retirement have circled. Not to say that Janet wouldn’t have every right to hang it up if she chose to do so, but I’d imagine there were fans besides me who felt like there was some unfinished business on the table.
As it turns out, that business may not be unfinished after all. In a recent interview with producer/engineer Ian Cross, he confirmed that he is working with Janet on a new project, and the diva’s equally legendary partner-in-crime James “Jimmy Jam” Harris III has dropped numerous hints on his Twitter feed about a return to making music for Miss Janet. It’s hard to believe that 6 1/2 years have passed since she last released a studio album, but it seems like that absence has been long enough to whet the public appetite for new Janet material. Janet herself has not commented, but given the Jackson family’s love of the element of surprise, I wouldn’t be shocked if an album arrived sooner rather than later. Of course, I wouldn’t really be shocked if an album never materialized, either.
One thing I realized as the news of Janet’s potential return circulated is that I’d probably welcome a new album from her with more excitement than I’d anticipate new music from just about all of her surviving ’80s/’90s counterparts. Not to say I wouldn’t be excited for a new Prince album, or a George Michael record, or a New Edition album. I just think that Janet has genius left in her, and it got cast aside over the course of her last couple of albums due to her working with unsympathetic collaborators (*cough*JermaineDupri*cough*), trying to compete with the Beyonces and Rihannas of the world (much of Discipline) or going overboard on the whole “sex kitten” angle. Janet’s now 48 years old. We know she’s seen and experienced a lot. When she turns those sights and experiences into music, the result is often genius. Her fans have grown up with her, and not only would they like Janet to share her life musically once again, but they also want to hear stuff they can relate to. I, for one, think it can happen. If she takes her mind off the charts, maybe releases her music independently without the demands of a major label tampering with her work to make it more commercial, and works with musically sound and sympathetic collaborators, I’m sure she has good music left in her. Whether it takes off commercially or not is another story, but that shouldn’t be a concern. I do know that there’s a large chunk of the music-loving world ready to welcome her back with open arms.
…and just because, here’s the Control video.