2xLP BLACK VINYL

After Control and Rhythm Nation 1814, Janet Jackson had quite a lot to live up to. Anyone who expected Jackson to top Rhythm Nation -- her crowning achievement and an incredibly tough act to follow -- was being unrealistic. But with janet., she delivered a respectable offering that, although not as strong as either Control or Nation, has many strong points. As before, Jackson is joined by the prolific Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis team, and their input is valuable on everything from the angry "This Time" and the hypnotic "That's the Way Love Goes" to the '60s-flavored "What'll I Do" and the sociopolitical "The New Agenda" (which features Public Enemy leader Chuck D). But perhaps the CD's most exciting track is "Funky Big Band," which samples jazz legend Lionel Hampton's 1938 big-band classic "I'm in the Mood for Swing" with thrilling results. There are a few throwaways (including the lightweight ballad "Again"), but despite its shortcomings, janet. is a welcome addition to her catalog.

A1        Morning   
A2        That's The Way Love Goes   
A3        You Know...    
A4        You Want This    
A5        Be A Good Boy...    
A6        If   
B1        Back    
B2        This Time
B3        Go On Miss Janet   
B4        Throb    
B5        What'll I Do
B6        The Lounge    
B7        Funky Big Band   
C1        Racism  
C2        New Agenda
C3        Love Pt. 2  
C4        Because Of Love    
C5        Wind   
C6        Again    
C7        Another Lover   
C8        Where Are You Now    
D1        Hold On Baby   
D2        The Body That Loves You  
D3        Rain  
D4        Any Time, Any Place    
D5        Are You Still Up   
D6        Sweet Dreams/Whoops Now