Janet Jackson has been a music icon for nearly four decades. Her music, videos, and live performances left a mark on the industry that has influenced a whole generation. She has even contributed part of her success to raise awareness on issues like race, gender, and sexuality.
One thing Jackson is most known for are her groundbreaking music videos. Here are top 10 of her definitive music videos.
10. Control
This video was Jackson's personal declaration of independence. The title track to her breakthrough album was a coming of age anthem. The video for which shows Jackson's own coming of age story. It features cameos from producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, as well as Ja'net Dubois, who co-starred with Jackson on the sitcom, "Good Times."
9. Love Will Never Do (Without You)
Directed by the late Herb Ritts, this iconic video marked a change for Miss Jackson. She was no longer covered up from head to toe. Instead, she worked a halter top and jeans to showcase a new artist to her audience.
8. All For You
The first single from Jackson's seventh studio album premiered on MTV's TRL in the spring of 2001. The video was colorful and vibrant, with classic choreography. It's a dance video at heart and includes the most joyous Subway ride ever.
7. Alright
Inspired by hit musicals from the thirties and fifties, the video for "Alright" evokes the production style of old Hollywood. Cyd Charisse, The Nicholas Brothers, and Cab Calloway are among the stars who appear in this video.
6. When I Think Of You
Jackson asked Julien Temple to direct this video, inspired by his film, "Absolute Beginners." The entire music video is shot like a seamless single take performance. The retro feel of the video along with Paula Abdul's choreography make it a signature part of Jackson's videography.
5. Together Again
The video for "Together Again" features incredible choreography to compliment the song's upbeat nature. Filmed in Africa, the natural surroundings seem like an unlikely place for a dance video. However, Jackson and her troupe of dancers make it work effortlessly. Jackson wrote the song for her friends who passed away from AIDS.
4. Runaway
This video starts with Jackson jumping out the window of her New York City apartment, before travelling around the world. The multi-cultural feel of this track lends itself to such a video. Among the places Jackson is seen visiting are Japan, Egypt, India, Russia, China, Africa, Chile, Brazil, Tuscany, Paris, and Australia.
3. That's The Way Love Goes
The video for this track was the introduction to Jackson's self titled fifth album in the spring of 1993. The laid back video helped the song to become a huge hit that summer. It even includes an appearance by Jennifer Lopez, who was a backup dancer for Jackson at the time.
2. Rhythm Nation
The militant style of the choreography made this video's intention clear. "Rhythm Nation" was a call to action for a troubled world. Featuring lyrics about racism and other societal injustices, the video complimented the message by appearing in black and white. It would become one of Jackson's signature videos and further set her apart from her family as an artist in her own right.
1. If
Directed by Dominic Sena and choreographed by Tina Landon, "If" is one of Jackson's best dance videos. The sensual aspect of the choreography with the cinematic cut away shots make this video a strong effort. The choreography itself was so popular, that MTV and VH1 aired a "dance only" version of the video during its duration.
