Janet Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She began her career as a child star in several sitcoms during the late seventies, before transitioning into popular music with her self-titled debut album and breakthrough, Control . [1] In addition to being declared a global "pop culture phenomenon," [2] Jackson is considered an iconic figure in the fields of pop music [1] and contemporary R&B, entertainment, [1] fashion, [3] [4] along with dance and choreography. [5] Her collective body of work has been cited to create templates for numerous artists who have emerged following her. [6] [7]
By 2008, Jackson had been the most-searched person in internet history, and upon the debut of her tenth studio album, ranked as the ninth biggest-selling pop artist and second most-successful female artist within contemporary pop. [8] The influence of her musical themes, image, music videos, choreography, films, and media controversies have bestowed her with various titles by critics, which include the "Queen of Pop", "Empress Of Pop", "Queen Of Sex", "Queen Of Entertainment", "Queen Of Music", "Bonafide Sex Queen", [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] in addition to "Erotic Queen of Pop" [16] [17] and "Queen of Dance." [18] [19] Observing her "broad-based, widespread appeal," Mark Seliger considered Jackson "the most recognized" female pop artist of "the 80s, 90s, and today," while Tris McCall appointed her "the direct forerunner" within modern pop. [7] [20] Leah Simpson also declared her "a legendary singer and actress," who would "always be a prominent figure in the industry." [21]
—Josh Love of Stylus Magazine on Jackson's influence. [22]
Jackson is among the most influential artists in popular music. [23] Universal Music stated, "Her musical style, choreography, lyrical exploration, and self awareness has made her one of the top artists of our time as well as a leading influence on the upcoming stars of tomorrow." [23] Of her own influences, she said, "There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others." [16] Citing her image, performing attributes, and musical traits; Ernest Hardy declared her "the unheralded mother-architect, for better or worse, of the current pop world... While it's a conditioned reflex for mainstream critics to heap praise upon Madonna as the mold from which MTV's pop brigade is stamped, the truth is a bit more complicated." [24] Judy Faber of CBS News observed her influence, ranging from "her acrobatic dance moves to her birdlike singing voice," to be emulated by various artists. [25]
Upon the release of Discipline , Paul Lester commended her as "the ninth biggest-selling pop act of all time, the second most successful female artist ever and the most searched-for person in internet history." [8] MTV News commented, "Janet Jackson's superstar resolve is made of pure steel.. If we could've made Janet Jackson the MTV Artist of the Century, we would have." [26] Marcello Carlin of Stylus credited her sonic innovation and musical themes to create templates for "nearly all worthwhile 21st century pop." [27] Simon Reynolds also declared her to have "drafted a new blueprint for dance pop" with her early recordings, via the usage of drum machines and synthesized basselines. [28] Additionally, Robert Hilburn observed artists to incorporate the "Janet Jackson school of youthful Top 40 attitude" as a model for their artistry. [29] Out Magazine stated:
"Any female pop singer working today owes a huge debt of gratitude to Janet. Anytime you see a choreographed dance troupe, a toned bare midriff, an elaborate music video, a blockbuster stage show, a film role between albums, or an ear [headset] microphone – Janet's fingerprints are all over it." [4]
—Brenna Elrich of MTV News, in comparing Jackson with younger contemporaries such as Taylor Swift. [30]
Tris McCall called Jackson "the direct forerunner of most current female pop stars," adding, "The techno-soul hybrid she pioneered in the '80s (and the conflation of transgression, liberation and desire at the heart of much her writing) is now the sound of the commercial airwaves. Rihanna, Britney Spears... they've all followed in Jackson's stiletto-heeled footsteps." [7] While having "changed the course of females in pop music," Taylor Ferber of VH1 stated, "Janet was a trailblazer, fusing pop [with varied genres], raising the bar for music video choreography, speaking out about social injustice and breaking racial and sexual taboos. The trends she started in fashion and music can still be seen in the work of today's female stars." [31]
Kelly Crane stated, "[her] name is constantly mentioned when other artists — Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears to name a few – are asked who inspires them." [16] The Khaleej Times observed Jackson to establish a template for Rihanna, while NME noted the emergence of "pneumatic mini-Janets" such as Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez. [32] [33] Rashod Ollison recognized various artists and boy bands to "owe a huge debt to Jackson for the dance and musical templates she set," heralding her influence on "today's pop vixens for whom she set the template." [6] [34] Jon Pareles cited her to "shape Britney Spears, Beyoncé, the Pussycat Dolls and much other current pop". [35]
Through her "versatility and mastery of a bewildering array of styles," Virgin Records observed her to influence an eclectic range of artists. [36] [37] According to The Guardian , Jackson has become "the paradigmatic cyber-diva of modern machine soul, a key influence on her successors, from Whitney to Mariah, Britney to Beyoncé." [8] Justin Timberlake, Adam Levine, [38] and Bruno Mars [39] consider her a notable influence, in addition to European artists Cheryl Cole and Robyn, [40] [41] and Asian artists including Lee Hyori, BoA, and Girls' Generation. [42] [43] [44] Jackson is among the most prominent fixtures in remix culture; [45] receiving uncommissioned remixes by electronic artists such as Disclosure and Skrillex. [45] [46] In indie rock, she has inspired albums by The Black Keys and Sleigh Bells. [47] [48] Her vocal attributes have inspired Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon, Jamie Liddell, and Class Actress, [49] [50] [51] while the vocal styles of Ariana Grande, FKA Twigs, and Gwen Stefani have been compared with her vocal techniques. [52] [53] [54]
— Ria Nevada describing Jackson's influence on dance and choreography. [5]
Through her performances and choreography, Jackson has pioneered a variety of methods used by ensuing artists. [55] [56] Veronica Chambers declared her to redefine the music video, citing numerous artists to use similar sets and dance routines. [57] Her concert tours have been regarded to create new standards for showmanship, via the usage of pyrotechnics, elaborate staging, and intricate choreography. [58] Of her influence on Shakira and Beyoncé, Denene Millner commended her to "single-handedly change the way a generation of female performers hit the stage," adding, "Before Jackson, little was expected of [teenage] girl singers except that they coo about love and heartbreak and look pretty in their dresses." [59] Fabien Brathwaite added, "Before Janet, women weren't dancing this hard or this fierce or this sexy." [4] Her abstract and inventive choreography has been considered a "measuring stick" for modern dance. [60] [61] Universal Music observed synchronized dance routines to become "synonymous with Janet," while Telemundo noted artists such as LMFAO to perform "Janet Jackson-style" formations. [23] [62] Jackson brought the headset microphone to prominence; often referred to as the "Janet Jackson microphone," [63] [64] [65] and developed explicit performance themes; such as seducing a fan on stage. [66] Additionally, she was one of two artists to first use LCDs; becoming a standard in modern technology. [67]
Jackson has secured a position as a prominent fashion icon, with Phil Marder declaring her fashion statements to "often become the norm for teenage girls around the globe." [69] Her iconic ensembles include her Control -era attire, "Rhythm Nation" outfit, Velvet Rope period of crimson hair and piercings, and standard of midriff-baring wardrobe. [70] [71] Upon her image transition, she has pioneered the "teen pop evolution"; taking authority of her career and progressing from a child star into a sultrier, adult image. [72] Emily Feimster stated:
"It's the infamous Janet Jackson who paved the way from virginal to vixenesque behavior. She began her singing career as a cute, chubby cheeked girl who dressed in baggy clothing... She's now one of the sexiest, most risqué performers in the biz... not afraid to push the envelope." [73]
In comparing Miley Cyrus' image transition to Jackson's, Priya Elan stated, "Miley, like Janet, was the beloved child star who played tic-tac-toe with America as Hannah Montana ," observing her risqué performances to eradicate her former persona in a similar vein. [68] As a sex symbol, Jackson became known for her toned abdominal muscles and midriff-baring style, thought to become "standard operating procedure" within contemporary pop. [71] VH1 observed her image to be emulated by "just about every pop star," while The Harvard Crimson recalled, "Janet Jackson's sexy stomach captured the imagination of all races." [74] [75]
—Excerpt from "Janet Jackson: Still the queen" editorial by Joe Lawler. [10]
Various critics have bestowed Jackson as the "Queen of Pop," [9] [10] [11] [12] while others observed an ongoing debate for the title, [252] with Fabien Brathwaite calling her "the other Queen of Pop." [4] Of her cultural appeal, VH1 stated, "Miss Jackson became a larger than life icon who transcends the world of music – she is a pop culture phenomenon." [2] Ken Berry titled her the "embodiment of a global superstar," citing her appeal to "transcend geographic, cultural, and generational boundaries." [253] MTV News added, "drop the name "Janet" anywhere in the world where there's access to an FM radio, and they'll know who you're talking about." [26]
Several analysts consider her to rival the success of her contemporaries, [254] [255] while others observed her to become a greater influence. [24] [256] In declaring her "one of the biggest and, in many ways, boldest female pop stars in the world," Neil McCormick of The Telegraph asserted Jackson as "the only serious rival to Madonna," while Entertainment Weekly placed them in an equal class of longevity. [254] [257] Dutch publication Trouw cited both women as the most prominent female artists of their generation. [258] In profiling artists such as Justin Timberlake, author Sean Smith considered her to exceed the influence of Michael Jackson within modern pop. [256] Of the BBC UK documentary Janet Jackson – Taking Control, Howard Male concluded, "Janet's unprecedented crossover success changed the music industry just as much as Michael's did." [255]
Artists who have been appointed the potential "next Janet Jackson" or successor include Britney Spears, [259] Beyoncé, [260] Cheryl Cole, [261] Fergie, [262] and Rihanna. [263] [264] Various critics have titled international artists in comparison, which include Samantha Fox as the "British Janet Jackson", [265] Daniela Mercury as the "Brazilian Janet Jackson", [266] BoA as the "Korean Janet Jackson", [267] Maya Vik as the "Norwegian Janet Jackson", [268] Alison Hinds as the "West Indian answer to Janet", [269] Lady Saw as the "Janet Jackson of Jamaica", [270] Vina Morales as the Philippines' "answer to Janet Jackson", [271] and Namie Amuro, Gina Hiraizumi, and Crystal Kay as the "Japanese Janet Jackson." [96] [272] [273] Artists who have titled themselves in reference to Jackson include Adam Levine ("reverse" or male Jackson), [38] Fischerspooner ("indie version" of Jackson), [274] Havana Brown ("the DJ-slash-Janet Jackson"), Kat Graham ("Baby Janet"), and Kanary Diamonds ("rapping Janet Jackson"). [123] [275] [276]
Notable artists who have been influenced or commented on Jackson include:
Britney Jean Spears is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She is credited with influencing the revival of teen pop during the late 1990s and early 2000s, for which she is referred to as the "Princess of Pop". After appearing in stage productions and television series, Spears signed with Jive Records in 1997 at age 15. Her first two studio albums, certified diamond in the US, ...Baby One More Time (1999) and Oops!... I Did It Again (2000), were global successes and became two of the best-selling albums of all time, along with making her the best-selling teenage artist of all time. The former's title track was named the greatest debut single of all time by Rolling Stone in 2020 and the latter held a 15-year record for fastest-selling album by a female artist in the United States with first-week sales of over 1.3 million copies.
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer and record producer. A prominent figure in popular culture, she is noted for her sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, and elaborate stage shows.
Britney is the third studio album by American singer Britney Spears. It was released on November 6, 2001 in the United States through Jive Records. Looking to transition from the teen pop styles of her earlier albums ...Baby One More Time (1999) and Oops!... I Did It Again (2000), Spears began to embrace a significantly more mature sound with Britney. Its music incorporates genres of pop and R&B with influences of dance and occasionally dips into elements of disco, hip hop, rock, and electronica. Its lyrics address the subjects of reaching adulthood and sexuality. Contributions to its production came from a variety of collaborators, including Max Martin and Rami Yacoub. Spears herself assumed a more prominent role in the album's development, co-writing six of its tracks.
In the Zone is the fourth studio album by American singer Britney Spears, released on November 18, 2003, through Jive Records. Its eclectic music incorporates pop, dance, hip hop, crunk, house, electropop, bhaṅgṛā and R&B styles with instrumentation from techno beats, guitars, drums, synthesizers, strings and Middle Eastern musical instruments. Its themes range from love, dancing and in the case of songs such as "Touch of My Hand", sex and masturbation. Contributions to the album's production came from a wide range of producers, including Bloodshy & Avant, R. Kelly, Trixster, Moby, Guy Sigsworth and The Matrix.
The Velvet Rope is the sixth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. The album was released on October 7, 1997, through Virgin Records. Prior to its release, she renegotiated her contract with Virgin for US$80 million, the largest recording contract in history at that time.
All for You is the seventh studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. It was released on April 16, 2001, by Virgin Records. The album's development and theme were rooted in Jackson's separation from husband René Elizondo, Jr. as she was getting to know what dating is like for the first time. Unlike The Velvet Rope, which saw Jackson tackling darker issues such as domestic violence and depression, All for You showcased a mix of upbeat dance-pop and slow R&B sounds, incorporating rock, disco, and funk, as well as soft rock and Oriental music. Its lyrics focus on passion, romance, and intercourse, also discussing themes of betrayal and deceit. The explicit language and sexual content of several songs drew media controversy, causing the album to be banned in several countries.
Damita Jo is the eighth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. It was released on March 22, 2004, by Virgin Records. The album takes its title from Jackson's middle name. Its music incorporates pop rock, electro, house, and hip hop styles, in addition to R&B. Its concept is based on Jackson's alternate personalities, exploring themes involving intimacy, monogamy, love, and dance. Its production is derived from producers including Dallas Austin, Cathy Dennis, Scott Storch, BAG & Arnthor, Arnthor Birgisson, Rich Harrison, Télépopmusik, Just Blaze, and Kanye West; in addition to Jackson and Jam & Lewis.
"Rhythm Nation" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, released as the second single from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was written and produced by Jackson, in collaboration with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Jackson developed the song's concept in response to various tragedies in the media, deciding to pursue a socially conscious theme by using a political standpoint within upbeat dance music. In the United States, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Dance Club Songs charts. It also peaked within the top 40 of several singles charts worldwide. "Rhythm Nation" received several accolades, including BMI Pop Awards for "Most Played Song", the Billboard Award for "Top Dance/Club Play Single" and a Grammy nomination for Jackson as "Producer of the Year". It has been included in two of Jackson's greatest hits collections, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 (1995) and Number Ones (2009).
"Black Cat" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, released as the sixth single from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). The song was written by Jackson, who produced it with Jellybean Johnson. In a departure from her standard of industrial-based dance-pop, "Black Cat" is a hard rock song with arena rock influences. Its lyrics speak of substance abuse and gang violence. It was the final song recorded for the album, after Jackson, along with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, composed its main riff when desiring a rock song to complete the record.
"That's the Way Love Goes" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fifth album Janet (1993). The song was released on April 20, 1993, as the lead single from the Janet album. Written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song's themes of romantic lust saw Jackson transitioning to sensual territory, considered a shocking contrast to her previous releases among critics and the public. The song's slow tempo fused R&B, pop, funk and soul music with flourishes of downtempo and hip hop music. It received positive reviews from contemporary music critics, who praised it as "iconic", "hypnotic", and an "extravaganza" for its production and vocals.
"I'm a Slave 4 U" is the lead single of American singer Britney Spears' third and eponymous studio album, Britney (2001). The track, written and produced by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes, was released on September 24, 2001 through Jive Records as the lead single off the record.
"Boys" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her third studio album, Britney (2001). It was written and produced by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams. A version of the song, entitled "The Co-Ed Remix" and featuring guest vocals from Williams, was released as the sixth and final single from Britney on July 29, 2002. The new version also served as the second single from the soundtrack of Austin Powers in Goldmember. "Boys" is a R&B and hip hop song, including funk influences. The remix carries a slower tempo than the album version, and both versions are noted to be reminiscent of Janet Jackson. Some critics praised Williams and Spears' chemistry, as well as the production on the track, while others did not think the song worked well.
"Anticipating" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her self-titled third studio album, Britney (2001). It was written by Spears alongside the song's producers Brian Kierulf and Josh Schwartz. The song was released on June 21, 2002, by Jive Records, as the fifth single from the album, exclusive to France. "Anticipating" is a disco and dance-pop song, influenced by R&B. Lyrically, the song is about friendship and camaraderie between women. It was met with critical praise, with reviewers complimenting its lyrics and comparing it to the 1980s compositions of Madonna, Rick Astley and Janet Jackson's "All for You".
"Nasty" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album, Control (1986). It was released on April 15, 1986, by A&M Records as the album's second single. It is a funk number built with samples and a quirky timpani melody. The first and last 30 seconds incorporate the emphases from "Get Up Sex Machine" by James Brown but in a different key. The single peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and remains one of Jackson's signature songs. The line "My first name ain't baby, it's Janet – Miss Jackson if you're nasty" has been used in pop culture in various forms.
American entertainer Janet Jackson has released fifty-two music videos, in addition to eight video albums and two concert tour videos. Upon the debut of Control, she became a dominant figure in entertainment, establishing herself as one of the pioneers of the video era. Her videography is considered among the most influential in popular culture by critics, who have lauded their elaborate sets, intricate dance routines, fashion, and meticulous detail. Her story-telling videos display various concepts, ranging from large production pieces to socially conscious themes and controversial depictions of intimacy. Throughout her work, Jackson was a preeminent influence in establishing the art of performance and choreography within music video. Her videos have been described as the entertainment industry's highest standard, which Rolling Stone observed to create templates for numerous artists. VH1 ranked her among the greatest women in music video, while MTV honored her with the Video Vanguard Award and inaugural Icon tribute for her impact within entertainment.
Circus is the sixth studio album by American singer Britney Spears, released on December 2, 2008, by Jive Records. Looking to transition from her "darker and more urban" fifth studio album Blackout (2007), Spears wanted to make her next project "a little bit lighter". She recorded the album during the summer of 2008, after her much-publicized personal struggles saw her placement under a conservatorship earlier that year. As executive producers, Larry Rudolph and Teresa LaBarbera Whites enlisted collaborators including Spears' longtime colleague Max Martin and Danja. Their efforts resulted in a primarily pop and dance record with urban influences.
Femme Fatale is the seventh studio album by American singer Britney Spears. It was released on March 29, 2011 by Jive Records and was her last album with the label before they shut down later that year as she was moved to RCA Records. Musically, Spears wanted to make a "fresh-sounding" and "fierce dance album", thus incorporating dance-pop, electropop, EDM and synth-pop styles with elements of dubstep, techno and electro in its sound. Spears began working on the album during the second leg of her tour The Circus Starring Britney Spears (2009), while also contributing to her second greatest hits album The Singles Collection (2009). Spears collaborated with various producers including Max Martin, Dr. Luke, William Orbit, Fraser T Smith, Rodney Jerkins, Bloodshy & Avant, will.i.am and Stargate.
Janet Jackson is a big deal these days, the Queen of Pop, though we can still call her by her first name.
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(help)I was obsessed with U2's Numb and Janet Jackson's If, they inspired it
I wanted to create, like, a cross between a rave and a Janet Jackson concert.
Artist mentions influence of Jackson's Velvet Rope Tour.
Janet's music rocks," says singer Jessica Simpson, citing the songs "Rhythm Nation" and "Black Cat," specifically. "Janet affects my music.
the added lyrics at the end ("Why'd ja have to go 'n' do that?") which I'm told are from Janet Jackson, were a nice touch.
Specifically, the Janet Jackson piece, I love that. As a matter of fact, at that time, I was trying to break down my prejudice to contemporary radio and I was listening to a station. I'd leave it set there and I'd listen to it for a couple of days to give it a fair shake and at that particular time, that song sailed out of everything else
And that's what started me off learning to dance because I was so intrigued with how she worked the stage. It was a show. She just didn't stand there and sing her songs. She came and performed.
Someone's been listening to Janet Jackson's Control, electro both old and new, Vanity 6, vintage Funkadelic and most controversially, the peerless while dub of Scritti Politti (there is a startling mid-tempo duet with singer Green Gartside involved).
The American influences on her latest album were reflected in her performance for the Sydney audience. 'One Boy Girl' and 'Rhythm Of Love', performed in funky baggy trousers and trainers, were all raps and latin rhythms that had more than just a touch of Janet Jackson.
Lohan does tell me that she wants her album to sound like Janet Jackson's latest ["Damita Jo"] and that she co-wrote her first song last week.
I think of Janet as an inspiration, not as a rival.
Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins: "When I first started working with Michael, he gave me a CD to listen to of music that inspired him. And the first song on that CD was "Rhythm Nation."
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(help)'NSync cites Janet Jackson, for whom the boy band toured with early on in their career, as a major showmanship influence from both and entertainment and evolution perspective.
“She loves to make up dances,” Mandy said of Miley. “We do it backstage, sometimes, or in hotel rooms when we have time off.” [...] Ashlee reports that the most recent preference for these dance jams has been Janet Jackson.