The Main Idea
In 1989 (my birth year - yay!), Janet Jackson released one of her most innovative and unique efforts yet, entitled Rhythm Nation 1814. The album wasn't a complete departure from the overproduced dance pop of Control, but it definitely took on a more socially conscious edge that has yet to be rivaled by any other artist. What makes this the most memorable of Janet's records is that it combines those serious messages with danceable melodies, synth-heavy production, and sing-a-long hooks for an extremely well-rounded album. Rhythm Nation tries to unite the world with music, and, though it is rather overbearing at times, that mission is definitely fulfilled here. Though not my personal favorite of Janet's efforts, this one is definitely her most creative and really shows Janet in her prime.

The title cut, Rhythm Nation, has a hard, industrial sound that's a little out of place on this record, but it still works. It's got excellent percussion and the background vocals are great, but I think the production should have been toned down a bit to allow for these high points to shine through. State Of The World follows in pretty much the same mold, though I think the lyrics, which talk about all of the problems in our society, are too preachy. Janet sings in a really low voice in the verses, making it somewhat hard to hear her, but, overall, it's still a good song with nice keyboards and percussion. Livin' In A World, again, has this same lyrical concept, but it's much classier and isn't so combative. It's actually a ballad with innocent, girlish vocals from Janet accompanied by strings and an elegant acoustic piano. I like the gospel-tinged vocals on the chorus as well.

Of course, no Janet album would be complete without the requisite party jams, and this one is no exception. The instantly recognizable Escapade has a disgustingly catchy hook - "Come on baby let's get away/Let's save our troubles for another day/Come go with me we've got it made/Let me take you on an escapade" - along with a steady bassline and fun, danceable beats. Definitely one of my favorite songs on the record. Miss You Much, one of my all-time favorite Janet songs, has a tough sound, but is still an obvious dance track. It's well-written; I like how the lyrics and vocals rise and fall along with the production. Janet gives a few weird, high-pitched squeals here and there, but it's all good. Just leave that to your big bubba, Janet. Anywho, Love Will Never Do used to be my favorite Janet song, until Macy Gray completely butchered it at the MTVIcon thing (somebody please explain to me how that girl got a record deal in the first place!), but it's still a pleasant song that ushered in Miss Jackson's sexy new image. Some of the background vocals are a bit heavy, but, overall, it's got a fun, summery sound that's easy to identify with.

Black Cat is also one of Janet's most memorable tunes, characterized by its heavy electric guitar riffs and pulsating drums. Of course, it's still as catchy as any of Janet's other songs - "Don't understand/Why you insist/On ways of living such a dangerous life/Time after time you stay away/And I just know that you're telling me lies" - and she delivers it with a lot of spunk and attitude. I was never a big fan of Alright, mostly because, at a little less than six and a half minutes, it's just too damn long. Still, it's a funky number that is definitely unique and is one of Janet's best club songs yet, even if it is a tad bit overproduced and the digitally altered vocals are annoying as hell. Now we all know by now that Janet should stay away from any and every song that is even remotely similar to a ballad, but Come Back To Me is actually one of this record's best cuts. The fingersnaps and classical guitar are beautiful and, though she's no Mariah, Janet does her thing and manages to add as much emotion to the song as she possibly can. I was definitely impressed.

The smooth Lonely is actually one of my favorite cuts. The background vocals are soft, yet layered and arranged in a soulful manner that really compliment the simple, classy production and surprisingly catchy lyrics: "So anytime you feel the need/Call me when you're lonely/Cause everybody needs a friend/To be there when they're lonely." The highly industrial The Knowledge sounds a lot like the title cut and has the same general theme, only it's not as good. It's just too overproduced and unflattering and the sampled vocals are repetitive and annoying. The percussion is alright, but it doesn't make up for anyone else. Someday Is Tonight isn't much better. It's a love ballad that finds Janet attempting to sound all sexy and sensual, but we all know by now that Janet is probably the worst in the world at faking orgasms, so it's just ridiculous. The lyrics are cheesy, the trumpet is out of place, and it's just not a good song.

Final Thoughts
Though Control was a good introduction, Rhythm Nation 1814 is really the effort that established Janet as a real, tangible artist who could make funky dance jams that still contain a message. Back in her chunky, black-and-white days, I think Janet was more about the music than the image, and that's what I love about this album especially. It has a tough, industrial sound with hard-edged instrumentals and edgy vocals, yet there are still a few fun, summery pop songs to lighten the mood. If you're gonna own any Janet album, I'd say own Rhythm Nation 1814 even though I personally don't feel it's her best work. It really set her legacy and has become the quintessential Janet album. Though it's still overproduced, the lyrics overbearingly preachy at times, and there are almost as many interludes as there are actual songs, you can look past all that and see it for what it is: a true pop masterpiece that has stood the test of time better than any of Janet's other efforts.

Key Tracks: "Miss You Much," "Lonely," and "Escapade"

Great Music To Play While: Remembering back in the day when Janet could keep her clothes on, cringing at just how many times you collaborated musically with your now ex-husband, going on an escapade (or maybe just figuring out what the hell an escapade even is), running around in basically the same black outfit in almost every one of your videos, and faking an orgasm so horribly, someone should cut your coochie off.

Other Albums By This Artist: Janet Jackson, Dream Street, Control, Janet, Design Of A Decade 1986/1996, The Velvet Rope, All For You

Recommended: Yes