album review: the velvet rope - janet jackson
Following the more poppy, lighthearted sounds of janet. (1993) and Rhythm Nation (1989), Janet comes in strong and daring with 1997's The Velvet Rope. The work touches on several "taboo" topics that many artists shied away from at the time, such as eating disorders, infidelity, online dating, and depression. The album marked a turning point for R&B, paving the way for a more alternative sound that can be heard in late Aaliyah's Aaliyah (2001), Frank Ocean's Channel Orange (2010), and Rihanna's Anti (2016).
track 1 - velvet rope (6/10)
The first track of the album comes in bold, loud, and rugged. While I enjoy the precedent it sets for the album, I prefer the other, deeper tracks, which truly entail the powerful meaning of the album.
track 2 - you (10/10)
One of my favorite songs of the album. I truly love the message of the song, which emphasizes the importance of self-accountability. The song is catchy, edgy, and meaningful, with a unique sound that no one has yet to replicate.
track 3 - got 'til it's gone, ft. q-tip and joni mitchel (9/10)
Another catchy track! Had to take a point off, as the repetitiveness annoyed me a bit. But nonetheless, I love the song and Q-Tip's verse brings it full circle. Unlike in other songs, his verse ties into the meaning of the song.
track 4 - my need (4/10)
Somewhat catchy, pretty forgetable.
track 5 - go deep (100/10)
My favorite song off the album, definitely a party song! I love the funkiness of the beat. While not as deep as the album's other tracks, it is purely FUN.
track 6 - free xone (8/10)
A house-like song which talks about importance of allowing the expression of love, regardless of gender. Nothing more to say. Similar to Go Deep, it's another song to dance to!
track 7 - together again (10/10)
A groovy, poppier track that will stay in your head for days. Along with Go Deep and Free Xone, it's definitely an outlier compared to the album's other sappier songs.
track 8 - empty (10/10)
This song marks our entry into the sappier, sadder section of the album. Empty details the shallowness and the feeling of being "empty" that comes with online dating. I love the somewhat techno feel of the song with its pattering beats, going along with the online dating theme of the song.
track 9 - what about (10/10)
Follows the differing emotions that come along with a relationship filled with abuse and cheating. It serves as an eye opener to these feelings, the good ones told among a lighter, rocking beat, and the bad behind a rock-like, bass filled one. The juxtaposition places this high on my ranking.
track 10 - every time (6/10)
Not one of my favorites, as it feels childish compared to the rest of the album. Not bad, but not one I like.
track 11 - tonight's the night (4/10)
Another one that's not my favorite. Catchy like everything else, but a bit bland.
track 12 - i get so lonely (10/10)
The most popular song off the album, and rightfully so. The catchy tune of the chorus is definitely my favorite part, along with the
track 13 - rope burn (10/10)
We're getting back to the good stuff! It's one of the slowest songs on the album and definitely the most sensual. Love it.
track 14 - anything (2/10)
My least favorite song. While sensual like Rope Burn, it's just missing something that bumps it to that level.
track 15 - special (8/10)
Love this one! While the first section is little boring for me, the second section is my favorite and wraps the album up on a strong note.