#318 Janet Jackson, 'The Velvet Rope' (1997)
Previously #259
Previously I said that Janet Jackson’s album, ‘Rhythm Nation 1819’ (#339) is “often regarded as the pinnacle of Jackson’s career.” ‘The Velvet Rope’ is often regarded as Jackson’s mature album, her coming of age. Jackson had experienced an emotional breakdown; feelings of self-hate and body dysmorphia leading to bulimia and anorexia. She was dealing with a lot of issues from throughout her life (the Jackson kids didn’t have a normal childhood) and the way she worked through it was with this album. The album explores various genres including pop, R&B, trip hop, folk, jazz, rock and electronic music. The result: Jackson’s fourth consecutive album to hit #1, certified triple platinum and sales in excess of 8 million.
This album is stacked with incredible songs. Of course, all produced by frequent collaborators, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. My first thought was that I had forgotten how good this album is, but to be honest, I hadn’t actually. I just haven’t listened to it in a while. Most of these songs were the soundtrack to 1997 and 1998. The Joni Mitchell-sampling ‘Got ‘til It’s Gone’ was ubiquitous in 1997/1998 and the iconic video for ‘Together Again’ is burned onto my brain. Everytime I turned on MTV, it was there. Back then, I’d stay up all night watching MTV and it the video was played at least every half an hour to 45 minutes. It actually won the Grammy for Best Music Video in 1998. ‘I Get Lonely’ became Jackson’s 18th consecutive Top 10 hit, making her the only female artist in history to achieve that. The tour supporting the album was equally as iconic with its depictions of bondage and domestic violence on stage (especially during the song ‘Rope Burn’). I still regret not being able to go to that concert when I had the chance. Also, at the time of release, there were rumours that single, ‘You,’ was directed at brother, Michael. This was never confirmed. I know this album is a favourite of many Janet fans, and there’s good reason, it’s just a solid listen from start to finish.
#rs500albums