Description
Janet Jackson – Janet – Double Vinyl Records
Released on May 18, 1993, janet. marked a major artistic and personal evolution for Janet Jackson. Moving away from the socially conscious themes of Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), this album embraced sensuality, romance, and personal freedom, establishing Janet as a confident, self-assured artist in full control of her sound and image. With its mix of R&B, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and pop, janet. was groundbreaking for its fusion of genres and intimate, expressive songwriting, influencing generations of female artists in pop and R&B.
Musically, janet. saw Janet and longtime producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis push into more organic, soulful production, blending live instrumentation, sultry melodies, and hip-hop-infused beats. The album feels warm, fluid, and deeply intimate, using lush strings, jazz elements, and sensual grooves to create an atmospheric, deeply immersive listening experience.
Unlike the hard-hitting, industrial sound of Rhythm Nation, janet. is softer, smoother, and more emotionally open, though still carrying a sense of empowerment and independence. The album paved the way for modern R&B’s embrace of sensuality, influencing artists like Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Alicia Keys.
Lyrically, janet. is deeply personal, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, sexuality, and empowerment. Janet intentionally chose a lowercase title (janet.) to symbolize her individuality, separating herself from the Jackson family legacy and emphasizing her own artistic identity.
The album boldly celebrates female sensuality, presenting Janet’s sexuality as empowered, mature, and emotionally complex, rather than just provocative. Songs move between romantic devotion, heartbreak, lust, and self-reflection, making it one of the most emotionally nuanced albums of her career.
Key Tracks That Defined janet.
That’s the Way Love Goes – A silky, slow-burning R&B groove that became one of Janet’s biggest hits, winning a Grammy for Best R&B Song and influencing the future of seductive, laid-back R&B production.
If – A high-energy new jack swing and rock-infused track, featuring aggressive beats, breathy vocals, and one of Janet’s most iconic dance breaks.
Again – A stripped-down, emotional ballad that became a Billboard No. 1 hit, showcasing Janet’s vulnerability and storytelling ability.
Any Time, Any Place – A deeply sensual slow jam, blending jazzy instrumentation with whispered vocals, later sampled by Kendrick Lamar in Poetic Justice.
You Want This – A funky, confident anthem featuring playful lyrics about female empowerment and desire.
Upon release, janet. was an instant success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 350,000 copies in its first week—a record for a female artist at the time. The album went on to sell over 14 million copies worldwide, making it one of Janet’s biggest commercial successes.
Critically, janet. was praised for its genre-blending production, emotional depth, and bold expression of female sexuality, setting new standards for women in pop and R&B. The album’s impact is still felt today, influencing the rise of sensual, sophisticated R&B that artists like Beyoncé, SZA, and Tinashe have carried forward.
More than just an album, janet. was a statement of independence, confidence, and emotional depth, proving that Janet Jackson was not just a pop star but a visionary artist. It redefined the way female artists could express love, sensuality, and empowerment in music, making it a timeless classic in both R&B and pop history.
For fans of soulful, intimate, and empowering music, janet. remains one of the most essential albums of the 1990s, a record that feels just as fresh, sensual, and groundbreaking today as it did upon release.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Morning
That’s The Way Love Goes
You Know…
You Want This
Be A Good Boy…
If
Back
This Time
Go On Miss Janet
Throb
What’ll I Do
The Lounge
Funky Big Band
Racism
New Agenda [Featuring] – Chuck D
Love Pt. 2
Because Of Love
Wind
Again
Another Lover
Chere Are You Now
Hold On Baby
The Body That Loves You
Rain
Any Time, Any Place
Are You Still Up
Sweet Dreams/Whoops Now
