Janet Jackson: Rhythm Nation 1814 (2LP) [A&M]

Why you'll love it

This gatefold 2LP set gives Janet's masterpiece room to hit as hard as it should. It topped the Billboard 200, was the best-selling album of 1990 in the US and remains the one album in Hot 100 history to land seven commercial singles in the top five.

This edition

• 2LP set
• Gatefold jacket

About the album

Label executives wanted Control, part two. Janet Jackson had other ideas. Working again with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at Flyte Tyme Studios in Minneapolis, she built a concept album about the world she was watching on the news, racism, poverty and the hope of something better, and then made it impossible not to dance to.

The sound is tough and gleaming: swung, mechanized drum machines, sharp samples and a mix of new jack swing, pop, funk and even hard rock. "Rhythm Nation" is the call to arms, "Miss You Much" and "Escapade" are pure joy, "Black Cat" brings in roaring guitars, and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" and "Come Back To Me" show off her softer side. Short interludes knit it all together, and the hit singles sit comfortably next to deeper cuts like "State Of The World" and "The Knowledge."

It sold an estimated 12 million copies and produced No. 1 hits in three separate calendar years, a first for any album. Asked for a sequel, she delivered a concept album, which remains the most stylish way we know of ignoring a memo.

Also at Kops: more Janet Jackson on vinyl · browse Hip Hop / R&B

Tracklist

Listen

On A&M, a reissue of the 1989 album.