.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
17
Editor’s Note: All Pieces in this section are written
by Eboyne’ Jackson, unless otherwise noted. Enjoy.
By Marcus Scott Only two years ago, Janet Jackson, the queen of New Jack swing and Dance-pop released her ninth studio album promptly titled 20 Y.O. The album, which featured rather reprehensible tracks from Jackson, garnered few hits, and Jackson knew she was ready for a comeback. Known very well for her pop-savvy and love-inspired tunes, including rather eclectic themes into her music (domestic violence, prejudice, depression, bondage), and out-of-this-world music videos, Jackson delivers Discipline. Discipline, Jackson’s 10th studio record is a far departure from the glory days of Control, Janet, and Rhythm Nation 1814, in fact, it’s in its own category. The 41-year-old singer-songwriter, dancer, thespian and record producer has merely recycled the all-too-familiar pop that she is known for, and included digitalized synthesizers and processed falsetto balladry.
On her Island Def Jam Music Group debut, Jackson was expected like megastars Prince and Madonna to leave her red light music and go for a family-focused and world-oriented sound because of ageism. With an all-star production team that consist of The-Dream (Rihanna’s "Umbrella," J. Holiday’s "Bed"), Jermaine Dupri (Mariah Carey’s "We Belong Together"), Darkchild (Britney’s Spear’s "Overprotected (remix)," Destiny’s Child’s "Say My Name"), and Ne-Yo (Beyoncé’s "Irreplaceable," Rihanna’s "Unfaithful"), Jackson delivers a lukewarm album. Ne-Yo, a Jackson fan himself, creates a slow, catlike quality to Discipline, however, falls flat in his enthusiasm. His signature contribution to the record is "Rock with U," a clever amalgamation of Kylie Minogue’s "Can’t Get You out of My Head" and Jackson’s brother Michael’s Off The Wall classic, "Rock With You." While "Rock with U" is a carefree, strobe light manifesto, it’s a sound that recalls Jackson’s 2001 effort, All For You. Other songs seem to be forgettable after their first listen such as the quixotic "What’s Ur Name" and whimsical "So Much Betta."
However, don’t think Jackson’s career has peaked. While the album appears to be merely one to compete with younger superstars like Beyoncé and Rihanna, there are few gems on this record. "Can’t B Good," a melodic quiet storm that recalls "I Can’t Help It" from her Michael’s soul-pop breakthrough Off The Wall is just exquisite, and the closest flash of depth on the record. Another song that recalls another artist is "LUV," Jackson’s third single released from the record. "LUV," a sound of familiarity to Mariah Carey’s Emancipation of Mimi record, g
ives Jackson a relaxed and Zen-like quality to her music, a contrast to some of the gaucherie of other songs on Discipline. Truly the stand-out feature is the lead single, "Feedback;" this is a sassy and traffic-stopping, club-stomper produced by DarkChild.
Oddly enough the album, something of a failure, is fastened with its easy transitional interludes. For example, "Bathroom Break," in only 40 seconds, quickly articulates the feel of the record and gives small depth of Jackson’s character. Throughout the record, Jackson even interacts with Kyoko, the record’s emcee to create a futuristic feel; a goal Jackson had intentions to begin with.
Although many may suggest that Jackson drop her knack for cracking whips and lust for voyeurism, and embrace an age-appropriate medium to those of her peers, Jackson releases a wildfire that some may find too hot to handle with this record. Jackson does a great job in creating a seductive climate, and reminds everyone why she is the megastar that she is. However, there are few up-tempo tracks on the record. Do not expect anything reminiscent of her classic records with this one, but look for something for Jackson’s next record; she’s evolving. Jackson, even at 41, is about to turn heads and start collecting.
-------------
Raised in Albany, New York, Marcus Scott is a fan of music (from punk to classical, hip-hop to funk, soul to techno) and with keen interests in culture, fashion and politics, Marcus one day plans to work for or start a successful cultural magazine that stands next to the likes of Anthem, Filter, Ebony, GQ, and Fader. But he still has a long to go. Marcus is both honored and privileged to work with Krave Magazine. Scott has worked with ArtVoice: The alternative newspaper, Nu-Soul Magazine and Krave Magazine. This will be his debut working with Exclusive.
On her Island Def Jam Music Group debut, Jackson was expected like megastars Prince and Madonna to leave her red light music and go for a family-focused and world-oriented sound because of ageism. With an all-star production team that consist of The-Dream (Rihanna’s "Umbrella," J. Holiday’s "Bed"), Jermaine Dupri (Mariah Carey’s "We Belong Together"), Darkchild (Britney’s Spear’s "Overprotected (remix)," Destiny’s Child’s "Say My Name"), and Ne-Yo (Beyoncé’s "Irreplaceable," Rihanna’s "Unfaithful"), Jackson delivers a lukewarm album. Ne-Yo, a Jackson fan himself, creates a slow, catlike quality to Discipline, however, falls flat in his enthusiasm. His signature contribution to the record is "Rock with U," a clever amalgamation of Kylie Minogue’s "Can’t Get You out of My Head" and Jackson’s brother Michael’s Off The Wall classic, "Rock With You." While "Rock with U" is a carefree, strobe light manifesto, it’s a sound that recalls Jackson’s 2001 effort, All For You. Other songs seem to be forgettable after their first listen such as the quixotic "What’s Ur Name" and whimsical "So Much Betta."
However, don’t think Jackson’s career has peaked. While the album appears to be merely one to compete with younger superstars like Beyoncé and Rihanna, there are few gems on this record. "Can’t B Good," a melodic quiet storm that recalls "I Can’t Help It" from her Michael’s soul-pop breakthrough Off The Wall is just exquisite, and the closest flash of depth on the record. Another song that recalls another artist is "LUV," Jackson’s third single released from the record. "LUV," a sound of familiarity to Mariah Carey’s Emancipation of Mimi record, g
ives Jackson a relaxed and Zen-like quality to her music, a contrast to some of the gaucherie of other songs on Discipline. Truly the stand-out feature is the lead single, "Feedback;" this is a sassy and traffic-stopping, club-stomper produced by DarkChild.Oddly enough the album, something of a failure, is fastened with its easy transitional interludes. For example, "Bathroom Break," in only 40 seconds, quickly articulates the feel of the record and gives small depth of Jackson’s character. Throughout the record, Jackson even interacts with Kyoko, the record’s emcee to create a futuristic feel; a goal Jackson had intentions to begin with.
Although many may suggest that Jackson drop her knack for cracking whips and lust for voyeurism, and embrace an age-appropriate medium to those of her peers, Jackson releases a wildfire that some may find too hot to handle with this record. Jackson does a great job in creating a seductive climate, and reminds everyone why she is the megastar that she is. However, there are few up-tempo tracks on the record. Do not expect anything reminiscent of her classic records with this one, but look for something for Jackson’s next record; she’s evolving. Jackson, even at 41, is about to turn heads and start collecting.
-------------
Raised in Albany, New York, Marcus Scott is a fan of music (from punk to classical, hip-hop to funk, soul to techno) and with keen interests in culture, fashion and politics, Marcus one day plans to work for or start a successful cultural magazine that stands next to the likes of Anthem, Filter, Ebony, GQ, and Fader. But he still has a long to go. Marcus is both honored and privileged to work with Krave Magazine. Scott has worked with ArtVoice: The alternative newspaper, Nu-Soul Magazine and Krave Magazine. This will be his debut working with Exclusive.
To see original, go here: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aZi3JtOF1zo/R-wkZ5sQZGI/AAAAAAAAAMA/ABadIIppGEQ/s1600-h/EX-+III.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment