Janet Jackson - Discipline
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Free Music Notes for Discipline
Free Music Review: HERE'S THE REAL AND RAW ON THE ALBUM DISCIPLINE!
Hit: 5 Stars
First off gotta say with this being 2008, and the way music is going Janet is headed in the right direction. The album's very Futuristic, Modern Techno, Sexy style gives all the JJ kids their Normal Miss Jackson along with giving you the future.
Worst parts of Discipline:
* Janet's Vocals are as they are Normally, Smooth Milky and soft. This wasn't the album for Vocal Accomplishment.
* Not enough featured artist. Missy Elliott is the only one and it is a fire track! That leaves you wanting more collabos.
* The Sexy, classic "Baby Making Music" is toned down to only 1 song, the title Track "Discipline." Leaving the grown and sexy fans a little empty handed, I NEED MORE SLOW SEXY NYTE TYME MUSIC!
Best parts of Discipline:
* The album is very modern and dynamic. Not just albums to fill a bad contract run on a record label like the previous "20 Y.O."
* For once the album's Interludes match the album! Not that I am not a fan of Janet and her many interludes on all albums Cuz I am 1 of her Kidds myself lol but the interludes on this album match to a T for the next Song it's like story telling at its best.
* Best part about the entire album is the beats, L.A. Reid is a genius he picked the perfect direction for the album and Janet is finally at a great Label Home. They hand-picked the best producers and song writers for the album and it did the album justice.
Top 5 Bangers of The Album:
* Rollercoaster
* The 1 Ft. Missy Elliott
* So Much Betta
* 2nd Singles: Luv/Rock Wit U
* Cant B Good
Album by Song Breakdown:
* Feedback (9/10) - Great 1st single choice. Darkchild productions were suburb, as well as Ne-yo's clever song writing ability and who else could nail that video/song better than Miss Jackson herself!
* Luv (10/10) - The Metaphors used to describe the songs title are purely genuine, relatable, and Genius! Thanks to Ne-yo. Absolutely the best 2nd single choice, the beat is soft but gritty at the same time. Janet's vocals are very smooth. Song is a cross between Chris Brown's "With You" and Cherish's "Do it to it." Song will be an extreme radio hit!
* Rollercoaster (10/10) - The imagery and metaphors used throughout the entire album really give it a story. This Song is the best because Janet explains the ups and downs of love with execution over a nice club banger. Very Different and the delivery she gives through the various beat changes are very favoring to the song.
* Rock Wit U (9/10) - Instant! The Moment this song comes on you know you're about to Dance! The beat is similar to an early 90's S.E.G.A Geneses video game, defiantly a fire track. With no similarity at all to Brother Michael's identical song, Janet Delivers a MEAN HOUSE TRACK. Clearly you can tell Janet directed this to a certain sexuality that is majority of her fan base and I gotta say I LOVE IT! LOL THANKS JANET!
* 2nite (7/10) - Here is a song that has an old school skating rink vibe to it. Sexy and poppy is Miss Jackson's forte however the chorus is extremely weak and you often drift off until the beat changes and brings you back to the song.
* Can't B Good (10/10) - Hands down the greatest slow song of the entire albummmmm!!!! The beat immediately sooths you and whatever mood you're in, you instantly become calming. The song relaxes you while Janet delivers the best milky smooth harmonies your ears could ever hear! This song sets the tone and reminds you of "That's The Way Love Goes!" the best slow jam of "Discipline" with a great cliché twist to it.
* Never Letchu Go (8/10) - Although this song is very true to the words, it leaves you stuck in the middle. You relate to the songs, but not enough to repair whatever you're going through. Beat is very 80s inspired and the words are true but not a strong chorus or hook to make it big on radio.
* Greatest X (6/10) - When you think about "The Dream" and Tricky Stewart being some of the hottest producers out at the moment with hits like J. Holiday's "Bed", Rihanna's "Umbrella", and even The Dreams 2 singles "Shawty is a 10" & "Falsetto", you become eager to see what material they would create for an Icon like Janet Jackson. Wellll, the lyrics are lackluster, bland, and kinda boring honestly. The Savior on the song is the beat that is the king on the song Janet's vocals aren't bad or great just Janet. Disappointing when think of the hot production they normally come up with to give this track to Janet.
* So Much Betta (10/10) - OH MY GOODNESS! I DIDN'T KNOW JERMAINE WAS SUCH A PRODUCTION GENIUS UNTIL I HEARD THIS SONG! Ne-yo also gave some of the best pen writing material of the album to this song. Kyouko, who is the computer Janet talks to throughout the entire album's interludes is singing the chorus, not only is that the crazy part but J.D. even makes the computer spit the chorus backwards A'La Missy Elliott on Work That! Track is defiantly radio/club friendly!
* The 1 Ft. Missy Elliott (10/10) - J.D. continues to guide the album in the best direction for Miss Jackson! The Guitar in the song gives it the modern Janet while the percussions of the song give it the old school 70s vibe. This Should be the 3rd single defiantly has radio potential and with Missy Elliott and her always refreshing unique delivery she lets you know this is the much better of the collaborations that the 2 had on the album "All For You."
* What's Ur Name? (8/10) - Very cute and mysterious while we listen to Janet inquire about a new cutie that has caught her eye and she must know his name cuz not too much goes on in town without her knowing lol. J.D. did ok on the production and Janet's Vocals are the same nice album track though.
* Discipline (9/10) - Finalllly! The album goes into the Sexy side of Janet that we all know and love! Fulfilling just as the previous sex tracks on the previous albums this song serves justice, and with a Twist. Janet talks in a SNM style through the songs Entirety. With lyrics hand-written by Ne-yo such as "I Need some discipline tonight", "I've been very bad", "Take all your frustrations out on me" affirming you know this is sexy Janet but different with the love slave twist that leaves you wanting to be "Disciplined" upon the tracks end lol.
* Curtains (8/10) - Just as the other songs rated an 8, this one has the same reasons. Song is great for listening, not so much of a strong radio presence is available. Production is nice and smooth just as Janet's Vocals, lyrics aren't that strong but you can't help but rock smoothly to it. Empty, Leaving listeners with a so/so way to bring the album to an end.
OVERALL ALBUM RATING: 8.5/10
- Needs solid lyrics
- Fulfilling for The Janet "Kidds" and new comers but nothing out of the ordinary Janet
- Defiantly one of the best albums she has done in the new Millennium, and a great comeback album one you will rock to for years to come!
Free Music Review: Janet Wants to be Disciplined!
Hit: 5 Stars
This album is amazing! I have no clue why it isn't getting as much respect! I know alot of people were expecting, a funky dance album from Janet after hearing Feedback, but that definately wasn't the case. Instead we got a little dance, and mostly ballads, which I can definately appreciate!
*Indicates Album Skit/Interlude
1. I.D. (Interlude)*
2. Feedback- The first single off of the album! And everyone knows it. I think feedback is a very good song. It has every aspect of it to be a dance track. The beat is amazing and the vocals are very poppish, which allows for a very well made dance track. The meaning of the song is a little iffy in my book, but it is totally janet. The best part of the song to me are the Drums at the beginning. This is phenominal Janet work at its best! 9/10
3. LUV-Luv is expected to be the third released single off of the album, and I cannot be anymore excited! This song is extremely catchy, and would be a huge summer smash! The lyrics could be a bit corny to somee people, but I think that they are pretty clever. I love how the entire song is in the context of a car accident. It's pretty awesome to me. One of the best songs on the album! 10/10
4. Spinnin (Interlude)*
5. Rollercoaster- This song is an extremely different sound for Janet! It doesn't seem like she would make a song like this at first, but after a few listens you can tell that she made it her own. The beat is excellent, and the overall melody of the song is just so catchy! It's not quite a dance track, but it is something to nod your head to on the way to work. It can give you qite a bit of energy too. I love this track, and it is up there with one of the best on the album. 10/10
6. Bathroom Break (Interlude)*
7. Rock With U-This is to be the second single, which I am kind of upset about. Rock With U is not a bad song by any means, it just isn't commercial enough to catch peoples attention. The background "ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh" that Janet does is the only catchy part of the song, the verses and the lyrics are pretty much forgetable to the average listener. I don't think it is a bad song, but it isn't the best, and definately not single material. 7.5/10
8. 2nite- 2nite is extremely catchy! It is very disco modernized 80's Janet! I like it alot. Alot of people say it's the best song on the album, I wouldn't go that far, but it is an extremely excellent song! Very fun, and very dancable. It is one of the best, but not the best. 9.5/10
9. Can't B Good-This is the first of the ballads on the album. It is very catchy, and very classic Janet. I love the song alot, it reminds me of the break of dawn on Michael Jackson's 2001 Album Invincible. It is very catchy, and very comforting. 10/10
10. 4 Words (Interlude)*
11. Never Letchu Go-Another ballad on the album. This song is also very melodic and relaxing! I like it alot. It has very good lyrics and avery soothing beat. This really nothing special about the song though, that stands out. It is a very good song, but it may soon be a forgetable one within the album. 8/10
12. Truth Or Dare (Interlude)*
13. Greatest X-The third and probably best ballad on the song. Never Letchu go and The greates X have alot of similarities in sound, and I have no clue why they put them back to back on the album. Nevertheless, the song is amazing! Janet already had another great song on Damita Jo called "Thinkin bout my Ex" So obviously she loves her Ex..lol! But regardless of all of that, possibly the second best song on the album. It would make a great ballad single. 10/10
14. Good Morning Janet (Interlude)*
15. So Much Betta-This song is so unique! It samples Daft Punk's song Daftendirekt. The song is amazing and my favorite song on the album. My only complaint about the song is that it's really short. Another verse would have done this song some justice. Overall, a very good track, and my favorite one at that! 10/10
16. Play Selection (Interlude)*
17. The 1 feat. Missy Elliott-I think this is an okay song, but it is way too mainstream. Even though it is a great tune, it really isn't janet. It sounds like Amerie or Beyonce would sing it. I am definately not bashing Amerie nor beyonce, because I love both of them and I have all of there albums. But Janet has been so much more unique than this in the past, and this just doesn't cut it. It is an okay song, it isn't bad by any means, but just not my favorite. 7/10
18. What's Ur Name-Love this song. I don't think I could classify this song as a ballad, but probably mid-tempo. It's another one of the shorter songs on the album, which is a bummer. I like the song alot. It's really catchy, and a more "Modernized" Janet tune. Very good! 9/10
19. The Meaning (Interlude)*
20. Discipline-Another slow ballad and the titile track, and I love it!!!! It is so sensual without being too sexual! I like it alot! It is longest song on the album at a whopping 5 minutes exactly. But the entire song is worth it, and not boring at all! I love it. Definately baby making music. 10/10
21. Back (Interlude)*
22. Curtains-The is my least favorite song on the album. It is another ballad. And it just hasn't clicked with yet I guess. I am going to try to listen to it some more and see if my thoughts on it would change. Some parts of it is catchy, like the chorus, but the rest of it is pretty forgetable. I think it may grown on me, but right now it is my least favorite on the album. 6/10
121/130=93% which is an A rating. I really like Discipline more than Damita Jo and it is up there with 20 Y.O. Alot of people think that her last three albums have been bad, but I would have to disagree. Alot of people thought she made a huge change with All 4 U, but I felt that aside from the singles, that, that was one of her weakest albums to date. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion. All I ask is please go out and buy albums, and do not download! We need to show more support to our artist. Because if we can't support them and make their carrers thrive, then we don't get any good music back in return.
Free Music Review: Don't hold Janet's former standards against her.
Hit: 5 Stars
Let me preface this by saying that this is Janet's best album since The Velvet Rope. And I genuinely mean that. And no offense to those three albums in between...I'm not downing them. Discipline is just better. All in all, this is a great album. Though I must admit that I AM a bit biased, I can't imagine why any level-headed "reviewer" here on Amazon would brand this CD as being one or two stars out of five. I'm guessing that most of this is spawned from the media and how it likes to give off the impression that Janet has no career to speak of. Which is sad, in my opinion because obviously these type people haven't experienced Janet at her finest. She's consistently put out great music...moreso than any other artist I can think of off the top of my head. Another thing I've noticed alot frequently is that Janet gets criticised for her "overly sexual" lyrics. Why is it that R. Kelly (along with other "aging" male R&B acts) can get away with nothing but praise when all they talk about on a single album is what Janet gets slammed for doing on two out of fourteen tracks? When Janet resorts to singing about "Booty Meat" (see Soulja Boy) then, by all means, flame away. But, as for now, kindly recognize that Janet is as dignified, strong, enduring, and strangely innocent today as she was when she was 20 YO.
Overall Grade: B+
Feedback: one of the albums best tracks is also it's first single. A straight-up dance song (and currently #3 on the US Dance Charts) this is pretty different than anything I've heard from Janet....which is good. In fact, the space age instrumentals sound like something that Kayne would gravitate towards. One of my favorites. B+
Luv: Another dance-oriented track and one of the more mainstream tracks on Discipline, this is actually better than Feedback in my opinion. It's hard to imagine any fan of modern pop music turning their back on this song. A
Rollercoaster: Very strange song for Miss Jackson. Sounds one part African-inspired, one-part modern dance, and one-part something else all together. As you can see, this is a very hard song to describe with my minimal writing abilities. But the word bizarre comes to mind. B+
Rock With U: NOT a cover of her brother's single. This track (the second single) is definitely a "chill" song. Futuristic, robotic, and sexy like a shiny, sleek, expensive car. A definite house-type song, destined to be heard in the clubs. Luv it. A.
2nite: A guilty pleasure of mine for sure...sounds like something Janet would've did in the eighties with Control. Not amazing, but it sure is danceable. Very fitting for the album. B-
Can't B Good: Possibly my favorite song from Discipline. I loved this song thirty seconds into hearing it for the first time. It's reminiscent of the "janet." era, for sure and another "chill" song. Reminds me of "The Body That Loves You" coupled with a modern hip hop beat. Amazing. Bordering on A+...not quite there, though.
Never Letchu Go: I can see why a lot of people would like this...but in all honesty, it's not for me. Very nineties...I can see Boyz 2 Men performing this. For me, the Japanese Bonus track "Let Me Know" would've been a better addition than this. Nice beat, though. C
Greatest X: VERY mainstream. Had this been a single, it would've reached a wide audience. Listening to this makes me picture a couple dancing cheek to cheek at their high school prom. Nice chorus, but the song really takes off more near the end. "Greatest X" has been compared by one music critic to One Republics "Apologize." Worth a few listens. If you didn't like it at first, it will surely grow on you. B
So Much Betta: The album goes back into dance tracks with this. It's a nice song, known for samplind Daft Punk. Not really much I can think to say about it. Janet's robot maid/assistant/whatever, Kyoko does the chorus. Interesting, short, and sweet, if not a tad repetetive. B-
The 1: Believe it or not, I used to hate this, but I must say that this is growing on me in a big way. It sounds like one of the better tracks from 20 y.o. And Missy Elliot might just catch you off guard with her opening rap. Watch for Janet to be flamed for the "seven inches" lyric as she was for Feedback's "period" one. B
What's Ur Name: Sweet, dreamy instrumentals and an all-around decent song. Kinda follows the trend of "good, not great songs" from the second part of this album, but it's still something worth hearing. I'm sure It'll grow on me. This is the closest thing resembling filler that you'll hear on this album. C
Discipline: Janet's already gotten some heat for the lyrics on this one. Not one of the albums stellar tracks, but very interesting and memorable. Memorable for it's sensual lyrics and S&M themes. Overall, though, it's very nice and smooth. C+
Curtains: Sexy is the first song that comes to mind. Sexy instrumentals, sexy lyrics, and, as always, sexy vocals from Janet. Another one that had to grow on me though. A nice closing song for an album that could've been The Velvet Rope part 2 had the second half been as strong as it's first. B+
4 stars for the album, 1 for it simply being Janet. :)
Free Music Review: Janet Finally Gets Her Groove Back
Hit: 5 Stars
Ever since Janet's infamous career suicide live at the sacred Superbowl, negative perceptions have clouded her every effort since.
The 'Damita Jo' project was met with stern ears from critics and public alike, who seemed determined to punish Jackson for her over-sexualized sound - or 'obsession' as they percieved it.
With Janet blacklisted by the broadcasting industry, 'Damita' stuggled to get past 2 million in sales. Had the Superbowl not occured, the album would have surely continued her multi-platinum trend, as altho far from the creative highs of 'Control' or 'Rhythm Nation 1814' - it was hardly the flacid flop many claimed, at least no more so than the patchy pop of 2001's 'All For You'.
Then came the '20yo' fiasco.
Still blacklisted by MTV and with very little radio support, Janet unleashed her collaboration with r&b mogul and current beau Jermaine Dupri. Public and fans alike were largely underwelmed by the this flat urban set. Janet's voice was thin and Dupri seemed ignorant of both Janet's fanbase and how to cultivate her harmonious melodic sound.
Along with severe mismanagement by then label Virgin 20yo sank without trace with barely a million copies sold.
Now, under the watchful eye of Island's L.A Reid comes 'Discipline', Janet's metaphysical essay on how the force of self-control threads her existence.
Structurally it resembles 93's blockbuster 'Janet' (still her biggest selling album) while thematically Janet implores a stark futuristic motif, with many of the interludes depicting her exchanges with robotic servant/confidant and therapist Kioko.
This is also reflected in the albums heavily electronisized production and vocals.
Stylistically its a triumph. The songwriters navigating the shuttle (Ne-yo, Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Rodney Jerkins and Dupri) have created a retro 80's/90's Janet sound where at times Janet seems to parody her own back-catalogue (particulary on 'Greatest X', 'Never Let U Go' & 'Discipline') but with such strong and vibrant production the approach not only works but triumphs.
We find futuristic pop-funkery on 'Feedback'; frenetic, jamming beats on the hit-and-run SOS anthem 'Luv'; and Janet peering down the looking glass to whirling,acid-tripping kaleidoscope beats on 'Rollercoaster'. Then we're off to Gay Town, Europe, for some house-tinged pop delights with the sublime electro of 'Rock With U' and swirling party anthem '2nite'.
Down tempo we go with some of her best mid-tempo jams for 10 years plus.
'Can't Be Good' is the best of them - its production infused with sadness and self doubt, perfectly accompanying Janet's soft, melancholic harmonys.
'Never Lechu Go' is a curious track: Vintage early-90's cheese with a hint of the 90210. It would be a crime, if it wasnt so refreshing to hear such an unashamed melodic pop ballad of the kind a Casio 500 would be proud.
Likewise 'Greatest X' treads into this welcome retrospective territory - childish, anthemic nonesense from 1990 it may be - but its honesty, simplicity and innocence are startling - gorgeous. Its the best pop-love song i've heard all year - and will no doubt gain a cultish following for all the right reasons.
Then we take a dark turn, courtesy of some smart Daft Punk sampling on the albums dirty dance pulsating jewel 'So Much Betta' - possibly her best track in 10 years - this is the creative, underground Janet we have been missing.
Then Missy pops up on 'The 1', a semi-realised altho somehwat wasted opportunity. Janet's vocals are thin against the energised beats - a real shame considering its filthy synthesized chorus lick and dramatic melody potential.
After another fine Mid-tempo turn on 'Whats Your Name?' we're back to the divisive janet territory - sex.
Only one baby making capsule this time - but 'Discipline' ranks alongside her darkest, knee trembling cum-fests - redolent of the sado-masochistic themes explored on 'The Velvet Rope'. Its a fascinating exploration of a deeper, more complex facet to the albums theme, 'take out your frustrations on me' - and the chorus bangs (if you pardon the ... never mind)
Then with our orbit nearly complete, Janet bids her robotic confidant farewell and closes the 'Curtains' on her discipline.
This final track finds Janet in an upbeat melodic groove rooted right in the present. With its tight, sparse production Janet waves goodbye to her inner exploration, sails from the void and looks into the joy and possibilties of the 'now'.
Its a fitting and suprisingly uncliched ending to the journey.
Most fans know that Janet has been on a creative down spiral since the glory days of 'The Velvet Rope' and its true that this is hardly the creative opus some have hungered these last 10 years.
But 'Discipline' is the best pop-Janet we've had since '93 - and it marks a refreshing change to hear her tackle such energized (if at times uneven) material with young, fresh producers pressing all the right buttons.
It may not be 'Control' but 'Discipline' proves to be a quantum leap in the right direction - Finally!!! And for that Janet deserves some long overdue credit.
Free Music Review: Being Janet Jackson in the Digital Age Requires Discipline...
Hit: 5 Stars
Janet Jackson has some balls. Besting skeptics, Discipline, Janet's first album in 20+ years without assistance from musical soul mates Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, keeps it moving where the Jackson/Jam/Lewis triumvirate left off. Contrary to popular opinion, Janet's electric soul pop music predates initial collaborations with Jam & Lewis. In fact, it was primarily René & Angela and Giorgio Moroder who lent their production talents to Janet's 1982 eponymous debut, which featured underrated electronic, new wave, and disco-leaning pop r&b. And, it is Discipline's opening song "Feedback" which boasts a relentless, thumping beat that exemplifies Janet's comfortable shift into a more digitized brand of electric soul.
The metaphor of a car wreck describing new love is smartly weaved into synthesized, layered beats on my personal favorite, "LUV". As fresh, loose, and addictive as any r&b track surely to be released to the masses this year, "LUV" is undeniable in its groove.
There's a tribal, bass funk urgency to the musical elements of "Rollercoaster" which provide a bombastic foundation for the carnival-like imagery conjured by the lyrics.
A clever combination of Snoop Dogg's randy "Sexual Eruption" and Janet's own slinky "Slolove" from 2004's Damita Jo is the best way to describe "Rock With You", musically. So, it makes sense that similarly constructed "2Nite" follows it up in a stroke of album sequencing genius. The melodies in both tracks pay homage to the 1980s flavor of real house music - before club music went all techno-y. "Rock With You" and "2Nite" are, without a doubt, the two strongest contenders for the dance song of the album.
Just as RWU and 2N bookend each other, so do the sublimely mellow "Can't B Good" and "Never Letchu Go". Janet's invocations of an Off The Wall-era Michael Jackson on these two cuts are obvious, but no one approaches the awesome sincerity of Michael's early tender moments like his sister does.
But Discipline isn't without its detractors. As the second half of the album commences, things get less consistently satisfying. For example, "Greatest X" - much like DJ's "Thinkin' Bout My Ex" - represents an inauthentic, uncommitted contribution from Janet herself. Although both songs possess decently constructed hooks, the subject matter on both somehow rings false for a twice-divorced woman who describes herself as being "allergic to marriage". Then again, Janet is no novice to contradictions.
Nevertheless, another zenith lp moment comes courtesy of the kinetic "So Much Betta". Like Busta Rhymes and Kanye West before her, Janet gleans blissful electric soul in the form of a sample from the catalog of French dance duo Daft Punk. There's an undeniable "hump" to the track that forces the neck muscles of its listener to surrender in successive syncopation to the beat.
The standout track is then followed by another weak contribution featuring the only credited collaboration, "The 1". Bluntly, there is nothing special about this go-go influenced song, including Missy Elliott's guest starring role. Janet's done this kind of stuff before (but more memorably), via unreleased Rich Harrison-tailored tracks from the DJ era "Put It On Me" and "Pops Up".
"What's Ur Name" wins my vote for sleeper hit of the album. With its spare, strolling, 1,2 step flow, WUN is breezy, cozy, and warm in its delivery, ala another sleeper hit from the 2001 All For You project, "Feels So Right".
Discipline's title track rehashes theme and vocal delivery similar to The Velvet Rope's "Rope Burn" in 1997 or 20YO's "Love To Love" in 2006, but without either song's rhythmic flourishes, which ultimately made those tracks special. Interestingly, the music - like the subject matter itself - lies flat, like it's waiting to be dominated.
"Curtains" ends the album proper on a high note, however. It's one of those mid-tempo, R. Kelly-inspired r&b jams which ably displays Janet's pristine self-harmonizing skills.
An infectious, Itunes-only bonus track, "Let Me Know", raises the value of the album as a whole. The song contains the classic The Neptunes-produced electronic chord progressions buoyed by Janet's own classic joyous vocal delivery. The marriage of these two elements yield yet another reason to regard this lp as a worthy addition to any of the other several masterworks in Janet's catalog.