"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 upbeatdance music. In the United States, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Black Singles 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).
The music video for "Rhythm Nation" was directed by Dominic Sena and choreographed by Jackson and a then-unknown Anthony Thomas. It served as the final segment in Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 film. It portrays rapid choreography within a "post-apocalyptic" warehouse setting, with Jackson and her dancers adorned in unisex military attire. It was filmed in black-and-white to portray the song's theme of racial harmony. Jackson's record label attempted to persuade her against filming the video, but upon her insistence it became "the most far-reaching single project the company has ever attempted." The video received two MTV Video Music Awards for "Best Choreography" and "Best Dance Video." Jackson also won the Billboard Award for "Best Female Video Artist" in addition to the "Director's Award" and "Music Video Award for Artistic Achievement." The Rhythm Nation 1814 film won the Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video. The video's outfit was inducted into the National Museum of Women in the Arts and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where its hand-written lyrics are also used in the museum's class on female songwriters.
Upon recording her fourth studio album, Jackson was inspired to cover socially conscious issues as a response to various tragedies in the media.[4] Producer Jimmy Jam stated, "Janet came up with the 'Rhythm Nation' concept. A lot of it had to do with watching TV. We're avid TV watchers, and we would watch MTV, then switch over to CNN, and there'd always be something messed-up happening. It was never good news, always bad news."[4] She was particularly saddened by the Stockton playground murders, leading her to record "Livin' in a World (They Didn't Make)." She decided to pursue additional songs with a similar concept, focusing on a political standpoint within energetic dance music.[4] The song's lyrics were written as a montage of racial unity with Jackson's passion for dance, envisioning a colorblind world sharing the same beliefs.[5] Jam explained:
We wanted something to do with rhythm, because that's what Janet's life is about: beat, rhythm. One night over dinner, Janet said, "rhythm nation." I told Terry, and he just sang the melody, "We are part of the rhythm nation." And then I hit, "The people of the world today, searching for a better way of life", and Janet sings, "Rhythm Nation." And it just all came together.[6]
We have so little time to solve these problems. I want people to realize the urgency. I want to grab their attention. Music is my way of doing that. It's okay to have fun — I want to be certain that point is clear. I have fun. Dancing is fun. Dancing is healthy. It pleases me when the kids say my stuff is kickin', but it pleases me even more when they listen to the lyrics. The lyrics mean so much to me.
Jackson jokingly considered it a "national anthem for the Nineties", leading her to develop Rhythm Nation 1814, titled after the year "The Star-Spangled Banner" was written.[8] She derived its lyrical theme from the diversity amongst society, which she observed to be united by music. Jackson said, "I realized that among my friends, we actually had a distinct 'nation' of our own. We weren't interested in drugs or drinking but social change. We also loved music and loved to dance... that's how Rhythm Nation 1814 was born."[9] She also likened its concept to the various groups formed among youth, asserting a common identity and bond, saying, "I thought it would be great if we could create our own nation. One that would have a positive message and that everyone would be free to join."[10] Jackson also commented, "I found it so intriguing that everyone united through whatever the link was. And I felt that with most of my friends. Most people think that my closest friends are in the [entertainment] business, and they're not. They're roller-skating rink guards, waitresses, one works for a messenger service. They have minimum-wage paying jobs. And the one thing that we all have in common is music. I know that within our little group, there is a rhythm nation that exists."[8]
Jackson desired the song's theme to capture the attention of her teenage audience, who were potentially unaware of socially conscious themes. She commented, "I wanted to take our message directly to the kids, and the way to do that is by making music you can really dance to. That was our whole goal: How can I get through to the kids with this?"[10] She became encouraged by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell, feeling as if their demographics were already familiar with social themes.[9] Jackson said, "These were people who woke me up to the responsibility of music. They were beautiful singers and writers who felt for others. They understood suffering."[9] Upon questioning, Jackson said, "I know I can't change the world single-handedly, but for those who are on the fence, maybe I can lead them in a positive direction... If I just touched one person, just to make that difference, make them change for the better, that's an accomplishment."[8] Jackson also responded to potential ridicule, stating, "a lot of people have said, "She's not being realistic with this Rhythm Nation. It's like 'Oh, she thinks the world is going to come together through her dance music,' and that's not the case at all. I know a song or an album can't change the world. But there's nothing wrong with doing what we're doing to help spread the message."[11] Jackson added, "If personal freedom has political implications and if pleasure must be part of any meaningful solution—and it really must—there's nothing wrong with it at all."[11]
The distinctive guitar riff was based on "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)" by Sly and the Family Stone.[12] Its socially conscious lyrics preach racial harmony and leadership through dance, anti-fascism, protesting bigotry, and geographic boundaries with "compassionate, dedicated people power."[13][14] It uses a moderate funk tempo composed in the key of E minor. Jackson's vocals range from C4 to A5, climaxing during the song's middle eight.[15] It opens with prelude "Pledge", in which Jackson describes "a world rid of color-lines" over apocalyptic bells and ambient noise.[14] According to The New York Times' writer Stephen Holden, the song is an "utopian dance-floor exhortation" whose lyrics "[call] for racial harmony and cooperative struggle to create a better, stronger world".[16] Its chorus is supported by male voices, with Jackson addressing her audience in a similar vein to a politician, "abandoning the narrow I for the universal we and inviting us to do the same."[14] Its final chorus closes with multiple ad-libs as Jackson encourages listeners to sing with her, spreading the song's message of multicultural solidarity in a "grand pop statement."[14][17]
Critical reception
"Rhythm Nation" received positive reviews from critics, garnering praise for its lyrical theme. Rolling Stone declared it the album's "essential moment", describing the song as "a headbanging good time."[18] Stephen Holden of The New York Times called it a "militantly utopian dance-floor exhortation."[16] Michael Saunders of The Sun Sentinel declared it "upbeat funk-pop" which showcased Jackson's "light, breathy voice."[19]
Sputnik Music applauded its "extraordinary" production and chorus, thought to result in "a catchy, smart single which would appease the Jackson haters and delight the fans."[20]People specified its "burnin' hunk o' funk guitar riff".[21]Entertainment Weekly declared it a "paean to the human spirit", likened to "a chorus line of stormtroopers."[22]Vince Aletti of Rolling Stone described the song as a "densely textured, agitated track" propelled by "syncopated yelps" of unity.[14]
Theme reception
Vince Aletti considered its message "dedicated" and "compassionate", praising its concept of a "multiracial, multinational network." He added, "Jackson addresses her constituency the way a politician might, abandoning the narrow I for the universal we and inviting us to do the same."[14] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine described it as a "socially charged calls to arms", promoting a "Zen-like transcendence of self." Its lyrics were regarded to call for "social justice" rather than personal freedom, focusing on "strength in numbers" and "unity through mandatory multiculturalism."[23] In May 2016, Entertainment Weekly ranked "Rhythm Nation" as the best Janet Jackson song of all time, commenting, "it rode to the new jack swing of its era, but this industrial-edged anthem ... is one of the most radical hits ever by a pop diva. It broke all of the lines, color and otherwise, high-stepping all the way.[24]Richard Croft called it "a protest song with a twist", commending its description of how change can be made rather than questioning why it hasn't occurred.[25]Women, Politics, and Popular Culture author Lilly Goren considered it to reflect "politically driven feminist messages."[26] Chris Willman of Los Angeles Times proposed its theme "big on community, stressing social consciousness for a young target audience and proposing a prejudice-free" nation.[27] An additional review stated, "[Janet] wanted social justice and voiced it in one of the most fabulous, bad ass ways possible."[28]
Jon Pareles of The New York Times praised its "earnest concern", also noting its "call for unity and good intentions." Its preach of racial unity was applauded, thought to unite "Ms. Jackson's opposition to racism with an image of a mass audience."[29][30] The publication also observed Jackson to eagerly "rail against societal ills like racism and domestic abuse."[31] Additionally, it was used as an example of a socially conscious song having influence over the public, thought to effectively call for "racial harmony and cooperative struggle to create a better, stronger world."[16] Pareles added Jackson "kept the propulsive funk and added worthy, generalized social messages".[32] An anecdote likened its theme of peace to the teachings of social activist Mahatma Gandhi, saying, ""Rhythm Nation" sheds light on the problem of apathy, which is common among young people today." Jackson's conscious lyrics and desire to "not only entertain, but to educate" was praised, concluding, "["Rhythm Nation"] speaks particularly to young people and encourages them to be the leaders of tomorrow."[33]
Commercial performance
"Rhythm Nation" debuted at number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of November 11, 1989.[34] It was the week's highest new entry, breaking Madonna's consecutive streak of Hot Shot Debuts on the chart.[35] The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 on January 6, 1990, for two consecutive weeks.[34][35] It also reached number two on the Mainstream Top 40 chart and reached number one on the ATV Top 40 in addition to the Hot Black Singles and Hot Dance Club Play charts, topping the former chart for a single week (January 13, 1990), and the latter chart for three weeks.[35] "Rhythm Nation" was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) on January 16, 1990.[36] Internationally, the single reached number two in Canada, number nine in the Netherlands, number 17 in New Zealand, number 19 in Ireland, number 22 in Switzerland, number 23 on the United Kingdom singles chart, and number 56 in Australia.[37][38][39][40][41]
Jackson performing in the music video for "Rhythm Nation", with dancers all outfitted in unisex black military-style uniforms
The music video for "Rhythm Nation" was directed by Dominic Sena. It was the final inclusion in Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 film, following "Miss You Much" and "The Knowledge." Its premise focuses on rapid choreography within a "post-apocalyptic" warehouse setting, with Jackson and her dancers outfitted in unisex black military-style uniforms. It was filmed in black-and-white to portray the song's theme of racial harmony. Jackson stated, "There were so many races in that video, from Black to White and all the shades of gray in between. Black-and-white photography shows all those shades, and that's why we used it."[5] Its wardrobe also reflects the song's theme of gender equality, using matching unisex outfits.[5] Jackson commented, "The foggy, smoky street and the dark, black-and-white tone, that was all intentional. When you've done a lot of videos, it can be difficult to keep it fresh and new. You have to try something you've never done, in fear of looking like something you've already created."[42]
While developing its concept, Jackson's record label attempted to persuade her against filming the video, feeling as if it didn't have mainstream appeal. Upon her insistence, it became "the most far-reaching single project the company has ever attempted."[5] The video received multiple accolades, including MTV Video Music Awards for Best Choreography and Best Dance Video at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards. Jackson was also the recipient of the Director's Award, Best Female Video Artist, and the Music Video Award for Artistic Achievement at the 1990 Billboard Music Awards.[43][44] The film won a Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video at the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards.[45] It was later listed among the "Greatest Music Videos of All Time" by Slant Magazine.[46]Entertainment Weekly considered it "legendary" while Rolling Stone declared it "the gold standard for dystopiandance-pop music videos", thought to include "the most memorable choreography in pop video history."[47][48]MTV News commended it as "the clip that sent Jackson into the stratosphere as an envelope-pushing pop star."[49] The video's outfit is included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" exhibit and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and was previously displayed on a statue at Walt Disney World theme park
During its initial promotion, "Rhythm Nation" was performed on Top of the Pops and TV Plus, in addition to Germany's Countdown and Peter's Pop Show.[50][51] It was also performed for Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family at a Royal Variety Performance.[52] Jackson's pants split during the performance due to its intense choreography.[53] It was performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and America United: In Support of Our Troops concert during promotion for her tenth album, Discipline.[54][55] The song was notoriously performed with "All for You" and an excerpt of "The Knowledge" at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, in which Jackson's breast was accidentally exposed by Justin Timberlake.[56] The performance led to the inspiration for YouTube and launch of Facebook, also becoming the most watched, recorded, and replayed event in television history.[57][58] It also set a record for Jackson as the most searched term and image in internet history.[58]
"Rhythm Nation" has been performed on all of her following tours. On the Rhythm Nation Tour, Jackson's performance was described as "a wedge of hard-driving bodies moves like a robot battalion in precision drill."[59] Jackson's outfit had been "mimicked by many of her fans" throughout the tour.[60] Observing its routine, The New York Times stated, "Legs chop wide open, then close again. They shoot out abruptly to the sides, then kick into jazz spins and bouncing splits to the floor. There are sedate pelvic jerks and a swiveling turn on a toe, trotting runs and purposeful syncopated walks. But essentially these are bodies rooted into the floor, taut yet alive in the way of a boxer edgily biding his time in the ring."[61] A live rendition from the janet. World Tour was aired on MTV.
The Velvet Rope Tour was reported to feature "the characteristic, Russian-style military suit she wore in the video, corresponding with the song's rigid, robotic dance movements." Los Angeles Times regarded her "a human musical medley", while The Daily Telegraph considered it "show-stopping" for its display of "hyperbolic tension."[62][63] Jackson's rendition on the All for You Tour was described as a "neon-lit number straight out of Blade Runner." Rolling Stone declared it "stunning", adding, "even near the end of the two-hour show, her voice was unwaveringly powerful, carrying the "Sing it people/Sing it children" lines like a flag on the Fourth of July."[64][65] Jackson's dancers emulated "animated toys and storybook figures" in catsuits, performing robotic moves against "structured, sassy beats."[66][67] On Number Ones, Up Close and Personal, Jackson's rendition was also praised, as she "sliced her way through tight, sharp choreography."[68]Alexis Petridis of The Guardian called it "ferocious", adding, "if she wanted to remind people how commanding a presence she can be, she's done her job."[69] Jackson also included the song on her 2015–16 Unbreakable World Tour; Jon Pareles of The New York Times, wrote that "as the concert neared its end, Ms. Jackson moved from the personal to the communal, summoning the staccato funk and calls for collective action of 'Rhythm Nation'. Suddenly, the number of onstage dancers more than doubled, all moving in sync".[70] She also has included the song on her current 2017–2019 State of the World Tour and her 2019 Las Vegas residency Janet Jackson: Metamorphosis. It was also included on her special concert series Janet Jackson: A Special 30th Anniversary Celebration of Rhythm Nation in 2019.
"Rhythm Nation" has influenced performances by artists such as Cheryl Cole and Beyoncé.
"Rhythm Nation" has been cited to influence various artists within its production, lyrical theme and vocal arrangement. Its music video has also been considered among the most influential in popular culture. Rolling Stone observed it to "set the template for hundreds of videos to come in the Nineties and aughts", with Entertainment Weekly also declaring it "groundbreaking", in addition to "striking, timeless and instantly recognizable."[71][72] Mike Weaver stated Jackson's "one-of-a-kind, funk-and-groove choreography was unlike anything seen in the history of pop music. ... every show choir and every hiphop dancer wanted to cut and paste parts and pieces of the Rhythm Nation production into their set."[73] Regarding its influence, Sherri Winston of The Sun Sentinel stated, "No one can witness the militaristic precision of Rhythm Nation, which gives the impression that a really angry pep squad has taken over the dance floor, and not see how Janet's style has been sampled, borrowed and stolen over and over ... and over."[74]
The Stereo Hogzz performed a live rendition and replicated its choreography during the first season of The X Factor.[102] English dance troupeDiversity incorporated its choreography during a performance on the third season finale of Britain's Got Talent.[103] It was also performed on America's Best Dance Crew and Britain's Stars in Their Eyes.[104][105] Pink, Usher, and Mýa performed a dance tribute to "Rhythm Nation" on Jackson's MTV Icon special. Filipino singer Jaya included a live cover on the album Jaya Live at the Araneta.[106] The song's countdown is used in various releases of the video game NBA Live.
Awards and accolades
"Rhythm Nation" won a Billboard Music Award for "Top Dance/Club Play Single of the Year", with Jackson also winning "Best Female Artist, Dance", "Best Female Video Artist", "Director's Award", and the "Music Video Award for Artistic Achievement." The song also won a BMI Pop Award for "Most Played Song", in addition to awarding her "Songwriter of the Year." Jackson received a Grammy Award nomination for "Producer of the Year, Non-Classical", with its full-length music video winning "Best Long Form Music Video." Slant Magazine included it among the "Greatest Dance Songs of All Time" and "Greatest Music Videos of All Time." VH1 ranked its music video among their "Greatest Videos." The video also won two MTV Video Music Awards for "Best Choreography" and "Best Dance Video", with Jackson awarded the Video Vanguard Award for her contributions to popular culture. The song is performed at Las Vegas' Legends in Concert series. The hand-written lyrics to "Rhythm Nation" and the music video's outfit are included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" exhibit, with its lyrics also used in the museum's course on feminist songwriters. In 2021, it was listed at No. 475 on Rolling Stone's "Top 500 Best Songs of All Time".[107]
The song exhorts social change in the face of injustice, using music – and by extension, rhythm – as a unifying tool. It's the perfect platform to talk about song structure (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.) More important, "Rhythm Nation" provides a unique point of view from which to draw conclusions about its author and her era.
"Rhythm Nation" is among Jackson's signature songs, commended for its lyrical theme and innovative production. Jackson commented, "When I first proposed a socially conscious concept, there were voices of doubt. But the more I thought about it, the more committed I became, I no longer had a choice. The creativity took over, "Rhythm Nation" came alive. I saw that a higher power was at work."[7] Jon Pareles declared it "one of the more innovative Top 10 hits of the 1980's", while Yahoo! Music called it "revolutionary" and "militaristic."[114][115] Michael Saunders considered it among Jackson's repertoire of "skillfully packaged pop songs that have made her one of the biggest-selling performers in popdom."[19] Jimmy Jam stated, "Janet has said a million times, "You're not going to change anybody. But if you've got somebody on the fence, and they're at that point when they're either going to go one way or another, then a little nudge in that direction ain't gonna hurt." So that's all you're trying to do. And it's cool to do that. It's cool to do that and have a hit."[6]
Slant Magazine ranked it among the best singles of the 1980s, saying, "the music is militant and regimented, with beats that fire like artillery juxtaposed with the typically thin-voiced Janet's unbridled vocal performance."[23] The publication added, "Rhythm Nation" makes its statement without relying on schmaltz; it's no wonder why big brother Mike was envious of it."[23] The song was later ranked number twenty-one on their list of "100 Greatest Dance Songs", praising Jackson's "guarded political optimism into a direct attack on the 1980s' culture of indifference."[112] Richard Croft praised its "powerful" production, declaring, "the beats on this song are probably the most powerful ever to be heard in the history of mankind."[25] Another critique declared it "the best song Janet has ever done", praising its "mission statement" in addition to its "frantic beats, the message, the determined vocal performance, the lyrics and the explosive chorus", adding "There are few moments in pop music as thrilling as the transition of the dance breakdown into the final choruses, complete with Janet going nuts over the ad-libs, as if she was in a trance brought on but just how beyond amazing this song is. And that's not even mentioning the incredible video."[116]
Through words and deeds, Janet has set an example of generosity, of empowerment, of tolerance, while leading an array of efforts addressing some of society's greatest challenges.
Jackson founded the "Rhythm Nation Scholarship", assisting students in meeting their academic goals. The monetary award is given to students who have demonstrated high academic achievement or have been actively involved within their school or community.[119] She received the Chairman's Award at the NAACP Awards for her work regarding illiteracy, drug abuse, violence, and high school dropout prevention. In response to a critic who said her socially conscious lyrics could accomplish "nothing", Jackson invited two high school graduates to the stage, who both had previously credited the song and its music video as the motivation for staying in school.[120] Various portions of the "Rhythm Nation" outfit were donated to charity, including the Music Against AIDS auction.[121] A tribute band known as "Rhythm Nation" performs at various fundraisers, including benefits for children with cancer at the Ronald McDonald House in New York City.[122][123][124]
Effect of resonant frequencies
In August 2022, Microsoft engineer Raymond Chen published an article detailing how playing the music video on or nearby certain laptops would cause a crash. The song contains one of the natural resonant frequencies to some 5400 RPMOEM-laptop hard drives used around the year 2005.[125] This vulnerability was assigned a CVE ID of CVE-2022-38392, which describes a possible denial of service attack, and references Raymond Chen's blog post. YouTuber Adam Neely traced the song's resonant peak at 84.2Hz, which he hypothesized as the combination of the song's bassline at the note E with a possible use of pitch control to increase the speed and pitch of the song during production, as the source of the offending resonant frequency.[126]
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreography became a catalyst in the growth of MTV, enabling her to rise to prominence while breaking gender and racial barriers in the process. Lyrical content that focused on social issues and lived experiences set her reputation as a role model for youth.
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Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 is the fourth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson, released on September 19, 1989, by A&M Records. Although label executives wanted material similar to her previous album, Control (1986), Jackson insisted on creating a concept album addressing social issues. Collaborating with songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, she drew inspiration from various tragedies reported through news media, exploring racism, poverty, and substance abuse, in addition to themes of romance. Although its primary concept of a sociopolitical utopia was met with mixed reactions, its composition received critical acclaim. Jackson came to be considered a role model for youth because of her socially conscious lyrics.
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"All Nite (Don't Stop)" is a song recorded by American singer Janet Jackson for her eighth studio album, Damita Jo (2004). It was written and produced by Jackson and Swedish duo Bag & Arnthor (consisting of Anders Bagge and Arnthor Birgisson), with additional writing from Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and Tony "Prof T" Tolbert. Virgin Records released the song to contemporary hit radio in the United States on May 17, 2004, as the album's third and final single. A So So Def remix featuring Elephant Man was also issued. "All Nite (Don't Stop)" is an electro-funk and house song that contains elements of samba, Latin, dance-pop, and dancehall. Jackson sings the song in a breathy falsetto, while lyrically it discusses being addicted to dancing in a club setting.
"Got 'til It's Gone" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, featuring American rapper Q-Tip and Canadian singer Joni Mitchell, from her sixth studio album, The Velvet Rope (1997). It was written by Jackson, Jam and Lewis, with additional writing by René Elizondo Jr., Mitchell, and Kamaal Ibn Fareed. The song was produced by Jackson, Jam and Lewis. It was released as the lead single from The Velvet Rope in 1997, by Virgin Records. The song was recorded at Flyte Tyme Studios in Edina, Minnesota. For "Got 'til It's Gone", Jackson opted for a less polished sound which resulted in an authentic blend of R&B, pop, and hip hop with traces of reggae influences.
"Throb" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fifth studio album, Janet (1993). It was written and produced by Jackson, James Harris III and Terry Lewis and is a house song with a nu jazz influence. It was released commercially in the Netherlands as the album's sixth single on June 18, 1994, while in the United States it was a radio-only release.
American singer 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.
"Feedback" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her 10th studio album, Discipline (2008). It was written and produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and D'Mile, with additional writing from Tasleema Yasin and LaShawn Daniels. "Feedback" fuses electropop and dance, while also incorporating elements of Eurodance and hip hop. Its lyrical composition is based on Jackson's sexual bravado; questioning the listener while responding with a chant of "sexy, sexy". Its chorus compares her body to instruments such as a guitar and amplifier, using metaphors to demonstrate sexual climax.
Rhythm Nation 1814 is a 1989 American musical short film based on Janet Jackson's fourth studio album of the same name. Directed by Dominic Sena, the film notably includes the music video for "Rhythm Nation", as well as the videos for "Miss You Much" and "The Knowledge". It was filmed at a power plant located in Pasadena, California. The video is notable for its "post-apocalyptic" warehouse setting, the unisex black military-style uniforms in which Jackson and her dancers were outfitted, and its choreography, considered to "set the template for hundreds of videos to come in the Nineties and aughts". The film premiered on MTV on September 16, 1989, coinciding with the release of the album, and was also later released on VHS and LaserDisc by A&M Video.
References
↑ "New Singles". Music Week. October 21, 1989. p.41.
1 2 "Janet's Reckoning". The Sun Sentinel. Saunders, Michael. October 7, 1997. Archived from the original on January 15, 2014. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
↑ Rhythm Nation (US promo CD liner notes). Janet Jackson. A&M Records, JDJ Entertainment, Joe Jackson Productions, Inc. 1989. CD 17915.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
↑ Rhythm Nation (UK CD single liner notes). Janet Jackson. Breakout Records. 1989. USACD 673.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
↑ Rhythm Nation (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Janet Jackson. Breakout Records. 1989. USAT 673.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
↑ リズム・ネイション (Japanese maxi-single liner notes). Janet Jackson. A&M Records, JDJ Entertainment, Joe Jackson Productions, Inc. 1990. PCCY-10084.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
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