"Gimme A Beat! "5 Times Janet Jackson Pushed The Envelope With Her Song-writing

Janet is the blueprint! With her innovative concept albums and unique changing sounds. She has been the voice for the people, a sex symbol for the 90s. And now a rock and roll hall of fame. Her extensive catalogue of hits includes songs about crime, drugs, education, /homelessness, domestic abuse, racism, self-autonomy, sex and love etc.

if

A song Janet has written during a record label board meeting.One of the songs that served as a catalyst for her status as the sex symbol of the 90s.With her soft dynamic vocals, she fantasizes about a man throughout the song. Her voice scaling up the chorus can almost be mistaken for an orgasmic climax, an ingenious way to express sexual frustration. It wasn't common for women to be singing about sex in this way. Men had more freedom singing about sex in all aspects, including the objectification of women. When women sang about sex, it was safe to sing about it in the confines of a relationship with no room for dalliances. Janet's previous songs about sex were safe and limited. For instance her song "let's wait a while", Janet sings about abstinence with an intimate partner. Maintaining a pure virgin image was more popular at the time for young women. Anything else was rare and criticised. Janet changed the game. Simply singing about pent up sexual attraction to a random guy at a club, nothing more, nothing less. And she did it with finesse.

Janet's mature songs rarely come across as lewd. It's tasteful and has some of her unique class to it. She has shown versatility in approaching sex/desire and pleasure, making it easier for newer generations of women to express their sexuality comfortably. 

"how many nights I've laid in bed excited over you, I've closed my eyes and thought of us a hundred ways."

Empty

Empty is my favourite song off the velvet rope album, slightly upbeat with a well thought out production. And Janet, as always, effortlessly giving us breathtaking background blended vocals. The lyrics spoke to me almost 25 years after the song was written. Janet's inspiration for the song comes from an experience of online communication, which was relatively new in the late 90s and must have been quite frustrating and fun getting used to. The lyrics of the song delves into how Janet feels about then-new virtual relationships. Her reaction to the new technology is an undecided one. Janet recounts her experience with a stranger off the internet, an alternative and more accessible way of connecting with people. She often questions its significance in offering fulfilment for times of loneliness...until the lines are disconnected.

The mixed feelings are made prevalent in the chorus .when she closes her eyes, she can see their face, but if she cannot reach their thoughts, she feels "empty".In a track by track commentary of the velvet rope album, Janet stressed that she believes internet communication can do "tremendous good" .connecting to people worldwide. However, she is curious to know the experience for those that only rely on the internet/electronics for their relationships. In her own words, "after the machine is turned off and the electronic glow fades away, I wonder if you feel empty".When the internet was still new, the internet providers were at their peak in the late 90s. You had to wait to in servers, to talk online, one would have to stay by their computers and wait for the recipient. Janet has expressed the "romantic frustrations" this could've caused. It's eerie to think that a track released 25 years ago can sounds so fresh today.

All for you

in this pop dance radio hit, Janet sings about love in a lighter, softer way. She has just got out of another divorce, and she's not going to cry about it. Contrary to her preceding dark album, dominated by depression, loss and love wrapped around in trauma. The all for you album sheds off those negative connotations that have marred love life. Janet sheds it off and refashions her meaning of love again. This time it is fun, full of passion and less pain.

"its all for you,if you really want it,ifts all for you,if you say you need it,its all for you,if you make a move,its all for you"

Janet isn't putting so much pressure on the relationship's longevity or fling but is interested in the magical experience with another. She is willing to give love another go.

  Janet became less subtle with sexual lyrics during this time, and radio edits were editing a lot, and I mean many things out!

"all my girls at the party look at that body shakin' that thing like you never did see,got a nice package allright,guess im going to have to ride it tonight"

She doesn't hold back and is carefree and relaxed about it. That is why we love ms Jackson! Give this song a listen. I would lock the doors and keep the volume down if I were you. You have been warned!

free xone

free to be who you really are, one rule, no rules, one love, freexone, let's get free

love is love, am I right? It has many faces, and the amount that can be given is limitless. It is so much bigger than heteronormativity. She reiterates, "girl meets girl...boy meets boy...boy meets girl".Everybody's love is equal, and you should not be ashamed of your sexual orientation.

Janet creates a space for LGBTQ folks to love with no shame.It is wholesome and brings her much closer to her fans, a large amount are part of the LGBTQ community.Janet is a literal ally for the LGBTQ.

control

A timeless bop that should be treasured more.A rebellious song. The lead single is often left out of the feminist playlist, which is a shame that people forget that this album has produced tremendous feminist anthems.

For instance, "control" is about a young woman coming into her own and demanding respect, independence and "control" of her own life. She is assertive and lets everybody know that she has the capacity and is well in her own right to make decisions regarding her life.She broke off family ties, separating them from her business ,so she can pursue superstardm for herself. By herself.

"im on my own,i call my own shots, Thank you!"

interview with janet jackson on the release of control

Janet is always good at words of wisdom as she urges others.

"make your life a little easier, when you get the chance just take control"

It must have been a blessing to have a role model in Janet. To witness her growth at the time. She started as a hardworking child star, successfully finding her purpose with trial and error. She managed to navigate through the awkward teenage years and her twenties while being in the public eye. Her transition from girl to woman, different sounds and albums that are fresh and different from one another. She has broken many barriers for Black women to exist and thrive in the industry. She is consistently raising the bar high with her innovative conceptual albums and stage presence performing live. She has proven that her gender and race does not hinder her abilities. Naysayers thought that Janet's(youngest of the family) career would be eclipsed by her famous brother Micheal. But she proved them wrong, she was determined to create her own legacy. And she did just that.

honourable mentions 

• no sleep
• new agenda
• every time
• what about
• that's the way love goes
• rhythm nation
• anything
• warmth
• discipline
• because of love
• this time
• love and my best friend