Janet: "Feedback" Is In

Posted Wed Jan 9 5:10pm PST by Billy Johnson, Jr. in Hip-Hop Media Training

Things have been rough for Janet since she flashed Super Bowl XXXVIII viewers in 2004.

Let me rephrase that.

Things have been rough for Janet since Justin Timberlake helped her flash Super Bowl...

Unfortunately for Janet, the wardrobe malfunction happened at the wrong time. Tabloid media, internet gossip and E! True Hollywood Stories had already desensitized the public to ridiculous celebrity woes.

It's kind of hard to feel sorry for someone who was born into one of entertainment's most noted families, yet managed to expose one of her nipples during the halftime performance of one of the country's biggest annual family events.

The incident and the FCC backlash put the pressure on Janet's Damita Jo album. But Damita Jo couldn't handle it. And neither could 2006's 20 Y.O. While I personally liked both albums, neither delivered the impact necessary to shut down the haters.

When R. Kelly's sex abuse scandal hit, his infectious "Step In The Name Of Love" refocused the fans on his music. Mariah Carey recovered from her public mental meltdown and Glitter flop in 2005 with "We Belong Together" which set a record as the most played song in radio history.

Janet's forthcoming Discipline album needs to deliver her the same type of career blessing.

Janet's brand new single "Feedback" is the only track I've heard so far. Produced by leading R&B hitmaker Rodney Jerkins, it is a safe, pop-leaning dance track that reintroduces her on familiar territory. But more importantly, it sets her up for the video, the medium she owns.

Janet wannabes Ciara, Britney and Rihanna wished they looked this good in their twenties, much less in their early 40s. Janet proves that she is still an exceptional dancer, bouncing around in space and in a computer generated pond of milk in one of her trademark cat suits.

It's got me hoping that I'll get a bit more of the old Janet this time around.

Seeing Beyonce on tour last year, dressed up like Janet in the "Rhythm Nation" video, and emulating the militaristic dances, reminded me of how groundbreaking Janet was when she made that video nearly 20 years ago.

Watching Ciara freestyle in the mirror in her "1, 2 Step" video reminded me that Janet's 1987 "Pleasure Principle" was that much better.

And every time I see Britney on stage wearing the cordless microphone headset that Janet popularized in her "Control" video, I want to run up on the stage and snatch it off of her head. She's not using it anyway...

Janet's written the hip hop pop blueprint. She just needs to reclaim it. I'm crossing my fingers that she's gonna do it.

988 Comments

1. cleohousejr -
Amen and Amen. But if anyone can recover...Janet can. Janet has never bombed 'cuz her music wasn't good like other stars mentioned. She bombed simply 'cuz of public backlash. I too hope that Discipline can get everyone focused back on her music. It's an uphill climb but only Janet could pull something like this off.

2. -
I think the major problem with her career post-Nipplegate was that she refused (or wasn't allowed) to perform live in an effort to promote both Damita Jo and 20 Y.O. That's what the fans expect from singer/dancer entertainers. She was most definitely blacklisted by CBS and MTV/VH1 and so the only performance I recall was on Oprah for 20 Y.O. And as spectacular as I thought that performance was, it wasn't done in sync with Award Show openings, late night talk shows, TRL, 106th & Park, etc. In addition, the videos for those albums were lackluster. What I do recall was tons and tons of magazine covers. WHICH DON'T SELL ALBUMS. So in all, the promotion of those albums did not do enough to allow Janet to RECLAIM her career...because the music on them wasn't that bad. (Right?)

And now, 'Feedback' has generated a lot of buzz. So I hope this new record label has a SERIOUS press kit and full media promotion gameplan on lock for 2008! And I say that because unfortunately, this first step of debuting the video has me slightly worried. I was praying for NO SPECIAL FX. This is the color version of her and Micheal's "Scream" video to me. And I hated that video. When someone looks that good and dances that well...I want to see them move. Think 'Rhythm Nation.' I was so, so hoping for an iconic dance video of the likes we haven't seen lately (post-Ciara). I felt teased by the 32 counts of choreography and then sneak peak at the red catsuit solo performance. Basically, I expected more.

But alas, I'm still hopeful that she'll shut the game down as we get closer to the album release date...

PS. I don't think Janet uses her headsets either. Sorry.

3. LA#1 -
I agree with this article, not a huge janet fan or pop music at that.. but Ive notice that all this young pop girls copy janet much more than any of the other old school pop artist.. I mean they all resemble janets dance and fashion even more than Madonna, at least thats how i see it..

4. lips h -
man....this is a great article and the part about britney had me weak....so did the part about beyonce (anyone who saw her MTV AWARD PERFORMANCE knew she was jacking RHYTHM NATION)...they all try to emulate janet but they can't....

i can only hope that DISCIPLINE sets a new standard for the artistry of janet and gets janet back on all radio formats like she deserves to be...

5. kurbster -
cdfu I agree tho go jj!!



-kurbster

6. Free -
Now this article is perfect and very true! Janet's music has always been on point and she has always proven to have strength against the public, constantly maintaining her composure. She never lets the public see her down and always showing appreciation to the loyal fans and public figures that support her. This is one of the best reviews and insights I've seen in along time. Just to add a side note, who is it easier to keep attention on an uprising still not fully respected Justin Timberlake...or and Iconic Janet Jackson? Thats why she was attacked.

7. derek g -
The song is hot, the video is hot! Janet is back! She still got THE THRONE and aint nobody taking that from her! NOBODY!!!

8. Yahoo! Music User -
I know that's right! It's about time that the bloggers and critics start giving this girl back her props. Janet has owned the airwaves, the video-medium, and concert goers since control and due to some unfortunate circumstances the public tried to snatch everything. I'm feel like if anyone can be a comeback kid it's Janet, we forget she's been doing this for decades.

9. -
Im prayin for janet, as I always do! She well deserves it!!!

10. Yahoo! Music User -
Finally, I am so glad to see an article/review about Janet and her music like this one. I could not have said it better myself - This article shows a true and real understanding of Janet, her music and the impact she has had and continues to have on the music world. Thank you for this.

I have loved Janet and her music since I was about 10 years old, am 28 now. She has always inspired me - like no other. It angers me when the media and the public don't give her the respect she deserves - all along not realizing that some of their favorite singers and songs/videos are based on her previous work and vision.

I am loving Feedback and the video and am truly excited for the album release and what is to come. I am also thankful, that despite the media's and public's recent lack of support and respect for her, she didn't give up and is now back again with more music, dancing and quality entertainment, once again.

Thanks Janet ;-)

11. woontoman -
Major love for this song and the video is amazing.

12. Yahoo! Music User -
Agree with the comments here. Really like Feedback and the video is cool, too. Can't wait for the full CD!

13. SB -
Couldn't agree with you more! Loved the part about Britney, Ciara & Beyonce--they all try SO hard to emulate Janet, and while all of them are talented (well, except for Brit), they haven't delivered the same ground-breaking performances or videos that define Janet Jackson's career. And I think you are right on point about Damita Jo & 20 Y.O.--both were good albums (especially by today's low standards), but Nipplegate really damaged her career. Yet miraculously, Justin escaped unscathed. Gee, I wonder why?

14. Amanda D -
I agree w/ the article for the most part - at last half that is. It was the truth that many know but, few have the guts to admit. However,... did you have to devote the 1st half of the article to the Superbowl? I mean, please. The woman has been making music for 26 yrs now. Don't tell me that you think that that 3 sec. flash is all she has on her resume. But, at least you corrected yourself when you said that "Janet flashed..." so, you're not stupid like other ppl (thank God). You're actually a journalist with some sense.

15. Amanda D -
I meant, "...at least the last half that is..."

I apologize for the typo.

16. sunshine2grrl -
This article was 100% on point. I'm not a die-hard Janet fan, but I am a dancer who was inspired by Janet and her groundbreaking choreography and music videos. FeedbackJanet has made me sit up and take notice again with her new single, "Feedback" I haven't heard this much buzz about a Janet single since All for You. And the video demonstrates why Janet has always been a traiblazer in that genre. She's doing it better at 40+ than the "wannabes" half her age. I really wish Janet the best with this new project. If Feedback is any indication, it should put her back on top of the charts.

17. Yahoo! Music User -
hey.... I loved this article... and yes the video was HOT!!! I want JDJ to take over! I think we are already and prepared for a take off!!!!! go J!!!!

18. zzzz1zzz2zzz3 -
tramp,let her burn with her brother

19. zzzz1zzz2zzz3 -
does she like little boys also

20. kevninphx -
janet, your a 1980's wash-up has been. I rather see a beaver shot of Brittney again. Everyone is over your lame attempt to show your breast. We want beaver!!!

Besides, your old and you can't sing
Page:  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 
Next »
Leave Your Comment
You must sign in to leave a comment.
Select a Blog Posts
And The Winner Is...
by Wendy Geller
10
As Heard On...
by Suzanne Baran
2
Better Living Through MP3
by Ken Micallef
105
Chart Watch
by Paul Grein
28
Framed
by John Kordosh
42
Hip-Hop Media Training
by Billy Johnson, Jr.
26
List Of The Day
by Rob O'Connor
198
Maximum Performance
by Wendy Geller
53
New This Week
by Dave DiMartino
45
On the Road With JamBase
by Aaron Kayce
17
Reality Rocks
by Lyndsey Parker
138
Rock's Backpages
by Barney Hoskyns
39
That's Really Week
by Lyndsey Parker
46
The ARTHUR Blog
by Peter Relic
29
The Lefsetz Letter
by Bob Lefsetz
100
The MOJO Blog
by James McNair
34
The NME Blog
by Jamie Fullerton
15
The Spin Blog
by Ian Astbury
9
The URB Blog
by Brandon Perkins
9
The Y! Music Playlist Blog
by Robert of the Radish
208
Video Ga Ga
by Billy Johnson, Jr.
13

Music Blog Archives

May 2008 (1)
April 2008 (1)
March 2008 (2)
February 2008 (2)
January 2008 (2)
December 2007 (2)
November 2007 (2)
October 2007 (2)
September 2007 (4)
August 2007 (3)
July 2007 (5)
Ludacris returns to his alma mater in Atlanta
AP
Tue May 13 3:00pm PDT
AP - Ludacris returned to his alma mater, stepped into a gymnasium — and saw a mural that included his likeness. "I've always wanted a street named after me, but this is better," the 30-year-old rapper said of the…
More »
More Music News
My Music


Create your very own radio station based on your music tastes.