Janet.

Infobox Album
Name = janet.
Type = studio
Artist = Janet Jackson


Released = May 18, 1993
Recorded = 1992–1993
Genre = R&B, pop, soul, new jack swing
Length = 75:48
Label = Virgin
Producer = Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson, Jellybean Johnson
Reviews = *Allmusic rating|3|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:8fdjvwrta9tk link]
*"Entertainment Weekly" (C+) [http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,306636,00.html link]
*Robert Christgau (A-) [http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=janet+jackson link]
*"Rolling Stone" rating|4|5 [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/janetjackson/albums/album/182126/review/6067467/janet link]
*Slant Magazine rating|3.5|5 [http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1288 link]
Last album = "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814"
(1989)
This album = "janet."
(1993)
Next album = "janet. Remixed"
(1995)
Misc = Extra album cover 2
Upper caption = Alternate cover
Type = studio


Lower caption = Limited edition double disc cover Singles
Name = janet.
Type = studio
Single 1 = That's the Way Love Goes
Single 1 date = April 20, 1993
Single 2 = If
Single 2 date = July 13, 1993
Single 3 = Again
Single 3 date = October 12, 1993
Single 4 = Because of Love
Single 4 date = January 18, 1994
Single 5 = Any Time, Any Place
Single 5 date = May 24, 1994
Single 6 = You Want This
Single 6 date = October 11, 1994
Single 7 = Whoops Now
Single 7 date = January 31, 1995

"janet." (pronounced "Janet, period.") is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson, released on May 18, 1993 by Virgin Records. Jackson shares co-writing and production credits with long-term collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, as well as Jellybean Johnson. The album was the first to be released under Jackson's new label, as she had departed from A&M Records for a then-unprecedented multi-million dollar contract with Virgin in 1991.

The album's title, "Janet, period.", is meant to disassociate the singer's public image from that of her family, essentially dropping the Jackson surname. "janet." became the first album on which Jackson chose to express her sexuality. While she had once garnered a reputation as an advocate for sexual abstinence with her 1986 single "Let's Wait Awhile", the theme of "janet." is sexual intimacy. Though the album was considered to be less innovative than Jackson's previous efforts—"Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814" (1989) and "Control" (1986)—critical reception was predominately positive. The album's music contains a softer, sensual tone compared to that of Jackson's previous albums, and because she took a greater role as producer, "janet." has been credited as a truer testament of independence than "Control".

"janet." debuted at number one on the "Billboard" 200, becoming Jackson's third consecutive album to top the chart. The album produced six top ten hits on the "Billboard" Hot 100 singles chart; Jackson's first number one hit single off the album "That's the Way Love Goes" won the 1994 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. The number-one ballad "Again", which was featured on the soundtrack of Jackson's debut feature film "Poetic Justice", garnered a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The Recording Industry Association of America has certified "janet." 6× platinum and the album has sold over ten million copies worldwide.

Conception

Jackson's previous album, "Rhythm Nation 1814" was a musically groundbreaking production in the development of rhythm and blues, and its supporting tour the most successful debut tour by any recording artist.cite book | last = Ripani | first = Richard J. | title = The New Blue Music: Changes in Rhythm & Blues, 1950-1999 | publisher = Univ. Press of Mississippi | date = 2006 | pages = 152-153 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=fFno4HDB7uYC | isbn = 1578068622] [cite web | last = Sonder | first = Mark | title = Janet Jackson to perform at halftime show | publisher = "Mark Sonder Productions" | date = 2003-12-18 | url = http://www.marksonderproductions.com/headline/JanetJackson.html | accessdate = 2008-06-13] However, the production, arrangement and overall sound was heavily directed by producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, similar to her breakthrough album "Control". Since childhood, Jackson had always considered herself a sheltered and prudent individual, a character trait she retained throughout her artistic development on "Control" and "Rhythm Nation 1814".

Following the critical and commercial success of "Rhythm Nation 1814", Jackson desired to reinvent her image yet again. Jackson's four album contract with A&M Records had expired and she signed a highly publicized multi-million dollar contract with Virgin Records—estimated between $32–50 million—becoming the highest paid female recording artist in contemporary music.Citation | last1 = Pareles | first1 = Jon | title = Recordings View; A Sex object By the Name Of Jackson. | journal = Academic Search Premier | pages = 32 | publisher = "New York Times" | date = 1993-05-23 | year = 1993 | url = https://libris.mtsac.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=30233179&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site | issn = 03624331] Citation | last1 = Wild | first1 = David | title = Jackson's Double Play | journal = Academic Search Premier | issue = 657 | pages = 18 | publisher = "Rolling Stone" | date = 1993-05-27 | year = 1993 | url = http://libris.mtsac.edu:2279/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=2&sid=65ce66de-9386-460d-87a2-6d6b1851c49a%40sessionmgr9 | issn = 0035791X] Citation | last1 = Norment | first1 = Lynn | title = Janet Jackson | journal = Academic Search Premier | volume = 48 | issue = 11 | pages = 36 | publisher = "Ebony" | date = Sep, 1993 | year = 1993 | url = http://libris.mtsac.edu:2279/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=14&sid=99cc4726-444a-4d72-95d8-f596e5e80e46%40sessionmgr3 | issn = 00129011] Citation | last= Hilburn | first= Robert | title= I Think I've Finally Grown Up | newspaper= Newsday | pages=10 | year=1993 | date= 1994-06-27] The contract was arranged between Jackson and Virgin Records owner Richard Branson.Citation | last1 = Goldberg | first1 = M. | title = The Jacksons score big | journal = Academic Search Premier | pages = 32 | publisher = "Rolling Stone" | date = 1991-05-02 | year = 1991 | url = https://libris.mtsac.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9104291442&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site | issn = 0035791X] Her new contract guaranteed a twenty-two percent royalty payment, in addition to her then-historic signing bonus. Cliff Burnstein of Q-Prime management commented that recording artists demands for advances upon signing would begin to escalate from that point forward. With a new recording label and a new album, Jackson made an effort to take greater creative control. She considered it crucial to write all the lyrics for the album and coauthor all of the musical arrangements. Following the production of Jackson's debut feature film "Poetic Justice", Jackson expressed the experience changed her perception of sexuality. The album's theme became the topic of Jackson's newfound sexual persona.

Virgin Records expressed the album title "punctuates the declaration of strength the singer, songwriter and producer boldly expresses on this moving collection of songs which explore love, sensuality, the power of sisterhood and her own evolving self-identity". [Citation | last=Kot | first=Greg | title=Be sure to call it `janet.' The title of Jackson's latest is only the first affectation | newspaper= Chicago Tribune | pages=1 | year=1993 | date= 1994-05-17] Jackson stated in an interview with "USA Today"'s Edna Gundersen, " [c] ertain people feel I'm just riding on my last name...That's why I just put my first name on "janet." and why I never asked my brothers to write or produce music for me".Citation | last=Gundersen | first=Edna | title=All About Janet | newspaper= USA Today | pages=1 | year=1994 | date= 1994-02-18] Sal Cinquemani of "Slant" magazine recounted the title of the album, read "Janet, period.", "announced the singer as completely independent of her male-dominated family [and] it positioned her as the person in charge of her sound".cite web | last= Cinquemani | first=Sal | title = Slant Magazine Music Review: Janet Jackson: janet.| publisher = "Slant" | date = 1993-05-21 | url = http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1288 | accessdate = 2008-02-17]

Music

"That's The Way Love Goes" contains a sample loop of "Papa Don't Take No Mess" written by James Brown, Fred Wesley, Charles Bobbit, and John Starks.cite book | last = Halstead | first = Craig | coauthors = Chris Cadman | title = Jacksons Number Ones | publisher = Authors On Line | date = 2003 | pages = 118 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=tynOwh1E_GAC | isbn = 0755200985] The song "Again", was originally just an experimental sound the production duo was considering.cite book | last = Bronson | first = Fred | title = The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits | publisher = Billboard Books | date = 2003 | pages = | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=PgGqNrqfrsoC | isbn = 0823076776] While Jackson found its melody compelling, the trio did not give the song serious contemplation until the film producers from "Poetic Justice" requested a ballad for the films soundtrack. Jackson subsequently wrote the lyrics for "Again" and shaped them around Jam's melody. The song was arranged by Lee Blaskey and accompanied by members of the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.

Release and promotion

In September 1993, Jackson appeared topless on the cover of "Rolling Stone" magazine with the hands of her then-husband René Elizondo, Jr. covering her breasts. The photograph is the original full-length version of the cropped image used on the cover of the "janet." album, shot by Patrick Demarchelier. [cite web | title = Janet Jackson | publisher = "Rolling Stone" | date = 2004-09-30 | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6478137/janet_jackson | accessdate = 2008-07-23] In the cover story, "Sexual Healing" by David Ritz, Jackson explained, "sex has been an important part of me for several years. But it just hasn't blossomed publicly until now. I've had to go through some changes and shed some old attitudes before feeling completely comfortable with my body. Listening to my new record, people intuitively understand the change in me". Ritz likened Jackson's transformation to Marvin Gaye as he stated, " [j] ust as Gaye moved from What's Going On to Let's Get It On, from the austere to the ecstatic, Janet, every bit as serious-minded as Marvin, moved from Rhythm Nation to janet., her statement of sexual liberation". The image was cropped to show only Jackson's face on the album cover, and midriff in the interior booklet. The full version appears as the cover of the limited edition double disc edition of the album, as well as the video compilation "janet." released later that year. Sonia Murray of "The Vancouver Sun" later reported, "Jackson, 27, remains clearly established as both role model and sex symbol; the Rolling Stone photo of Jackson...became one of the most recognizable, and most lampooned, magazine covers of the year". [Citation | last1 = Murray | first1 = Sonia | title = Janet: The Queen of Pop: Michael could lose his crown to his hot little sister | pages = C1 | newspaper = The Vancouver Sun| date = 1994-02-03| year = 1994 | issn = 08321299]

ingles

"That's the Way Love Goes", the album's lead single entered the "Billboard" Hot 100 at number fourteen and peaked at number one. [Citation | last1 = Bronson | first1 = Fred | title = `I'll Make Love' comes quickly to no. 1. | journal = Academic Search Premier | volume= 106 | issue = 35 | pages = 135 | publisher = "Rolling Stone" | date = 1994-08-27 | year = 1994 | url = http://libris.mtsac.edu:2279/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=14&sid=e38ed900-47d3-4741-844c-43af72955f17%40SRCSM1 | issn = 00062510] cite web | title = janet. > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles | publisher = Allmusic | date = 2006 | url = http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kbfpxq9gldke~T31 | accessdate = 2008-07-02] The single was certified gold by the RIAA on November 12, 1993. [cite web | title = That's the Way Love Goes | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1993-11-12 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=What%20Have%20You%20Done%20for%20Me%20Lately&artist=Janet%20Jackson&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 | accessdate = 2008-06-07] Virgin records intended for "If" to be the lead single for the album, but Jackson, Jam and Lewis disagreed. "That's the Way Love Goes" remained at number one for eight weeks—the most successful chart performance of any member of the Jackson family. The single earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. [cite web | title = janet. > Charts & Awards > Grammy Awards | publisher = Allmusic | date = 2006 | url = http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kbfpxq9gldke~T32 | accessdate = 2008-07-18] "If" was released as the album's second single and peaked at number four on the Hot 100, receiving gold certification on September 28, 1993. [cite web | title = If | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1993-09-28 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=If&artist=Janet%20Jackson&format=SINGLE&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25| accessdate = 2008-07-04] "Again", peaked at number one on the Hot 100 on December 11, 1993 and topped the chart for two weeks. The single was certified gold and then doubled to platinum by the RIAA on December 17, 1993. [cite web | title = Again | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1993-12-17 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Again&artist=Janet%20Jackson&format=SINGLE&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 | accessdate = 2008-07-02] The single earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. [Citation | last= Biddle | first= Frederic M. | title= Fashion and fame team on Oscar night | newspaper= The Boston Globe | pages=61 | year=1994 | date= 1994-03-22] "Because of Love" reached number ten, but was not certified by the RIAA. "Any Time, Any Place" peaked at number two on the Hot 100 and was certified gold on July 11, 1994. [cite web | title = Any Time, Any Place | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1994-07-11 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Any%20Time,%20Any%20Place&artist=Janet%20Jackson&format=SINGLE&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25| accessdate = 2008-07-04] "You Want This", the album's final commercial singe for the United States, peaked at number eight on the Hot 100 and was awarded gold certification on December 6, 1994. [cite web | title = You Want This | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1994-12-06 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=You%20Want%20This&artist=Janet%20Jackson&format=SINGLE&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25| accessdate = 2008-07-04] The album has a hidden track, "Whoops Now", which was released as a single in selected territories in 1995.

Videography

Jackson's music video for "If" was staged as a futuristic Asian nightclub, with spy cameras monitoring the intimate interactions of patrons within their private boudoirs. The video is an elaborate metaphor for the single's message of sexual fantasy, desire and voyeurism. The video was directed by Dominic Sena, who previously worked with Jackson on music videos for "Rhythm Nation 1814". René Elizondo, Jr. directed the videos for "That's The Way Love Goes", and "Again". Videos for "Any Time, Any Place" and "You Want This" were directed by Keir McFarlane.

janet. Tour

Jackson embarked on her second world tour in support of her debut album with the Virgin Records label. Costumes and wardrobe for the tour were designed by stylist Tanya Gill, with outfits "rang [ing] from pipebone vests with high-heeled moccasin boots to zoot suits top-hats to circus-ringmaster bustiers."Citation | last= McHugh | first= Catherine | title= Janet. (Janet Jackson)(Concerts - Costumes)| newspaper= Theatre Crafts International | volume=28 | issue= | pages=36 | year=1994 | date= 1994-08-01| issn=10639497 ] With a show encompassing over 100 costumes, a team of over 50 costume makers was led by wardrobe supervisor, Helen Hiatt. The tour's debut concert was held on November 24, 1993 in Cincinnati, Ohio. [Citation | title=Music features: In The Works Action Jackson | newspaper=Entertainment Weekly | pages=69 | year=1993 | date=1993-11-05] Jackson held a four show engagement at Madison Square Garden which began on December 17, 1993, with the final performance held on New Years Eve. [Citation | last1 = Jackson | first1 = Nathan | last2 = Flaim | first2 = Denise | last3 = Robbins | first3 = Ira | title=Janet Jackson Plays The Garden A Good Weekend For Movin' and Groovin' | newspaper=Newsday | pages=108 | year=1993 | date=1993-12-17] Michael Snyder of the "San Francisco Chronicle" described Jackson's stage performance at the San Jose Arena in February, 1994, as what erased the line between "stadium-size pop music concerts and full-scale theatrical extravaganzas".Citation | last=Snyder | first=Michael | title=Janet Jackson Makes All The Right Moves / Singer brings extravaganza to San Jose | newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle | pages=C1 | year=1994 | date=1994-02-18]

Her performances also garnered criticism. Renee Graham of the "Boston Globe" commented that her stage show at Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts on June 20, 1994, proved her limited vocal range as " [t] he numerous costume changes, pyrotechnics and the dancing all but overshadowed her razor-sharp seven-piece band and three back-up singers", asserting Jackson was a better performer and entertainer than she was a vocalist. [Citation | last= Graham | first=Renee | title=Janet Jackson: looks good, sounds bad | newspaper=Boston Globe | pages=34 | year=1994 | date=1994-06-20] However, the "St. Louis Post-Dispatch"'s Steve Pick observed Jackson's stage show at the Riverport Amphitheatre on July 12, 1994, made the "janet." album's numerous hit singles more effective with her "larger-than-life stage persona". [Citation | last=Pick | first=Steve | title=Janet Jackson Offers Hits, Larger-Than-Life Persona | newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch | pages=6d | year=1994 | date=1994-07-12]

Reception

Critical

Upon the album's debut, Robert Johnson of "San Antonio Express-News" praised Jackson and her producers for taking a chance on a new sound.Citation | last=Johnson | first=Robert | title=Jackson delivers under pressure with "janet." | newspaper=San Antonio Express-News | pages= | year=1993 | date=1993-05-28] Johnson stated the album ranges from "dreamy and sensual" with "That's the Way Love Goes," and "The Body That Loves You", to "downright erotic" with "Throb". He commented, " ["janet."] isn't perfect, but it should be enough to make her the Queen of Pop". "Rolling Stone" magazine described Jackson's choice to demand dignity from her partner in exploring her sexuality a "victory", as "Jackson evades reductive sexuality by demanding love and respect from both her partner and herself".cite web | title = Janet: Janet Jackson: Review: Rolling Stone | publisher = "Rolling Stone" | date = 1993-06-24 | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/182126/review/6067467/janet | accessdate = 2008-07-02] Musically, "janet." is considered to be fully diversified, despite its lack of groundbreaking production.

David Browne of "Entertainment Weekly" commented "Janet Jackson exudes both an unaffected grace and a cunning sense of calculation," but criticized the album for being over-produced as "her wispy voice is often smothered by her two male producers," and regarded "janet." as a "blatant rip-off of the club-beat style of Madonna's "Erotica".cite web | last=Browne | first=David | title = janet. Music Review | publisher = "Entertainment Weekly" | date = 1993-05-21 | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,306636,00.html | accessdate = 2008-07-02] Browne went on to comment "Mostly, though, "janet." sounds like a mess-period." "Time" magazine's Jay Cocks said although the album came off strong, it was tame under his observation, "as if Jackson, aware that this was her premiereffort under a new, $40 million record deal, felt weighed down by theburden of proving herself".Citation | last=Cocks | first=Jay | title=Reviews Music: Souls on Ice | newspaper=Time | pages=68 | year=1993 | date=1993-06-07] However, he also commented that the 1960s-style "What'llI Do" validates that Jackson had nothing to prove. Ultimately, Cocks critiques "janet." as "only sporadically deliver [ing] ...a good sexy time".

Contemporary reviews have continued to find the album predominately favorable. Alex Henderson of Allmusic affirms that "janet." has several strong points such as the "hypnotic" "That's the Way Love Goes", even though the album did not surpass the crowning achievements of "Rhythm Nation 1814" and "Control".cite web | last=Henderson | first=Eric | title = janet. > Review | publisher = Allmusic | date = 2008 | url = http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kbfpxq9gldke~T1 | accessdate = 2008-07-02] According to Henderson, "despite its shortcomings, "janet." is a welcome addition to [Jackson's] catalog". "Slant" magazine's Sal Cinquemani expressed that "janet." is Jackson's greatest assertion of independence, as she take control of her sound and the album is "effectively softened" compared to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' Prince-inspired production values of "Rhythm Nation 1814" and "Control".cite web | last= Cinquemani | first=Sal | title = Slant Magazine Music Review: Janet Jackson: janet.| publisher = "Slant" | date = 2006 | url = http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1288 | accessdate = 2008-02-17] Cinquemani comments that while much of the album's lyrical content regarding sex is only implied, "If "Rhythm Nation's" deflowering "Someday Is Tonight" was the answer to the chastity anthem "Let's Wait Awhile," "janet." found her ready, able, and willing to do it any time, any place". Cinquemani regards "Any Time, Any Place" as the album's true accomplishment as "Janet's vocals reaching a fervent and authentic pitch..."

Commercial

"janet." debuted at number one on the "Billboard" 200 and on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.cite web | title = janet. | work = Billboard charts | publisher = Allmusic | date = 2006 | url = http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kbfpxq9gldke~T3 | accessdate = 2008-07-02] The album was first certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on August 8, 1993 denoting 500,000 units shipped within the United States.cite web | title = janet. | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1993 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Janet&artist=Janet%20Jackson&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 | accessdate = 2008-06-07] The same day, the album's certification was raised to 3× platinum, denoting 3,000,000 units shipped. On November 17, 1993, "janet." received 4× platinum certification and was later awarded 5× platinum on December 17, 1993. The following year on April 12, 1994, the album was certified 6× platinum. "janet." has sold an estimated seven million copies in the United States according to Nielsen SoundScan.cite web |last=Caulfield | first=Keith | title = Ask Billboard | publisher = "Billboard" | date = 2006-11-02 | url = http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003349841 | accessdate = 2008-07-02] The album has sold over ten million copies worldwide.Citation |last1=Bickelhaupt |first1=Susan |last2= Dezell | first2=Maureen | title=Room with a private view | newspaper=Boston Globe | pages=26 | year=1996 | date=1996-01-13]

Track listing

CD

#"Morning" – 0:31
#"That's the Way Love Goes" (Janet Jackson, James Harris III, Terry Lewis) – 4:25
#*Contains a sample of James Brown's "Papa Don't Take No Mess" (James Brown, Fred Wesley, Charles Bobbit, John Starks).
#"You Know..." – 0:12
#"You Want This" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 5:05
#*Contains a sample of Diana Ross & the Supremes' "Love Child" (R. Dean Taylor, Frank Wilson, Pam Sawyer, Deke Richards) and Kool & the Gang's "Jungle Boogie" (Ronald Bell, Kool & the Gang).
#"Be a Good Boy..." – 0:07
#"If" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 4:31
#*Contains a sample of Diana Ross & the Supremes' "Someday We'll Be Together" (Johnny Bristol, Harvey Fuqua, Jackey Beavers).
#"Back" – 0:04
#"This Time" (featuring soprano by Kathleen Battle) (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 6:58
#"Go on Miss Janet" – 0:05
#"Throb" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 4:35
#"What'll I Do" (Jackson, Steve Cropper, Joe Shamwell) – 4:05
#"The Lounge" – 0:15
#"Funky Big Band" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 6:08
#*Contains a sample of Lionel Hampton's "I'm in the Mood for Swing" (Benny Carter, Spencer Williams).
#"Racism" – 0:08
#"New Agenda" (featuring rap by Chuck D) (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 4:00
#*Contains a sample of The Average White Band's "School Boy Crush" (The Average White Band, Steve Ferrone, Alan Gorrie, Hamish Stuart), Kool & the Gang's "Kool It (Here Comes the Fuzz)" (Kool & the Gang, Gene Redd), and Stevie Wonder's "Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)" (Stevie Wonder).
#"Love Pt. 2" – 0:11
#"Because of Love" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 4:20
#"Wind" – 0:11
#"Again" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 3:47
#"Another Lover" – 0:11
#"Where Are You Now" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 5:47
#"Hold on Baby" – 0:10
#"The Body That Loves You" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 5:33
#"Rain" – 0:18
#"Any Time, Any Place" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 7:08
#"Are You Still Up" – 1:36
#"Sweet Dreams"/"Whoops Now" (Jackson) – 5:33

UK edition

#

"Sweet Dreams" – 0:14
#"Whoops Now" – 4:59

"Whoops Now" is listed 5:17 because although it is listed as a normal song on the UK version it is actually still hidden and includes 18 seconds of silence after the interlude "Sweet Dreams". This is why it is listed 5:17, but the actual audio of the song is 4:59 (excluding the eighteen seconds of silence).

Limited edition bonus disc

This limited edition release is a two-disc set housed in a forty-page hardcover book with lyrics and rare color pictures.

#"That's the Way Love Goes/If" (Live at the 1993 MTV VMAs) – 5:48
#"That's the Way Love Goes" (We Aimsta Win Mix) – 5:41
#"Again" (French Version) – 3:53
#"If" (Brothers in Rhythm Swing Yo Pants Mix) – 6:20
#"One More Chance" (Randy Jackson) – 5:54
#"That's the Way Love Goes" (CJ Mackintosh R&B Mix) – 6:19
#"If" (Todd Terry Janet's Jeep Mix) – 6:27
#"Again" (Piano/Vocal) – 3:48

B-sides

#"One More Chance" (B-side to "If") (cover of the song written by her brother Randy, originally sang by The Jacksons and featured on the "Victory" album) – 5:54
#"And on and On" (B-side to "Any Time, Any Place") – 4:50
#*Samples: Sly & the Family Stone's "Family Affair"
#"70's Love Groove" (B-side to "You Want This") – 5:47

Personnel

* (Ex) Cat Heads – rap
* Alice Preves – viola
* Ann Nesby – vocals (background)
* Bernie Edstrom – horn arrangements, trumpet
* Carolyn Daws – violin
* Celine Leathead – violin
* Chuck D – rap
* Core Cotton – vocals (background)
* Daria Tedeschi – violin
* Dave Karr – flute
* David Barry – guitar
* David Bullock – violin
* David Carr – flute
* David Ciland – sax (alto)
* David Eiland – sax (alto)
* David Rideau – mixing
* Frank Stribbling – guitar
* Gary Raynor – bass
* Hanley Daws – violin
* Jamecia Bennett – vocals (background)
* Janet Jackson – main performer, producer, vocals, vocals (background)
* Jean Krikorian – design
* Jeff Gottwig – clarinet, trumpet
* Jeff Taylor – bass, vocals
* Jellybean Johnson – producer
* Jimmy Jam – keyboards, producer, vocals
* James "Big Jim" Wright – keyboards, vocals
* Jossie Harris – talking
* Kathleen Battle – vocals
* Ken Holman – clarinet, sax (tenor)
* Kool & the Gang
* Laura Preves – bassoon
* Lawrence Waddell – organ (hammond)
* Lee Blaskey – orchestration
* Len Peltier – art direction, design
* Marie Graham – vocals (background)
* Mark Haynes – bass, drum programming, programming
* Merilee Klemp – oboe
* Mike Sobieski – violin
* Patrick Demarchelier – photography
* Robert Hallgrimson – sax (alto), trumpet
* Steve Hodge – mixing
* Steve Wright – trumpet
* Steven Pikal – trombone
* Stokley – drums
* Tamas Strasser – viola
* Terry Lewis – producer
* The Average White Band
* Tina Landon – talking
* Tom Kornacker – violin

Charts

Footnotes

References

*Bronson, Fred. "The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits". Billboard Books, 2003. ISBN 0823076776
*Halstead, Craig. Cadman, Chris. "Jacksons Number Ones". Authors On Line, 2003. ISBN 0755200985
*Ripani, Richard J. "The New Blue Music: Changes in Rhythm & Blues, 1950-1999". Univ. Press of Mississippi, 2006. ISBN 1578068622

External links

* [http://www.google.com/musicl?lid=xlOUq8Oo_8C&aid=VI_KSE3lv2M janet.] at Google Music

succession box
before = "Automatic for the People" by R.E.M.
title = UK Albums Chart number-one album
years = May 29, 1993 – June 5, 1993
after = "No Limits" by 2 Unlimitedsuccession box
before = "" by various artists
title = U.S. "Billboard" 200 number-one album
years = June 5, 1993 – July 10, 1993
after = "Back to Broadway" by Barbra Streisandsuccession box
before = "Pocket Full of Kryptonite" by Spin Doctors
title = Australian ARIA Albums Chart number-one album
(first run)
years = June 20, 1993 – July 4, 1993
after = "Led Zeppelin Remasters" by Led Zeppelinsuccession box
before = "Smash" by The Offspring
title = Australian ARIA Albums Chart number-one album (second run)
years = February 26, 1995
after = "Hi Fi Way" by You Am I