I cannot begin to explain how excited I am to write this review on one of the ONLY artists who has been such a huge influence for everything I've done AND ever wanted to do. Her music has pushed boundaries...her lyrics have been immersed with power...her videos and concert tours have been filled with pulsating synergy, iconic for her infectious, signature choreography.
She is a goddess...and an inspiration to me like no other...she's JANET... "Ms. Jackson-if-you're-'Nasty'".
"Number Ones" (known as "The Best" internationally) is JANET's second greatest hits compilation, showcasing over thirty of her Number One hits (on various music charts) in the U.S., as well as Europe, Japan, and other territories. It's been a long time coming...a career that has spanned over thirty years needs some heavy recognition. JANET is one of the most successful female recording artists of our time, having sold over 100 million albums worldwide. In addition to starring in an assortment of movie roles, JANET has established herself as a multi-faceted performer by also taking charge of many aspects in her musical career that most artists don't. For instance, the majority of her hit singles have been co-written and/or produced by her, along with her longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. JANET has stood at the forefront of the direction, production, and execution of her defining concert tours, teaming up with top-notch choreographers like Tina Landon, Shawnette Heard, Eddie Morales, and Gil Duldulao, Jr. to create the most provocative and intense performances ever done.
JANET is currently working on her next studio album due sometime next year (rumored to feature the track entitled "Ex"), but before we get to that, we must consider what may be one of the best "greatest hits" compilations released this year. This review will be like every other " ARTIST of CALIBER" review...but for those that don't know, let me break it down for you. The review will consist of in-depth information on each song (including writing and production credits, Billboard credits, etc.). At the end of the review, you will be able to view my favorite music videos. So sit back and relax...and enjoy this tribute to one of the best performing artists who ever lived....again, because of the length of this review, it is divided into TWO PARTS...
This double-disc features 34 tracks, including the new single "Make Me". The tracklist appears in chronological order of single releases starting with those released from the 1986 album "Control", all the way 'til 2008's album "Discipline".
FROM the 1986 ALBUM "Control"
RELEASED on FEBRUARY 6th, 1986
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #1 (Billboard 200--07/05/1986; R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart--04/19/1986)
"What Have You Done For Me Lately" (Start of DISC ONE)
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson
Released on January 13th, 1986
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #4 (Hot 100--05/17/1986); #1 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--03/22/1986); #2 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--04/05/1986)
Forgive me now because I will be proclaiming my love for every song featured in this compilation. When one thinks of the earliest JANET signature song, "What Have You Done For Me Lately" is one that automatically comes to mind. This song really did give JANET a separate identity from her brother Michael, while laying down the foundations of contemporary R&B. It broke several barriers gaining itself a certification of Gold on November 12th, 1990 by the Recording Industry Association of America. Personally, I remember hearing "What Have You Done For Me Lately" when I was younger...but it wasn't until almost a decade later that I came to appreciate it so much more (I'll get to the reasons why much later on in the review). The video was very cute, as it depicted JANET at a diner with some of her friends (including one played by choreographer Paula Abdul) who end up getting surprised by the arrival of her boyfriend...who at the moment, she isn't really feeling. Great song...and awesome way to kick off this compilation!
"Nasty"
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson
Released on April 15th, 1986
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #3 (Hot 100--07/19/1986); #1 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--06/14/1986); #2 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart)
With "Nasty" and "What Have You Done For Me Lately", JANET expressed her deepest anger towards "men who tried to force their hand on her". While we all choose to believe the songs were made to be sassy and fun, there really was a reason why JANET came across so bold. "Nasty" was used as the theme song for the 1990 TV show "Nasty Boys". It ended up winning the award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single at the 1987 American Music Awards. Yet again, Paula Abdul was the choreographer for the music video, which took place in a movie theater. And I'm pretty sure we all know the catchphrase that came out of this song...!
"When I Think of You"
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson
Released on July 28th, 1986
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #1 (Hot 100--10/11/1986; Dance/Club Play Songs chart--09/20/1986); #3 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--09/27/1986); #10 (Adult Contemporary Songs
chart--10/25/1986)
This song has always been fun to listen to. With the topic of what one feels when they have someone who makes them content, "When I Think of You" has this vibe of happiness to it. I heard once about there being a double entendre to this song in the sense of JANET speaking about self-pleasure...but I don't believe that to be true. "When I Think of You" became her first Number One on the Billboard Hot 100...at that time, making her one of the youngest females to ever have that accomplishment (she was twenty years old).
"Control"
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson
Released on October 21st, 1986
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #5 (Hot 100--01/24/1987); #1 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--01/10/1987; Dance/Club Play Songs chart--12/20/1986)
What makes this song so brilliant is JANET's confidence over a beat that was so futuristic and way ahead of its time. "Control" showed an individuality, daring others to even try to compare her to her brothers or family members. She states it loud and clear in the intro to the song... "[It's] a story about control...MY control..." The single beat other contenders like Whitney Houston, Jody Watley, and even her brother Michael in the Soul Train Music Award category of Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video. Later on, people like Kylie Minogue went on to sample the song in her own music.
"Let's Wait Awhile"
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson
Also written by Melanie Andrews
Released on January 6th, 1987
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #2 (Hot 100--03/21/1987; Adult Contemporary Songs chart--03/28/1987); #1--(R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--03/14/1987)
The first of the most pinnacle ballads in JANET's career...it's also the beginning of a three-part song-story she developed. "Let's Wait Awhile" became a huge hit for her during the time the AIDS pandemic was at its height...it talked about abstinence and not over-stepping boundaries in a relationship. Little did people know it was going to be the precursor for the sexually-charged track entitled "Someday Is Tonight" (1989s "Rhythm Nation 1814"). Later on in the 2006 album "20Y.O.", JANET recorded the song "With U", which is considered the final part of the love trilogy that spanned a decade. Beautiful...it will always be one of my favorites.
"The Pleasure Principle"
Written and co-produced by Monte Moir
Also produced by Janet Jackson and Steve Wiese
Released on May 12th, 1987
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #14 (Hot 100--08/01/1987); #1 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--08/08/1987; Dance/Club Play Songs chart--06/06/1987)
The choreography for the video of this song was intense. JANET was ranking herself amongst some of the greats in the dancing department and her hard work paid off. She won the 1988 MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography. "The Pleasure Principle" took awhile to grow on me. Now, it has become one of those songs that really speaks volumes to me despite the fantastic production behind it. I remember watching the video being completely inspired to do everything she was doing...and to this day, I still will try to put my own spin on the classic dance moves that defined an era.
"Diamonds" with Herb Alpert and Lisa Keith (NOT featured on "Control")
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III and Terry Lewis
Originally on HERB ALPERT's 1987 album "Keep Your Eyes On Me"
Released in April 1987
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #5 (Hot 100--06/20/1987); #1 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and Dance/Club Play Songs chart--06/20/1987)
Okay...one of my favorite instruments is the trumpet (along with the saxophone). I had to listen to this song over and over again before I started liking it. It's alright...not one of my favorites...but I don't hate it. My issue is that the melodic theme of the vocals becomes repetitive and boring. The lyrics are cute...but I feel the song "Making Love in the Rain" was much better. This song established Herb Alpert's comeback to the music scene...and to have collaborated on this song with JANET was something amazing to everyone.
The "Control" album marked the beginning of an icon's career. Despite two albums released prior to 1986, JANET didn't really have anything to show as far as notability goes. That changed with the release of this album...it signified a departure and commitment to herself. Containing only nine tracks, SIX of those were released as singles...one final track, "Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun)" was released in the United Kingdom and Australia. Regardless, the song still gained radio play here in the States. Four of the singles have now gained Gold certification here in America...and the album has gone five-times-platinum. It was safe to say everyone loved JANET...but there were a select few who believed she was going to remain a "one-hit wonder". Things rapidly intensified with the release of her next album...
FROM the 1989 ALBUM "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814"
RELEASED on September 18th, 1989
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #1 (Billboard 200--10/28/1989; R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart--11/18/1989)
"Miss You Much"
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III and Terry Lewis
Released on August 22nd, 1989
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #1 (Hot 100; Dance/Club Play Songs chart; R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart)
We've all come to know about the Jackson family through the media...especially when it comes their less-than-capable-of-loving father Joe. "Miss You Much" featured a B-Side entitled "You Need Me" that expressed someone's need for another after they turned their backs on them. Songs like that really molded this sophomore album...it was becoming more personal. "Miss You Much" became one the most successful singles for JANET...and the first of EIGHT that would be released from the album. It is also holds a Platinum certification. I've always loved this song because of the high energy...and, of course, the extended video that includes the dance routine with chairs was amazing.
"Rhythm Nation"
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson
Released on October 24th, 1989
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #2 (Hot 100); #1 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart; R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart)
The "Rhythm Nation 1814" album was filled with statements about the society and its prejudices...and that didn't exactly make people too comfortable. The public felt as though JANET was being too hard bringing in topics that proved to be sensitive for plenty. Either way, the song prevailed as one of the best ever released by her...and it's become a staple in her career like no other. "Rhythm Nation" is one of my favorite songs...and I remember being a little boy unable to move from the television every time this video came on. It still holds the same effect on me. I think it's a definite courageous attempt at being vocal about a topic that most aren't ready to discuss.
"Escapade"
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson
Released on January 18th, 1990
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #1 (Hot 100; R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart; Dance/Club Play Songs chart); #16 (Adult Contemporary Songs chart)
This song is just so lively, I find it difficult to ignore it. "Escapade" was one of several songs my mother used to sing to me when I was a little kid. The song went on to be another Hot 100 chart topper in JANET's career. Without a doubt, "Escapade" can always take me away to a place where there are no worries or problems.
"Alright"
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson
Released on March 4th, 1990
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #4 (Hot 100); #2 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart); #1 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart)
"Alright" went on to be a major hit for JANET. It also helped her break a record that (at that time) was held previously by Madonna after it became the fourth consecutive single to reach Number One status on the Dance/Club Play Songs chart. An extended version of this song included a rap verse from performer Heavy D. Another one of my favorites...especially the video that stretched for several minutes and was reminiscent of "When I Think of You".
"Come Back To Me"
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III, Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson
Released on June 19th, 1990
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #2 (Hot 100; R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart); #1 (Adult
Contemporary Songs chart)
"Come Back to Me" featured an appearance from Rene Elizondo, Jr., the man she would marry soon after. The song didn't do as well in other countries...but in the U.S., it was a major success. Almost two decades later, the song was resurrected by hip-hop artist Plies who sampled it on his single "Bust It Baby, Part Two" featuring Ne-Yo. An official remix of the song later leaked on the Internet featuring added vocals from JANET herself.
"Black Cat"
Written and co-produced by Janet Jackson
Also produced by Garry George "Jellybean" Johnson
Released on September 4th, 1990
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #1 (Hot 100); #10 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart); #17 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart)
Okay...this song is one of the few Rock songs you will EVER hear from JANET. Regardless, it is another signature song worth all the hype. "Black Cat" was solely written and produced by JANET with the help of guitarist Jellybean Johnson. Speaking of guitarists, "Black Cat" featured several of them on different versions and remixes including Dave Barry (who consequently became her longtime touring guitarist), John McClain, Jesse Johnson, and Nuno Bettencourt.
"Love Will Never Do (Without You)"
Written and produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III and Terry Lewis
Released on November 5th, 1990
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #1 (Hot 100); #3 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart); #4 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart)
After being in several videos completely covered up, JANET finally showed some skin in this final single release from "Rhythm Nation 1814". "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" became the SEVENTH Top Five single to be released from the album. Herb Ritts was the director for this video, which featured cameo appearances from Antonio Sabato, Jr. and Djimon Hounsou. Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis originally wanted this song to be a duet with either someone like Prince, Johnny Gill, or Ralph Tresvant...but instead, they opted for JANET to alternate octaves between the first and second verses of the song.
"The Best Things In Life Are Free" featuring Luther Vandross, Bell Biv Devoe, and Ralph Tresvant
(NOT featured on "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814")
Written by Buddy DeSylva, Lew Brown, and Ray Henderson
From the 1992 soundtrack album "Mo' Money"
Released on May 12th, 1992
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #10 (Hot 100); #1 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart); #3 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart)
I like this song A LOT better than "Diamonds"! Surprisingly, I don't remember it. That's probably my own fault...still is a great addition to this collection as it contains the legendary Luther Vandross, along with Bell Biv Devoe and Ralph Tresvant. What's interesting about the video is that neither performers appear in it...instead, Damon and Marlon Wayans, along with Stacey Dash, make cameo appearances.
"Rhythm Nation 1814" was groundbreaking. As I already stated, it featured SEVEN commercially released singles that ALL became Top Five hits. No one else has been able to break that record! It is certified six-times-platinum and features one Platinum single ("Miss You Much") and five Gold singles ("Rhythm Nation", "Escapade", "Alright", "Black Cat", and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)"). "State of the World" was the final song released from the album in Australia, Japan, and South Africa. It did, however, peak on the Dance/Club Play Songs chart at Number Nine. From start to finish, "Rhythm Nation 1814" is phenomenal...but what came next was a project that completed the image of the performer we know today.
FROM the 1993 ALBUM "janet." (Pronounced "Janet, period")
RELEASED on May 18th, 1993
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #1 (Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart--
06/05/1993)
"That's the Way Love Goes"
Produced and written by Janet Jackson, James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III and Terry Lewis
Released on April 20th, 1993
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #1 (Hot 100; R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--05/08/1993; Pop Songs chart--05/29/1993; Dance/Club Play Songs chart--06/26/1993); #16 (Adult Contemporary Songs chart)
I cannot even begin to express to you all how the next several songs make me feel. I didn't hear "That's the Way Love Goes" until maybe five or six years after it was released...and I when I did, it was over with. I became a die-hard JANET fan. The song ended up being her biggest Number One ever here in the States after it stayed at the top of the charts for eight weeks. From what I've read in an article she did with Billboard, JANET didn't originally like the track...it took a while to grow on her. Without having to say so, there was an obvious change in the style of music from anything released on her previous albums. Little did anyone know "That's the Way Love Goes" would end up becoming JANET's most successful single to date. The video included an appearance from Jennifer Lopez as one of her back-up dancers. One of my ALL-TIME favorites.
"If" (Start of DISC TWO)
Produced and written by Janet Jackson, James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III and Terry Lewis
Released on July 13th, 1993
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #4 (Hot 100--09/11/1993); #3 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--09/04/1993); #2 (Pop Songs chart--09/25/1993); #1 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--09/04/1993)
Speaking of ALL-TIME favorites...this one is definitely it. This song right here, ladies and gentlemen, is one of the few songs I've heard in my ENTIRE life that made me want to do anything and everything music, dance, and writing related. Even though it hasn't been executed in a LONG time, I still remember the choreography from start to finish (both male and female) without having to view the music video. And what about the music video...?! Intense and sexy! "If" was originally supposed to be the lead single off of the "janet." album, but instead became the second. The lyrics of the song were shocking, especially to me when I finally figured out what she was saying in the verses. Wow! Love it...always will!
"Again"
Produced and written by Janet Jackson, James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III and Terry Lewis
Released on October 12th, 1993
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #1 (Hot 100--12/11/1993); #7 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--11/27/1993); #2 (Pop Songs chart--11/20/1993); #4 (Adult Contemporary Songs chart--12/25/1993)
This song is so pretty...and really reminds me of a better time in my life where there were no problems whatsoever. "Again" was nominated for Best Original Song at the 66th Academy Awards back in March of 1994 after having been part of her box-office acting debut in the movie "Poetic Justice". At this point, JANET gained her seventh Number One on the Hot 100. "Again" will always hold a special place in my heart.
"Because of Love"
Produced and written by Janet Jackson, James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III and Terry Lewis
Released on January 18th, 1994
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #10 (Hot 100--03/19/1994); #9 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--03/19/1994); #4 (Pop Songs chart--03/05/1994); #4 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--04/09/1994)
Although this song did not reach the Top Ten, it still deserves to be on this album. "Because of Love" has the same effect that songs like "Again" and "Escapade" had on me in the beginning. It just has this loving personality to it...makes you feel like everything's gonna be alright.
"Any Time, Any Place"
Produced and written by Janet Jackson, James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III and Terry Lewis
Released on May 24th, 1994
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #2 (Hot 100); #1 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart); #6 (Pop Songs chart--08/06/1994)
And since I'm a freak...this song speaks loudly to me. "Any Time, Any Place" really starts off a chain of sexually thematic songs that would define JANET as a sex icon. R. Kelly made the remix to this song...but to me, it doesn't hold the same degree of enticement the seven-minute album version does. I guess I like things that are long and lasting. At the time the song was released, "Any Time, Any Place" held the record for being the longest running single atop the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (for ten weeks).
"Scream" with Michael Jackson (NOT featured on "janet.")
Produced and written by Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, III and Terry Lewis
Originally on MICHAEL JACKSON's 1995 album "HIStory: Past, Present, and Future (Book I)"
Released on May 31st, 1995
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #5 (Hot 100); #2 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart); #1 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart)
The "aggressive and retaliatory" duet with JANET and her brother MICHAEL appears for the first time on ANY of JANET's compilations. "Scream" broke a huge amount of records back in 1995 when it was released. It won several MTV Video Music Awards (as well as a Grammy) and was nominated for many other awards as well. It also holds the Guinness Book of World Records accomplishment of being the most expensive music video ever made ($7 million). "Scream" also became the first single in Billboard history to debut at Number Five on the Billboard Hot 100. Years later, in the wake of her brother's passing, JANET would perform the song at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Definitely amazing...and a song I could truly relate to.
This album has sold more than twenty million albums worldwide and is (yet again) certified six-times-platinum. "janet." contains two Platinum singles ("That's the Way Love Goes" and "Again") and three Gold singles ("If", "Any Time, Any Place", and "You Want This"). Other tracks were released to radio, such as "Where Are You Now", the hidden extra track "Whoops Now", and "What'll I Do". The hardcore sex single "Throb" ended up peaking at Number Two on the Dance/Club Play Songs chart. Amazing...one of the best albums EVER created. JANET had signed an impressive contract with Virgin Records and this was the result...but now, JANET had something else in mind for her fans...the release of her first "greatest hits" compilation.
"Nasty"
From the 1986 album "Control"
Directed by Mary Lambert
(4.44)
"The Pleasure Principle"
From the 1986 album "Control"
Directed by Dominic Sena
(5.16)
"Rhythm Nation"
From the 1989 album "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814"
Directed by Dominic Sena
(4.27)
"Love Will Never Do (Without You)"
From the 1989 album "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814"
Directed by Herb Ritts
(5.00)
"If (Complete Version)"
From the 1993 album "janet."
Directed by Dominic Sena
(5.26)
"You Want This (Color Version)" featuring MC Lyte
From the 1993 album "janet."
Directed by Keir McFarlane
(5.19)
"What's It Gonna Be?!" featuring Busta Rhymes
From the 1999 album "Extinction Level Event" (Busta Rhymes)
Directed by Hype Williams
(4.31)
PART TWO of this in-depth review WILL BE RELEASED TOMORROW with MORE NEW MUSIC, VIDEOS, and INFO!!!
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by Felix-Lee "Campbells" Andrades, III
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