Unbreakable (Janet Jackson song)

Last updated

"Unbreakable"
Single by Janet Jackson
from the album Unbreakable
ReleasedSeptember 11, 2015 (2015-09-11)
Genre
Length3:38
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Janet Jackson
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
  • Dem Jointz
  • Tommy McClendon
Janet Jacksonsingles chronology
"No Sleeep"
(2015)
"Unbreakable"
(2015)
"Dammn Baby"
(2016)

"Unbreakable" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson for her eleventh studio album of the same name. It was co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with additional writing by Thomas Lumpkins and additional production by Tommy McClendon and Dem Jointz. The song debuted on September 3, 2015 on Apple Music's Beats 1 radio station and was made available for digital download on the same day Jackson officially announced the studio album's release date and track list. It was subsequently released to urban contemporary radio on September 29, 2015 and to urban adult contemporary radio on October 5, 2015 as the album's second single.

Contents

"Unbreakable" is a mid-tempo R&B song, which instrumentation consists of a thumping bass and a subdued beat, having a soul-sample throughout the track and Jackson's vocals. It starts a cappella, shifting into a smooth, mid-tempo groove, and towards the end, the beat is pulled back for a spoken outro over finger snaps. Lyrically, the song finds Jackson expressing her gratitude towards her loyal fan base and a lover, while also addressing her absence. The song received largely positive reviews from music critics, who praised its groove, her vocals and its harmonies. "Unbreakable" was added to Jackson's 2015–16 Unbreakable World Tour.

Background and release

After a period of hiatus and numerous rumours about whether she was recording a new album or not, [1] [2] Janet Jackson officially announced her return on May 16, 2015. [3] Jackson announced she had founded her own label, Rhythm Nation, becoming the first female African-American recording artist to do so, while also planning the album to be distributed by BMG, as well as preparing herself for a new world tour in the same year. [3] She also announced that her world tour was called Unbreakable World Tour, [4] and on August 20, 2015, it was confirmed that Unbreakable was also the album's title. [5] [6] On September 3, 2015, its track list was revealed, with its title track being one of the seventeen tracks on the album. [7] On the same day, the song was released to digital download and streaming for those who pre-ordered the album, as well as it premiered on Apple Music's Beats 1 radio station, hosted by Ebro Darden. [8] On September 29, 2015, the song was officially released to urban contemporary radio stations as the album's second single, [9] while being sent to urban adult contemporary radio on October 5, 2015. [10]

Composition and lyrics

JimmyJamHWoFJan2012.jpg
TerryLewisHWoFJan2012.jpg
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jackson's long-time collaborators, wrote the track along with her and Dem Jointz.

"Unbreakable" was written and produced by Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with additional writing by Thomas Lumpkins. It was co-produced by Tommy McClendon with additional production being done by Dem Jointz. Mixing was done by Serban Ghenea and John Hanes served as the song's engineer. It is a mid-tempo R&B song, with its instrumentation consisting in a thumping bass and a subdued "funky" beat, [11] [12] having a "distinctive Janet sound", according to some critics, [12] and a soul-sample, [13] [14] while Jackson's vocals were considered "breezy" and "soulful". [15] It starts with "a melodic almost a cappella intro, [16] with Jackson singing, "I lived through my mistakes, it's just a part of growing", [11] before it "segways into a legit bop." [16] According to Fuse 's Mark Sundstrom, its pre-chorus is "full of rich harmonies that give a retro—dare we say Jackson 5—vibe". [16]

Towards the end, Jackson gives a spoken outro against some finger snaps. Music Times' Carolyn Menyes observed that the lyrics during that outro, "Hello. It's been a while. Lots to talk about. I'm glad you're still here. I dedicate myself to you. I hope you enjoy", directly addresses the listeners who had waited for new music from her. [12] Lyrically, "Unbreakable" is a dedication to her fans, [17] with Jackson expressing thankfulness and praising her loyal fan base and a lover, [18] with lines like, "Never for a single moment did I ever go without your love" and "You made me feel wanted, and I want to tell you how important you are to me." [15] Lewis, one of its producers, commented on the song's lyrics, saying, "Some people think of unbreakable as being hard, but I think unbreakable is just being able to be vulnerable and to be able to withstand what comes to you. She’s lived a lot of life in the last few years." [19]

Reception

"Unbreakable" received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Andy Kellman of AllMusic praised the "relaxed and wistful groove", as well as "her lead and background vocals in the chorus arranged to stellar effect", picking the song as one of the album's standout tracks. [20] Loren DiBlasi of MTV referred to the song as "classic Janet [with] angelic vocals delivered with timeless R&B style," claiming she "has not lost her touch." [21] Evan Sawdey of PopMatters called it "a solid mid-tempo groove, something that is all well and good until those multi-layered vocal harmonies come in during the chorus and we’re instantly transplanted back to Janet of old, her familiar coo still sounding remarkably fresh after all this time." [22] Maura Johnston of Time noted that its "space-age synth [...] blossoms into a sunny-day soul strut," while giving praise towards Jackson's voice, which according to her, "always notable for the emotion it could pack into even the simplest verse, [being] particularly suited to this type of laid-back R&B." [23] Mark Sundstrom wrote for Fuse that he was "obsessed" with the track and "sold" on the album, also praising its "rich harmonies" that "totally suits Janet's sexy, sultry vocals." [16] Anupa Mistry of Pitchfork called it a "giddy, grateful grown-woman song", [24] Citing "Unbreakable" as one of the album's "affecting surprises", USA Today writer Elysa Gardner named it "brightly infectious", [25] while Carolyn Menyes of Music Times perceived that it "retains the coolness of the first Unbreakable track fans have heard, 'No Sleeep,' while being totally thematically different, focusing on Jackson's return to the world of music." [12]

Michael Arceneaux of Complex opined that the song "successfully conveys the overall theme of the album and Janet’s state of mind—self-assured, truly ready to sing again, and very much in love." [26] For Saeed Saeed of The National , the track is "the clearest example of Jackson in her new Zen-pop mode: one can imagine that a few years ago this would have been a more raucous affair. Here, the track is a mid-tempo jam that revolves around a superb vocal sample as Jackson soulfully hails the blessings of reflection." [27] While noting that "'Unbreakable' is also the title of a song that began her brother Michael’s final album before he died in 2009", Rob Tannenbaum of Billboard remarked that "the high chorus even sounds like something he might’ve written." [28] Entertainment Weekly 's Kyle Anderson echoed the same thought, claiming she 'matches the timbre of his croon" on the track. [29] Writing for the Los Angeles Times , Mikael Wood went on to praise Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for creating "grand-scaled but meticulously detailed songs that almost sound as though they’ve been under construction since 2008," citing the song as one example, while praising "Jackson’s lush overdubbed harmonies." [13] Though noting that the song "loops a sweet-soul sample through the verses like an early Kanye West production", Jon Pareles of The New York Times wrote that "the melodies lack the invincible catchiness of Ms. Jackson’s best songs." [14] "Unbreakable" debuted and peaked at number 45 on the UK Indie Chart. [30] It also peaked at number five on the US Billboard 's Adult R&B Songs. [31]

Live performances

"Unbreakable" was performed as the closing number on Jackson's 2015–16 Unbreakable World Tour. [32] During the performance of the song, she would introduce each of her dancers and band members by name to the audience. [33] According to Billboard's Eve Barlow, the rendition was "one of only four new songs during a give-the-people-what-they-want spectacular. (Take note, Madonna). More fool anyone who doubted she had the fight in her". [34]

Credits and personnel

Credits for "Unbreakable" adapted from Unbreakable liner notes. [35]

Charts

Chart (2015)Peak
position
UK Indie (Official Charts Company) [30] 45
US Adult R&B Songs ( Billboard ) [31] 5

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
WorldwideSeptember 11, 2015
  • Rhythm Nation
  • BMG
[36] [37]
United StatesSeptember 29, 2015 Urban Mainstream [9]
October 5, 2015 Urban AC [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janet Jackson</span> American singer (born 1966)

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 which focused on social issues and lived experiences set her reputation as a role model for youth.

<i>Janet Jacksons Rhythm Nation 1814</i> 1989 studio album by Janet Jackson

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.

<i>Control</i> (Janet Jackson album) 1986 studio album by Janet Jackson

Control is the third studio album by American singer Janet Jackson, released on February 4, 1986, by A&M Records. Her collaborations with the songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis resulted in an unconventional sound: a fusion of rhythm and blues, rap vocals, funk, disco, and synthesized percussion that established Jackson, Jam and Lewis as the leading innovators of contemporary R&B. The distinctive triplet swing beat utilized on the record is also considered to be a precursor to the new jack swing genre. The album became Jackson's commercial breakthrough and enabled her to transition into the popular music market, with Control becoming one of the foremost albums of the 1980s and contemporary music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let's Wait Awhile</span> 1987 single by Janet Jackson

"Let's Wait Awhile" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album Control (1986). It was released on January 6, 1987 on A&M Records as the album's fifth single. The song was written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with Melanie Andrews serving as co-writer. It is also the first song Jackson co-produced. "Let's Wait Awhile" was inspired by intimate moments and conversations Andrews had with her first love and boyfriend. Just young teenagers at the time, the couple decided through those conversations to postpone sexual intimacy within their relationship until the time was right.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Escapade (song)</span> 1990 single by Janet Jackson

"Escapade" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song was released on January 8, 1990, by A&M Records as the third single from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). "Escapade" became the third of the historic seven top-five singles released from the Rhythm Nation 1814 album, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Come Back to Me (Janet Jackson song)</span> 1990 single by Janet Jackson

"Come Back to Me" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson 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. The R&B ballad talks about a lover trying to rekindle a romance that faded away a long time ago. It was released as the fifth single from the album in the United States on June 18, 1990, while in the United Kingdom, it was issued as the album's third single on January 15, 1990. Jackson also recorded a Spanish version of the song titled "Vuelve a mí".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Will Never Do (Without You)</span> 1990 single by Janet Jackson

"Love Will Never Do (Without You)" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson and was composed by songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Janet recorded the song for her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was released as the seventh commercial single from the album by A&M Records on October 2, 1990. In 1991 it topped the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, becoming the fifth number-one hit of her career and the fourth number-one single from Rhythm Nation 1814. On both the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Dance Club Songs charts, the single peaked in the top five. It also peaked within the top 40 in several countries. It is certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of 500,000 units in the US alone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That's the Way Love Goes (Janet Jackson song)</span> 1993 single by Janet Jackson

"That's the Way Love Goes" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson from her fifth album, janet. (1993). The song was released on April 20, 1993 by Virgin Records, 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 "extravaganza" for its production and vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Any Time, Any Place</span> 1994 single by Janet Jackson

"Any Time, Any Place" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson from her fifth studio album, Janet (1993). It was written and produced by Jackson along with production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and released as the album's fifth single on May 11, 1994, by Virgin Records. A remix produced by R. Kelly was also released. "Any Time, Any Place" reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became another R&B chart-topper for Jackson. She has performed the song on several of her tours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasty (Janet Jackson song)</span> Janet Jackson song/single

"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 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. According to musicologist Richard J Ripani, Ph. D, the single is one of the earliest examples of new jack swing music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">State of the World (song)</span> 1991 single by Janet Jackson

"State of the World" is a song recorded by American singer Janet Jackson for her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with additional writing by Jackson. While recording the album, Jackson and the producers watched television, especially news channels, and created the song inspired by that. "State of the World" focuses lyrically on homeless people. It was released as the eighth and final single from the album on February 6, 1991, by A&M Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All Nite (Don't Stop)</span> 2004 single by Janet Jackson

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Got 'til It's Gone</span> 1997 single by Janet Jackson

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You (Janet Jackson song)</span> 1998 single by Janet Jackson

"You" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her sixth studio album, The Velvet Rope (1997). Written and produced by Jackson along with her collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it samples "The Cisco Kid" by War, with its composers receiving writing credits due to the sample's usage. It was released as the album's fifth single on September 28, 1998 in the United Kingdom, by Virgin Records. The track is a trip hop song with elements of funk, which lyrically depicts Jackson calling for a stop to a life spent pleasing others; some journalists thought the lyrics were directed at her brother Michael, and compared her vocals to those of his on the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Throb (song)</span> 1994 single by Janet Jackson

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Sleeep</span> 2015 single by Janet Jackson (Album Version featuring J. Cole)

"No Sleeep" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson for her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015). Co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it is the first record to be released under Jackson's independent label Rhythm Nation Records, distributed by BMG Rights Management. It was made available as the lead single from the album digitally on June 22, 2015, in addition to vinyl copies being sold on Jackson's official website in conjunction with pre-sale orders for the studio album and Unbreakable World Tour concert tickets. Lyrically, the song depicts Jackson longing to reunite with her lover, anticipating that when she does, the couple will get "no sleep". Due to its slow tempo and sentimentality, it has been described as embodying traits of the quiet storm radio style.

<i>Unbreakable</i> (Janet Jackson album) 2015 studio album by Janet Jackson

Unbreakable is the eleventh studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. It was released on October 2, 2015, and is the first album released under her independent label Rhythm Nation, with BMG Rights Management through a partnership with the singer. Jackson had parted ways with Island Records in 2008 due to dissatisfaction over the company's lack of promotion for her tenth studio album, Discipline (2008). The singer began recording new material with producer Rodney Jerkins the following year, but eventually abandoned the project. She became busy with film roles and embarked on a worldwide concert tour, and in 2013 announced her third marriage to Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana. Two years later in May 2015, Jackson announced that she would embark on the Unbreakable World Tour and release Unbreakable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burnitup!</span> 2015 single by Janet Jackson

"Burnitup!" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson featuring rapper Missy Elliott recorded for Jackson's eleventh studio album, Unbreakable (2015). It was written and produced by Jackson, Dem Jointz, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Elliott. The song marked the fourth time Jackson and Elliott collaborated. "Burnitup!" was released as a promotional single from the album on September 25, 2015, while a digital promo single containing the album's version and a radio edit was released on October 5, 2015 by Rhythm Nation Records and BMG Rights Management.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dammn Baby</span> 2016 single by Janet Jackson

"Dammn Baby" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson for her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015). It was co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with additional songwriting and production contributions by Dem Jointz. The official music video was released on YouTube, on May 4, 2016. The single subsequently debuted on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart at number 20 and later peaked at number eight, becoming the album's third consecutive top ten single on the chart, after "No Sleeep" and "Unbreakable".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Me & the Rhythm</span> 2015 song by Selena Gomez

"Me & the Rhythm" is a song by American singer Selena Gomez from her second solo studio album Revival (2015), included as the eighth track on the record. It was released on October 2, 2015 to digital download platforms as the album's first and only promotional single. The song was written by Gomez, Justin Tranter, and Julia Michaels, along with its producers Robin Fredriksson and Mattias Larsson, known as Mattman & Robin. "Me & the Rhythm" was the last song recorded for Revival, conceived after Gomez delayed the album's mixing to record more material with Michaels and Tranter. Gomez has called the track a personal favorite from the album.

References

  1. Hampp, Andrew (May 18, 2013). "Janet Jackson Talks 'janet.' 20th Anniversary". Billboard . Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  2. Strecker, Erin (May 16, 2015). "Janet Jackson Addresses New Album Report". Billboard . Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  3. 1 2 "Janet Jackson Makes History Again". JanetJackson.com. June 3, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  4. Hampp, Andrew (June 15, 2015). "Janet Jackson Announces 'Unbreakable World Tour'". Billboard . Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  5. Robinson, Will (September 3, 2015). "Janet Jackson shares powerful new single, 'Unbreakable'". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved September 4, 2015.
  6. Lynch, Joe (August 20, 2015). "Janet Jackson Teases Upbeat New Song 'The Great Forever,' Confirms Album Title". Billboard . Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  7. Minsker, Evan; Monroe, Jazz (September 3, 2015). "Janet Jackson Details New Album Unbreakable". Pitchfork . Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  8. "Janet Jackson to Debut New Song on Beats 1; Reveals 'Unbreakable' Tracklist". Eur Web. September 3, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  9. 1 2 "Frequency News - Janet Jackson: Unbreakable". Frequency News. Retrieved October 11, 2015.[ permanent dead link ]
  10. 1 2 "Janet Jackson Releases New Track 'BurnItUp! feat. Missy Elliot'". JanetJackson.com. September 25, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  11. 1 2 Stutz, Colin (September 3, 2015). "Janet Jackson Releases 'Unbreakable' Title Track: Listen". Billboard . Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Menyes, Carolyn (September 4, 2015). "Janet Jackson Releases Honest 'Unbreakable' Title Track [Stream]". Music Times. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  13. 1 2 Wood, Mikael (October 1, 2015). "Janet Jackson's new 'Unbreakable' includes a tender tribute to Michael". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  14. 1 2 Pareles, Jon (September 30, 2015). "Review: Janet Jackson's 'Unbreakable' Focuses on Love Outside the Bedroom". The New York Times . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  15. 1 2 Reed, Ryan (September 4, 2015). "Hear Janet Jackson's Soulful New Song, 'Unbreakable'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved September 4, 2015.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Sundstrom, Mark (September 3, 2015). "Listen to Janet Jackson's New Album's Title Track, "Unbreakable", Now". Fuse . Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  17. Cragg, Michael (September 4, 2015). "Janet Jackson: is her past pop stardom 'Unbreakable' enough to stay relevant?". The Guardian . Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  18. Zaleski, Annie (October 2, 2015). "Janet Jackson sounds confident and in control on Unbreakable". The A.V. Club . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  19. Anderson, Kyle (August 28, 2015). "6 things we now know about Janet Jackson's new album, thanks to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  20. Kellman, Andy. "Unbreakable - Janet Jackson". AllMusic . Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  21. Loren DiBlasi (September 4, 2015). "Janet Jackson Delivers A Timeless R&B Jam With "Unbreakable"". MTV. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2015.
  22. Sawdey, Evan (October 5, 2015). "Janet Jackson:Unbreakable | PopMatters". PopMatters . Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  23. Johnston, Maura (October 1, 2015). "Review: Janet Jackson's New Album Unbreakable". Time . Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  24. Mistry, Anupa (October 6, 2015). "Janet Jackson: Unbreakable | Album Reviews | Pitchfork". Pitchfork . Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  25. Gardner, Elysa (October 1, 2015). "Album of the week: Janet Jackson turns reflective on 'Unbreakable'". USA Today . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  26. Arceneaux, Michael (October 2, 2015). "Janet Jackson Is Self-Assured and Reflective on 'Unbreakable'". Complex . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  27. Saeed, Saeed (October 5, 2015). "Album review: Janet Jackson seems at peace with lavish new album". The National (Abu Dhabi) . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  28. Tannenbaum, Rob (October 6, 2015). "Janet Jackson Shows Off Her Resilience on 'Unbreakable': Album Review". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  29. Anderson, Kyle (October 1, 2015). "Unbreakable by Janet Jackson: EW review". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  30. 1 2 "Archive Chart: 2015-09-11". UK Indie Chart. September 11, 2015. Retrieved September 8, 2017.
  31. 1 2 "Janet Jackson Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  32. Gordon, Jeremy (September 1, 2015). "Janet Jackson Debuts New Song Featuring Missy Elliott at Tour Kickoff". Pitchfork . Retrieved September 26, 2015.
  33. Varga, George (October 18, 2015). "Janet Jackson in & out of sync at San Diego concert". The San Diego Union-Tribune . Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  34. Barlow, Eve (October 17, 2015). "Janet Jackson Doesn't Miss a Beat at Hits-Filled L.A. Forum Concert: Live Review". Billboard . Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  35. Unbreakable (CD liner notes). Janet Jackson. BMG Rights Management. 538168792.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  36. "Unbreakable". Amazon. September 3, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2015.
  37. "Unbreakable". iTunes Store. September 3, 2015. Archived from the original on October 1, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2015.