Janet Jackson has become an icon in the music industry. Her impact on pop culture is undeniable. Her influence on many of the artists that came after her is clear. From Britney Spears to Ciara, they've all taken a page out of the Janet Jackson playbook.
Her songwriting and musicality are also recognized for their impact. Jackson is an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For many years, she has opened her heart through her lyrics and touched the lives of fans around the world.
Jackson's discography is vast and varied, so here is a ranking of every one of her studio albums.
11. "Dream Street"
Jackson's second studio album found her collaborating with her famous family. Her brother Marlon co-wrote the single, "Don't Stand Another Chance," which Michael also sings background on! Unfortunately, this is a subpar album which Jackson only did out of obligation.
10. "Janet Jackson"
Jackson's debut album includes some standouts like "Young Love," "Say You Do," and "Come Give Your Love To Me." However, the bubblegum pop sound wasn't something Jackson was very fond of. In fact, she didn't even want her last name on the album. She has said that she wanted people to be drawn to her music for her and not her famous family.
9. "20 Y.O."
One of the biggest mistakes Jackson has made in her career was getting then-boyfriend Jermaine Dupri to collaborate on her albums. While the two might have had personal chemistry, the professional chemistry wasn't there. The result is, unfortunately, an overproduced mess. The highlights on this album are the tracks toward the end, which Dupri didn't produce. "Take Care" and "Love 2 Love" are classic Janet slow-jams.
8. "Discipline"
While the single "Feedback" did very well, the rest of the album left much to be desired. As a body of work, this album didn't compare to the artistic excellence of Jackson's earlier work. In fact, this is the first time Jackson didn't have a hand in writing any of the album's tracks since "Dream Street" in 1984. The interludes are especially cringe-worthy and feels more like someone else's idea of a Janet album rather than the real thing. What's worse is the fact that Jackson herself went along with it.
7. "Control"
"Control" was not only Jackson's breakthrough album, it was her personal declaration of independence. This was the first time Jackson would open up about her personal life in her lyrics. In the songs, she talks about breaking away from her family, her previously annulled marriage, and striking out on her own. Hits like "What Have You Done For Me Lately," "Nasty," and "When I Think Of You" defined the eighties. The only downside is "He Doesn't Know I'm Alive," a deep cut which feels too adolescent to be included on a very adult album.
6. "Unbreakable"
Jackson had been away from the music scene for a long time prior to the release of "Unbreakable." It had been seven years since her last album, "Discipline," and it was clear Jackson would need to find some inspiration before going back in the studio. It's clear from this project that she did just that. This was a return-to-form for Miss Jackson and showcased another personal body of work. Back to writing her own lyrics, Jackson touched on relationships, social issues, and the journey of life.
5. "Damita Jo"
Sexuality has been a constant theme in Jackson's work, dating back to "Funny How Time Flies" on "Control." With each album, she got more and more comfortable with expressing that sexuality. On "Damita Jo," Jackson took her sexual liberation as far as she could. Jackson's confidence in her sensual side was no doubt inspired by then-boyfriend Jermaine Dupri. This album includes the dance hit, "All Nite (Don't Stop)," as well as collaborations with Babyface and Kanye West.
4. "All For You"
In the Spring of 2001, a newly single Jackson was ready to start a brand new chapter. That chapter begun with the release of the "All For You" album. A happier, lighter outing than her previous album, "Velvet Rope," this record saw Jackson reflecting on her divorce, but loving the single life! There are even introspective moments, like "Better Days," which talks about Jackson overcoming her depression.
3. "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814"
Social consciousness was a big part of Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" album. Having been exposed to the racism, income inequality, and drug abuse ravaging the nation, Jackson sought to create a nation all her own. This nation would help young people take the right path and hopefully inspire others in the process. This project won many awards and had several hits, including, "Escapade," "Black Cat," and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)." It also includes her brother Michael's two favorite songs by his sister, "The Knowledge" and the title track.
2. "The Velvet Rope"
Having just reached her thirties, Jackson found herself looking back when writing "The Velvet Rope." During a difficult period of depression, Jackson poured her heart into the lyrics. This album touches on domestic abuse, homophobia, and AIDS. The latter took the form of a song Jackson penned for her friends who died of the illness. The track in question, "Together Again," became another huge hit. This album also features the hidden track, "Can't Be Stopped," which Jackson's fans brought back to life in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.
1. "janet."
This album saw Jackson finally breaking out of her shell. Having posed topless on the now-famous, often imitated Rolling Stone cover, Jackson's sensual side blossomed on this project. "That's The Way Love Goes" became the song of the summer in 1993 and the "If" video thrilled viewers with its choreography. "Again" (from the film "Poetic Justice") was nominated for an Academy Award and went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This album also features elements of opera ("This Time"), classic rock ("What'll I Do"), and hip-hop ("New Agenda"). This remains Jackson's best-selling album worldwide.
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