The news that Janet Jackson was releasing new music caused my heart to skip a beat, but also filled me with dread. After all, pop icons above 40 don’t have the greatest track record when it comes to finding their artistic footing after their commercial fortunes have dimmed. There was a nagging feeling in my stomach that Janet would re-introduce herself with a record that made it seem like she was trying (and failing) to keep up with the Joneses…kinda like what Madonna’s done for the past decade. Or Janet herself did with 20 Y.O. and Discipline.

“No Sleeep”, the first new Janet single since 2009, isn’t focus-grouped to hit the top of the charts, thank God. It’s a slinky, mid-tempo jam somewhat reminiscent of “That’s The Way Love Goes”, the song that defined summer 1993 for me and millions of others. It’s seductive in a way that feels lived-in, mature, and relaxed. Of course, those signature creamy harmonies are on point. The decision to reunite with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (their work with Janet constitutes some of the best collaborative work of the modern pop era) was a good one.

“No Sleeep” gives me hope that the pop icon Janet’s new music might most resemble is Prince-to name an artist who’s managed to stay contemporary while remaining true to himself (for better or for worse) and never seeming especially desperate. Welcome back, Miss Jackson. You’ve been missed.