DISCIPLINE***
February 26, 2008 marked the tenth time Miss Janet Jackson released a studio album. Her latest release entitled “Discipline” is the singer’s 3rd attempt to reclaim that coveted number one spot on the Billboard hot 200. Jackson’s last album to debut at number one was 2001’s “All For You.” Well, it seems Janet edged her bets wisely on “Discipline” dropping long time producers, collaborative duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for hip-hop and R&B producer Rodney Jerkins. “Discipline” pulled in at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 this past weekend, making it her first since 2001. I could not be happier. I have been a long time Janet fan. I hope this is a sweet victory for Miss Jackson. Since, the now infamous Nipplegate scandal her two subsequent releases 2004’s “Damita Jo” and 2006’s 20 Y.O. were not number 1 debuts. However, I am a firm believer that it was that incident, which shifted the public’s attention away from Janet Jackson’s music. “Damita Jo” was a great album, in fact is my favorite Janet disc to date. But, I believe “Discipline” will reign supreme for at least a couple of weeks. Janet is a true crossover artist. She is her best when she combines both pop and r&b effectively on her albums. Damita Jo was a great mix of the two, but she couldn’t escape the Super bowl controversy and as a result the album flopped.
Now on to the critique. Is “Discipline” a great album? Or will it evaporate into an abyss of desolate oblivion as so many pop albums have done lately? Hmm…well, I sure it hope it doesn’t but “Discipline” really doesn’t offer up much ingenuity and creativity one would expect to find on a killer arguably comeback album. But, to digress, let’s face it, most pop albums today are so single driven that only about ½ the album is worth your hard earned money. I think about albums such as Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” or Justin Timberlake’s “Future Sex, Lovesounds,” these two really eclipse for me, what a great pop album is all about. “Discipline” is not great, but it defiantly shines in many places. The first five songs, Feedback, Luv, Rollercoaster, Rock with U, and 2nite will take you back to the vintage Janet sound that defined some of her previous discs such as 1993’s “Janet” or 1989’s “Rhythm Nation.” Toward the middle of “Discipline” is where Janet starts to waiver. Let’s face she’s not a ballad singer, but some slow songs really work well with her soft pre-pubescent boyish whimper. The middle of the album is mainly filler; it doesn’t really pick back up until some of the last tracks such as, “So Much Better” and “The 1.” The title track “Discipline” really stays in sync with the type of songs Janet has ended every one of her albums with since “Control.” Sexy, erotic, sensual, and seductive, Janet loves to play within all these roles on all her albums. She flaunts the sex-kitten persona effectively on each and does not disappoint on the title track either. Although she has gained some criticism for continuing to recycle this image on each of her albums, I really can’t blame her. If it isn’t broke, don’t try to fix it. Yes, she is a 41 year old woman singing about her sexual escapades or desires, and it probably is time she moved on into a more refined sound, but this seductress sound is quintessential Janet; one that she does well. Overall, “Discipline” is an above average disc. The first five songs are stellar; they will get you in the mood to party; the next three might put you to sleep, but don’t fret the suggestive Missy Elliot penned lyrics on “The 1” should perk you right back up. Download these “Feedback,” “Luv,” “Rock with U,” “2nite,” “The 1,” and “Discipline”
Some of my Favorite Janet slow grooves Favorite Janet Albums 10-least favorite 1- absolute favorite
“Funny How Time Flies” 10. Janet Jackson (self titled first album)
“Someday is Tonight” 9. Dream Street
“Anytime, Anyplace” 8. 20 Y.O.
“Anything” 7. Discipline
“When We Ooh” 6. All For You
“Moist” 5. Rhythm Nation 1814
“Take Care” 4. The Velvet Rope
“Discipline” 3. Janet
2. Control
1. Damita Jo
