Top Ten Janet Jackson Jams

I love music as well as the next person; in fact music is a big part of my life. Still, there are very few artists who have a large amount of songs that I enjoy. If you are a constant reader of me you have already read my articles about the Temptations and know my top songs from that group. However another artist whom I enjoy a large amount of songs from is Janet Jackson. Here are a couple of songs from her that are my favorites (and hopefully I will introduce you to a few songs that were never released to radio that you yourself will enjoy).

10) "Nasty" (Control)-- Who doesn't love this song? The video alone is enough to make you love it with a cameo from a then unknown Paula Abdul (who choreographed the video). The lyrics are about how the singer (presumably Janet herself) doesn't like anything else in her life to be nasty so she definitely doesn't want her man like that. A song that demands respect for women from the men around them, especially with the line "My name ain't baby". This is a great empowering song that probably women everywhere know every single word to.

9) "Black Cat" (Rhythm Nation 1814)--one of the reasons this song is so awesome is that it was such a break away from Jackson's traditional R&B sound, being pretty much a rock and roll song. The song is about a guy who lives dangerously, thinking he is invincible (or has nine lives like a cat) and is a cautionary tale for him from his girlfriend to slow down before his dangerous life catches up with him or she leaves him because she is sick of the way he lives his life. This is one of my favorite songs because I just love the music that goes to it the guitar and drum sounds are just awesome!!

8) "Miss You Much" (Rhythm Nation 1814)--Another classic song from Jackson about a long distance relationship and how she doesn't feel right whenever she's far away from her beau. This song is catchy with the lyrics and words and who doesn't remember the dance from the video? I'm sure everyone has tried to do this dance whenever this song comes in be they in a club or dancing in the car.

7) "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" (Control)--another perfect angry girl song. It's about how upset someone can feel (because the song can either be for men or women) when they get into a relationship with someone and after the newness of the relationship wears off they don't get special treatment anymore I'm sure everyone has felt like this before and the lyrics are something anyone can relate to because while to most people they might sound bratty (the people more than likely who the song is about) it's not being unappreciative for anything someone does for someone else. It just wants to know what has been done lately to show appreciation for someone.

6) "Alright" (Rhythm Nation 1814)--I will admit that one of the main reasons I love this song is because I love the video. To see Janet dancing along with two guys in a suit reminiscent of the 1920's, the whole video has this peppy feel to it, somewhat like a musical. The song is about friendship and how the singer is appreciative of the friend who she is singing to because they are a constant presence in their life and also is a good paramour. a song that is a wonderful love letter to someone who is a good friend and a good beau.

5) "You" (Velvet Rope)--this song was never released as a single so you've probably never heard it unless you have the record. However this is a great song about how someone can put up a facade and not be true to themselves because they think that is what everyone around them wants to see. It is basically an admonishment to be true to yourself and not worry about what other people think of you and what you should be because at the end of the day the day the best you can be is you.

4) "I Get So Lonely" (Velvet Rope)--this is a sweet song about someone who loves someone so much that no one else can give them the security that the one person gave them. The relationship has ended but the other person can seem to let go and still wants to be with their lost love. This is such a great song and I can't help how much I enjoy it.

3) "What About?" (Velvet Rope)--this song is about domestic abuse. Might as well get it out there; it is about a woman whose boyfriend proposes but in the back of her mind she remembers all the abuse he's heaped upon her and realizes that she doesn't want to live her life in constant fear of what is going to happen when he gets in a bad mood. This is a great song that talks about a very serious topic in a way that will make people sit up and pay attention.

2) "Control" (Control)--another classic Jackson song that is generally thought of as the song that really launched her career. It's about finally being in control of her own life and this could also be a therapeutic song about finally escaping the home of her controlling father and being able to make it on her own. This song is a good song to listen to when you get a new job, new promotion, new relationship, etc; it is a great song to jam to when a chance in your life has occurred for the better.

1) "Rhythm Nation" (Rhythm Nation 1814)--my favorite song hands down; I prefer the full length song and not the cut down version. It is about our country starting to be tolerant of everybody in country because we are apart of the same country. I love it because it is a great dance song, the video is awesome, and it is just a good piece of advice to take. Plus I enjoy the fact that the album has the same year that the Star Spangled Banner was written in which is our National Anthem and talks about how we will always be free; it is suppose to show how our country is a great one.

These are some of the best songs that I enjoy by Janet Jackson. Maybe you find a new one to add to your collection of your favorites.