Janet Jackson Discipline: Review

Discipline is the name of Janet Jackson's 10th studio album. Or CD in this case. According to Janet, discipline is the "idea that unifies the songs on this record." Well, I don't know what that mumbo jumbo means, but I do like the majority of the songs on this cd. The production is handled by Rodney Jerkins, Ne-Yo, and Jermaine Dupri. It's co executive produced by L.A. Reid and Ms. Jackson herself.

Rock with U- The title almost suggests an homage to brother Michael (as one of her recent covers for Vibe Magazine would also indicate). But it's not, it's an easily digestible song, immediately addictive as well. The production relies on electronica, sounding less like Michael, and more like Madonna. Rock with U is filtered through synthesizers. Probably a popular choice due to the overwhelming success of T Payne and his vocoder. But there is nothing predictable about this track.

Luv- Akin to the current stuff of radio. When you hear the music, you'd expect Chris Brown or Ciara to start singing. Not a bad song, it just doesn't live up to the icon that is Janet. Victim of her own success on this one.

Feedback- A certified hit. Sultry, breathy voice? Check. House driven tempo? Check. But no disrespect. Even though it's a paint by numbers guide to a hit, it's still greater than the sum of it's parts.

Rollercoaster- This track is brave & bold. Breaks tradition and goes where production has not tread before. There is a lot of constant island bongo rhythm, with an overlay of a classic '80s clapping track. And yet, this is Janet in perfection. Do you remember how unique it was to hear Escapade, way back w/ Cab Calloway in the colorful video. This is of that vein. This surpasses Rhythm n Blues, and flows into the Pop category that she's know for dominating.

2nite - Awesome. Ready for the radio and heavy rotation. This is one of the hype songs for a ritualistic Friday Night, when you're getting ready to party, going to pick up your friends.

Can't B Good - Again, awesome. So good, you'd think you're listening to a classic song by Michael Jackson. I hate to constantly bring him up during a review of his sister, but OMG. This song, I bet he wish was his.

Never Letchu Go - Not my cup of tea. As atrocious as the spelling.

Greatest X- Not impressive at the first hearing. The lyrics and arrangement are reminiscent of one of R Kelly's operatic attempts. Yet, I must admit it comes across as a very personal song. It is quite possibly a tribute to Rene Elizondo, Jr, her former secret husband.

So Much Betta - self explanatory title. Thematically similar to the Pussycat Dolls hit Dontcha. Here, there are breathy and sultry vocals aligned with a voice disguiser for fun. It's a good song. Complete with great melodies and hooks.

The 1- Produced my Missy Elliot, who opens with a rap. I'd love a video for this song. It's such a different sound, which could broaden the radio landscape. It's full of electric guitar riffs, a striking horn section, and heavy bass drops.

What's Ur Name - The expected level of excellence. Here she both meets your expectations, and it's exactly what needed. It fits into her identity. Here, time stands still, and Janet is immortal. This track would fit on any of her nine previous albums, and seem appropriate in any era.

Discipline- The titular song. The opening lyrics are "I misbehaved, did some things I shouldn't do". It sounds like a direct apology to the Super Bowl Breast Fiasco. But the lyrics follow, "I touched myself, even though you told me not to... I can smell you on my sheets." This song goes from apology to mockery to erotica in record time. A hyper sexualized song. The production is clever, and slowly amps up as the story/ song progresses.

Curtains- This sounds like a sextape. Or the making of a sextape. But it's really just a metaphor for devotion.