Top Albums and Mini-Albums of 2015: Number 1

ALBUMS

1. Janet Jackson - Unbreakable



When I heard that Janet was coming back this year, I wondering if her album would make my countdown. Despite being my favorite artist of all time, her last few albums haven't exactly been stellar representations of what makes her so wonderful. Unbreakable, though, exceeded all expectations. What we have here is classic Janet, augmented just enough for today's age. It's a mature, thoughtful album that doesn't skimp on the beats or melody. it has that lush, impeccably produced sound that is hers and hers alone. Janet plus Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis is pure heaven. They could release music for the next fifty years and it would all sound so classic and timeless. I am so thrilled that Janet's back, and even more ecstatic that I can place this at the very top of my countdown.

MINI ALBUMS

1. Infinite - Reality



The kings of k-pop didn't release all that much this year, but anything they put out is bound to be gold. Balanced equally between ballads and dance tracks, Reality showed just a bit more maturity and progression than their past work, while still sounding undeniably Infinite. While I hope that they'll work with producers Sweetune again in the future, it's nice to know that the quality of their music holds up regardless of the producer. It's by far my most-listened to mini album of the year, and rightly so.

Top 50 Singles of 2015: 45-41

45. Shinee - Married To The Music



A funky, Michael Jackson inspired summer track that feels indebted in one way or another to the best of every decade's music trends.

44. Infinite F - My Heart Is Beating



Infinite's lightest and poppiest subunit debuted with this cotton-candy confection that's almost too sweet, but it's anchored by a wallop of a hook.

43. Bigbang - Sober



Bigbang released more singles this year than any other k-pop artist, and this rock-influenced track stood out with its anthemic hook and crunchy guitars.

42. Lovelyz - Ah-Choo 



The high energy "cute concept" was strong with girl groups this year in Korea, and Lovelyz was a chief example. This is their most addictive single yet.

41. Janet Jackson - No Sleeep 



The legend returned not with a bang, but a quiet storm of a single that hearkens back to the moodiest music of her past.

Track-By-Track: Janet Jackson - Unbreakable

It's been a long time since we've been treated with a new Janet Jackson album. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect and feared for the worst, but I love this woman so much and I'm so incredibly over-the-moon that Unbreakable is (personal bias aside) one of the absolute best albums of the year.

1. Unbreakable - Perched halfway between being an album intro and an actual song, this is a pleasant welcome and nod to her fans. the beat and hook are the strongest elements, as well as the back-to-basics spoken outro that seques (somewhat jarringly) into the next track. 9/10

2. BURNITUP! (ft. Missy Elliott) - Initially, I was a bit underwhelmed by this. I found the Missy Elliott "rap" to be obnoxious, even though I usually love Missy, and the melody and production to be dated. However, it fits in better in the context of the album. Still not the strongest track, but it does echo back to the kind of music Janet's been making for the past decade. In an album that feels like a comprehensive distillation of her career, this feels somehow necessary. Just maybe not as a single. 9/10

3. Dammn Baby - One of my favorites. It's not necessarily what I want or need from Janet, but my god this is a great urban pop track. The beat is reminiscent of many hits over the past couple of years, but the little production flourishes and vocal filters give this its own character. The nostalgic callback to I Get Lonely during the breakdown is wonderfully done as well. If any track was crying out to be released as a single, it's this one. 10/10

4. The Great Forever - I've always loved when Janet sings in her raspy, lower register. There's a lot of it on this track, which has quickly grown to be one of my favorites. I love the juxtaposition of the bubbly production and the biting vocal delivery. The production swirls into a near church-like crescendo towards the end, which gives an otherwise lightweight sound some heft. 10/10

5. Shoulda Known Better - Of all the tracks here, this is most reminiscent of her classic Rhythm Nation material. In addition to its socially conscious message, the stop/start production and melody has a classic 90's feel to it. The final, world-weary lyrics are heartbreaking. 10/10

6. After You Fall - A beautiful, haunting segue from the previous track. Though mostly known for her dance floor classics, there's a strong history of brittle ballads with simple, affecting melodies. After the Fall is no exception. Janet's never been called a powerhouse vocalist, but the amount of emotion she's able to convey with a pause or breath or vocal tremor is always impressive. 9/10

7. Broken Hearts Heal - Another highlight. What at first seems like a feather-light Motown pastiche quickly develops a sunny, irresistible beat. What really makes this stand out, though, are the autobiographical lyrics referencing her brother. 10/10

8. Night - A bright, ridiculously catchy 90's house number. For those who like Runaway-style Janet best, this is the track that most retains that upbeat, joyful sound. It marries classic Janet melodies with a more modern, almost Calvin Harris beat. 10/10

9. No Sleeep (ft. J. Cole) - This was the comeback track, and it's definitely a quiet storm. It's actually one of the album's most subdued tracks, opening with a rainstorm that characterizes the tone of what's to come. It's not my favorite track, but it's certainly classic Janet through and through. 10/10

10. Dream Maker / Euphoria - This opens "side two" of the album, and feels more like an extended intro than an actual song. Over lush harmonies, the track echoes the socially conscious message put forth earlier in the album. Janet sings in her higher register here, which isn't my favorite tone to her voice, but the song's pretty enough. It's probably my least favorite on the main album. 8/10

11. 2 B Loved - I've heard this compared to her single Doesn't Really Matter. It's not nearly as catchy, but retains that song's lighthearted, bouncy energy. 8/10

12. Take Me Away - This was the instant standout for me. I'm not sure that it's my absolute favorite track on the album, but it's definitely a highlight. Janet tackles the electro-rock genre, but fuses it to her soft, relaxing vocals. The guitar solo towards the end is super anthemic, and the whole thing just brings about a sense of euphoria. It feels like the "biggest" sounding track on the album. 10/10

13. Promise - This is basically an interlude that serves as a taster to the eighteenth track. Pretty, but not long enough to give it a rating.

14. Lessons Learned - This one snuck up on me. At first I thought it was a little boring, though I liked the story-like lyrics. Then I realized that Janet's always gorgeous harmonies are in full force on this. It brings me right back to classics like Come Back To Me and Let's Wait Awhile. The turns in melody throughout the track give it a beautiful, poetic quality that opens up the more you listen to it. 10/10

15. Black Eagle - Speaking of a poetic quality, Black Eagle is a spare, spiritual stream-of-conscious echo of a song. I have a feeling it will be one of the most enduring tracks on the album, What at first seems simple and almost childlike deepens and becomes more sonically and lyrically interesting the more you listen to it. 10/10

16. Well Traveled - Janet has a long history of touching on rock and country influences. It's one of the reasons I love and respect her so much as an artist. Instead of the ferocious intensity of past hits like Black Cat, this song is a slow burn, lighters-in-the-air type of anthem. It would work very well as an album or tour closer, though the same could be said for many of the tracks on the album. 9/10

17. Gon' Be Alright - This is another big departure in sound, as Janet delivers a fierce funk workout that really shows off her vocals (she recorded every single main and background vocal herself, even if it may not sound like it). The tempo and energy here is incredibly upbeat-- it's impossible to sit still. I'm not generally a huge fan of old funk music, but this is really something special. Absolutely explosive. 10/10

BONUS TRACKS

18. Promise Of You - If you've heard the interlude on the main album, extend that for a few minutes and you'll know exactly how this sounds. It's incredibly mellow and pretty, though I understand why it wasn't chosen for the main album. It would kind of kill the energy. It's still the stronger of the two bonus tracks, though. 8/10

19. Love U 4 Life - Despite being more uptempo, this is the blander of the two bonuses. Of every song, it's the hardest for me to remember. Of course, average Janet music is still evocatively produced and beautiful to listen to. 7/10


Album Grade: 9.3/10 (9.5 without bonus tracks) Highly Recommended

Janet Jackson - Take Me Away

God, I love Janet Jackson. And I am so happy that this new album turned out to be awesome. At this stage in her career, I wasn't sure what to expect. Even after seeing her in concert this August, and realizing that she's still got everything that made her so special in the first place, I just wasn't sure that she could pull off an album that stood up there with her 80's/90's classics. With Unbreakable, she's created something that's both incredibly nostalgic and totally forward-thinking. It's actually a pretty experimental Janet record, but it nods back to her past so wonderfully that it feels in keeping with the story that she's been telling since 1986's Control through 1997's Velvet Rope. I love every song, but Take Me Away was one of the instant standouts. It's just so damn joyous. The production veers close to the electro-rock genre, which is new for her, but the lush, soothing harmonized vocals are pure Janet. When that guitar kicks in toward the end, I'm in absolute nirvana. If you've ever loved Janet, do yourself a favor and listen to the new record as soon as you possibly can.

Janet Jackson Unbreakable Tour: Opening Night Report

I just got back from the opening night of Janet's first tour in four years. I was going to post this tomorrow, but I thought I might as well try to recap while my mind's still fresh.

First, a little background for those that might not read this blog frequently. I've been a Janet fan as long as I've been a music fan. She was my first pop star obsession and still the barometer with which I measure any others. I saw her once during the All For You tour, but I can't say I remember all that much from the experience. I was super excited to hear that she was coming to Vancouver. I live just south of the border and frequent the city often. It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that it struck me that not only was I seeing Janet live, but I was seeing her live on opening night. I had no idea what to expect. I mean, I adore the lady, but she is decidedly middle-aged (not that you'd know it by watching her) and hasn't released new music for awhile. The venue was a stadium, but they only used about a third of it, I'd say, which meant the stage was pushed up way close so that every seat seemed like a great seat. It was certainly much, much closer than I was back when I saw her in 2001.

So, the show... I'd say it blew any expectations I could have had out of the water. There is more funk and fierceness in even Janet's smallest move than in any performer out there right now. She most certainly still has "it." She looks better than she has since the 90's, she sounds great, and she moves with a swagger only time and experience can build. Honestly, and I know it's kind of a cliche to say it, but it's like she hasn't aged since The Velvet Rope era.

The show itself was divided into three extended medleys, each with its own distinct color. We opened with a somewhat dark, super epic video of ravens (or crows? Some kind of creepy dark bird) flocking until they sort of formed Janet's silhouette. This was accompanied by an incredibly fierce spoken word intro that I hope is the opening of the upcoming album. It sounded like it could be.

After this, she launched into the first of the show's three parts, which I guess I'd label as the pop/dance section. She blazed her way through her arsenal of classics--all the uptempo hits from Control and Rhythm Nation, with All For You and Feedback mixed in--looking amazing in a white corset-type top and harem pants. We also got to hear a new uptempo dance track (Unbreakable?) that featured Missy Elliot and sounded freaking awesome.

The second of the three acts was the ballad/groove section. This opened with another new track, an emotional, spare ballad presumably called "After the Fall." It almost had an alternative rock vibe to it. Very different for Janet, and it seemed pretty personal. Then we got the amazing Again, Come Back to Me, I Get Lonely, Let's Wait Awhile, Throb (!!!!), That's the Way Love Goes, Got 'Til It's Gone, Any Time, Any Place, No Sleeep... and I'm probably forgetting something. The tempo gradually rose through this section until we got to the Deeper Remix of Together Again. This segued into the anthemic, uptempo original. Pure transcendence, for sure.

The last section was a personal favorite. Just listen to this back-to-back assault: Black Cat, then If, then Scream (!!!!!), then Rhythm Nation. I LOVE Janet's harder edged tracks, and grouping them all together like this was almost too much to take. What a smart move, and an incredible climax to the show. I've always been a massive fan of the underrated Black Cat, in particular, and firmly believe it has one of the best guitar riffs in rock music. The rockier version of If was also incredible.

After this, we were treated to an encore of sorts, which comprised of two new songs. It was a little weird to close with songs nobody knew, especially after the high point of Rhythm Nation. First was a dramatic ballad hybrid that got a little clubby towards the end. BIG chorus on this one. It was definitely in line with her more socially-conscious work. After that, we heard a groovier track to end the show. I remember it had a nice hook, but it was really hard to hear. It definitely had that classic Janet beat, though.

Speaking of beats, one of the show's greatest assets was the fact that Janet was backed by a live band who were featured prominently on the stage. The arrangements of the songs were spectacular... very loose and playful. They teased every bit of funk out of those old classics to the point where they sounded very new again. The whole thing felt much more alive than when I saw her back in 2001. If there was any complaint I'd have, it would be that I wish she interacted more with the audience between songs. There was plenty of interaction during the performances, but I would have loved some more candid moments where she would have just talked to us... told us what's been going on these four years. But then again, that's never been Janet's way. It's one of the many reasons I adore her so much. She's not a "me me me" type of popstar (like so many of this era). We'll know her through her music. She'll deliver the goods. No fuss needed.

I'm certainly glad I saw her again. In so many ways, the show tonight was better than the one in 2001. Smaller, definitely, but you could tell the crowd was ferociously devoted. Janet inspires that kind of devotion. It's not often you get to see a legend perform. I can't wait to hear the new album. From what I heard and saw tonight, it sounds like a return to form.  

Janet Jackson - No Sleeep

My pop goddess of choice is back today with her first new material in years. I'm super excited because I'll be seeing her live for the second time in Vancouver when her world tour kicks off at the tail end of August. The fact that there'll be a new album to celebrate alongside her many, many classics will be absolutely awesome and unexpected. No Sleeep, I'm predicting, is acting as a sort of buzz single before the inevitably dance-heavy track is unleashed on radio to promote the album. I say "buzz single" because the song, while gorgeous and timeless, sounds more like a "second half of the album track" than traditional single. That's not necessarily a bad thing, since Janet's voice and harmonies coupled with that classic Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis production makes anything sound good. I'll honestly be surprised if this resonates heavily beyond her fan base, but I'd rather have her cater to those of us that adore her than chase some stupid trends to pander to radio. The fact that we're even getting a new album in a couple of months is probably the happiest musical surprise of the year.

The Janet Jackson Megamix

Something miraculous happened over the weekend, just as my birthday was ending and Janet Jackson's was beginning. It's been over seven years, but Miss Jackson is finally coming back with new music this year! We don't know when it will be, or what it will be, but it was confirmed by Janet herself. Honestly, part of me thought it would never happen... and that would be okay. I mean, she's earned her legend status. She will likely never eclipse the music she made in her prime. That said, I am RIDICULOUSLY excited about this. Janet is my number one pop star. She's the one who ushered me into the world of pop music in the first place. She's the one I felt a connection to, and my adolescence is colored with her songs. I don't think there will ever again be an album run to rival the quadruple punch of Control, Rhythm Nation, janet., and Velvet Rope. It's actually pretty staggering how flawless those four albums are. If the new material is even a fraction of that quality, I'll be happy. Now here's a brief (but very well produced) megamix to remind us how awesome Janet is and will forever be. Enjoy!

Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 - 25th Anniversary

"Get the point? Good, let's dance."

Just a short post today to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Janet Jackson's classic fourth album Rhythm Nation 1814, which I would consider to be one of the best albums of all time by my favorite artist of all time. It remains a very unique piece of art, and holds up very well to this day. Part of that appeal is that the album truly does not sound like anything else. Sure, it's firmly in the industrial new jack swing genre, but it manages to leap past that label with its propulsive songwriting, social awareness and intricate, inventive production. Janet, of course, wraps it all up in a bow with her fierce, charismatic-as-hell vocals and performance, as well as the considerable artistic input and songwriting she added to the mix. In fact, one of the album's best tracks--the dynamic hard rocker Black Cat--was written solely by Janet herself. Janet simply does not get her due nowadays as the legend that she is. Her music will always be a huge part of me. For years now, I've been meaning to post a "Ten Best Singles By..." list for Janet on this blog, but I just can't bring myself to rank her best songs. They're all too good. I'd kill for a remastered deluxe version of this album (hint hint) and, of course, new music. But for now, take a listen to this megamix highlighting some of the album's most enduring moments.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Pop Blitz 5/5/10 (Diva Edition)

Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed
Despite some cringe-worthy lyrics, Cyrus maintains her string of great pop singles. It's more dance/urban this time around, which shouldn't really work with her husky voice. But it does. B+

Kelly Rowland - Commander
After her big dance hit last year, Rowland's decided to stick with the genre. Good move. Shame this isn't as strong as last year's. It's not bad, but the vocals do get a little shrill at points. B-

Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)
It was written for the World Cup and certainly works in that context. Taken on its own, it's a great piece of African-inspired Shakira-pop. Not catchy enough to be a major hit, but pleasant. B

Christina Aguilera - Not Myself Tonight
The song, and accompanying video, just screams desperation. Worst of all, it's virtually hookless. A big step back for her, and hopefully not a sign of what's to come from the album. C-

Janet Jackson - Nothing
A one-off soundtrack cut from Jackson, and thank god for that because this is pretty sleepy. An attempt to replicate past, better, ballads, it comes up a little short. C

Mini Viva - One Touch
I'm in love with this. It's got one of the strongest bridges of any pop song this year and is a great example of that old-school Xenomania pop. Stuffed with hooks. A

Kelis - Acapella
Her foray into dance music, and definitely a success. The hypnotic beat stands out more than anything else, though I bet there's better stuff on the album. B+

Top 50 Singles of 2009: 50-46

50. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero



The furthest they’ve come to obtaining that infamous label of poptastic. The video, especially, shows Karen O at the height of her power.

49. Alphabeat - The Spell



A reinvention of sorts, which took some getting used to. The adlibs and synthesizers are ever better than the main melody.

48. Aqua - My Mamma Said



The group’s most mature, achingly beautiful song with a dark, artsy video to match. Far removed from novelty pop.

47. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For



The biggest radio ballad of the summer, they stuffed this one to the brim with drama and layered a hands-swaying-in-the-air chorus on top.

46. Janet Jackson - Make Me



The most Janet Jackson sounding single she’s released in a long while, it’s not among her best, but even autopilot Janet is better than most.