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Janet Jackson |
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Discipline |
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Island Def Jam |
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By DONYA BLAZE
Published: March 24, 2008
After Control, Rhythm Nation, and Janet went several times platinum, Janet Jackson has experienced somewhat of a slump in recent years. With a million in sales each, Damita Jo and 2006’s 20 Y.O. weren’t exactly Soundscan flops, but their songs didn’t have quite the same shelf life as previous hits. Luckily for us, Discipline wastes no time in delivering that classic Janet sound we’ve been missing.
Although some artists party strictly for the’ bottle poppin’ and scantily clad women, the synergy between Janet and her producers reminds us of what nightclubs are made for -- dancing. Opening with “Feedback,” the electric and futuristic ride continues with an exploration of sex, love, and relationships through “Rollercoaster” and “2Nite.” Other songs like “So Much Betta” and the Ne-Yo and Jermaine Dupri contribution “Rock With You” are lighter on verses, letting the rhythm and hooks rule. “Luv” and “Can’t Be Good” are downright groovy as Joseph and Katherine’s baby finds herself swept up in emotion over equally intoxicating productions that pull listeners in as soon as the beat drops.
These are no timid tracks, however. At 42, Ms. Jackson knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it. On the aforementioned “2Nite,” she commands “Close the door and dim the lights / Make me feel what I wanna feel 2nite / I like control, so let me ride.” The x-rated title track is a slow jam full of domination and sexual punishment: “Shiver as you grab my neck / Baby, blindfold me Daddy / Is better when I don’t know what to expect.”
Despite a few interludes and cliched attempts at the pop charts (“Greatest X” and “Never Letchu Go”), every song here seems like it was painstakingly picked, leaving the CD high on momentum and refreshingly low on filler and guest appearances. (The sole cameo is a couple of raunchy verses from Missy Elliott on “The 1”). With self-assured lyrics, soft yet comfortable vocals, and the backing of powerful beat makers, Janet successfully re-establishes herself as the R&B Queen of Dance. The only problem with Discipline is the one it may pose for Rihanna and Ciara.
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