After Control and Rhythm Nation 1814, Janet Jackson had quite a lot to live up to. Anyone who expected Jackson to top Rhythm Nation -- her crowning achievement and an incredibly tough act to follow -- was being unrealistic. But with janet., she delivered a respectable offering that, although not as strong as either Control or Nation, has many strong points. As before, Jackson is joined by the prolific Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis team, and their input is valuable on everything from the angry "This Time" and the hypnotic "That's the Way Love Goes" to the '60s-flavored "What'll I Do" and the sociopolitical "The New Agenda" (which features Public Enemy leader Chuck D). But perhaps the CD's most exciting track is "Funky Big Band," which samples jazz legend Lionel Hampton's 1938 big-band classic "I'm in the Mood for Swing" with thrilling results. There are a few throwaways (including the lightweight ballad "Again"), but despite its shortcomings, janet. is a welcome addition to her catalog. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
I'm with chibaby07 on this one. I loved the "If" video! I happened to catch Throb on SNL as well. Of course, my favorite song is Anytime, Anyplace which she also performed on SNL.
"If" takes me back to a great time in my life I remember this video so vividly the choreography was amazing, once again not just another case of "smoke and mirrors", 'Throb" fron SNL was the best
As a little kid The video for that's the way love goes, is what made me get sprung on Janet. She still looks good even now! By the way her recent tour was off the chain!
I think this review is off-base. This album did better commercially (in sales--maybe not volume of hit singles) than Rhythm Nation, first off, and in my opinion is as good an album as RN. Second, I think "Funky Big Band" is one of the weaker tracks and "Again" one of the best. Just my opinion... but I pull rank as one of Janet's biggest fans.