Rhythm Nation 1814

I was hoping this would be better. Pretty generic pop with not a lot to it. 2.5.

The lyrics felt so corny for such serious subject matter. She does have a great voice and the music sounded cool. I just couldn’t get over those lyrics 4/10

Day825 - this was a mega hit album. i still can hear at least three or four just flipping the channels today but what i remember most about this album was the videos.

Actually her best album

Pretty solid for a late-80's pop album!

The fact that this is a supposed concept album about poverty, and social inequality made by a woman who was raised in celebrity is fucking laughable. This is vapid dance-pop garbage designed to make millions for a record label no matter how she chose to dress it up.

On her blockbuster follow-up to Control, Janet Jackson aims for a pop manifesto, wrapping big-tent social consciousness in some of the slickest late-’80s production money (and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis) could buy. The result is a dance-pop juggernaut with rock flourishes, rubbery bass lines, and those unmistakable arena-sized drums, but it’s also an album that can feel weighed down by its own ambitions—especially the endless interludes and a busy electronic palette that hasn’t aged as gracefully as the hooks. When Janet loosens the grip on the message, the record hits a sweeter spot: “Rhythm Nation” still thumps with militaristic precision, “Miss You Much” bounces like peak-era Prince cosplay, “Escapade” remains pure fizzy joy, and “Come Back to Me” floats on a breathy vocal that’s saved by a killer chorus and refreshingly spare accompaniment. And then there’s “Someday Is Tonight,” an ode to sultry ’80s excess complete with sexy sax, burbling water-drop effects, and an increasingly heavy-breathing Janet closing things out on a note of, well… maximum moisture.

Solides abwechslungsreiches Album der 80er. Deutlich besser als erwartet.

ehh. she’s awesome and has g delivery but not super drawn to the songs

Tuvo varias canciones que sí me gustaron y me parecieron pegajosas y por eso le doy tres estrellas, pero en general sentí que el disco no es mucho para mí. Para lo que nos da Janet aquí, mejor escucho cualquier álbu de Michael o de Prince, y ahí va a estar mucho mejor resuelto. Medianón. Y esa canción en donde Janet gime frases en español, es una tragedia.

what a voice but this doesn't listen well? i'd dance to it. it's a bit over produced and feels like it's going to lift off but then just cruises

I thought it was good, first leg felt very repetitive but then the later half started to feel unique per song. Overall really good dance music along with good messaging.

Los bailables genial. Los lentos de lo peor que existe. Nota: 2.8

Way way way too long. The whole thing started to become boring and repetitive after about 15 minutes.

I swear 90 percent of the Janet Jackson songs I know are on this album. It's pretty full of bangers. The bangers are definitely a reflection of their time though. The whole album is full of drum machine drums that were pretty annoying by the last track.

I don't feel like finishing this one haha I'm at #160 and I usually finish these thing, but I've been through alot... I just don't see any reason to go on. I understand what this is, it's not bad, but I really want it to stop, I just wanna listen to Mark E. SMITH spit limericks and stuff right now.

Der Sound von Janet Jackson in seiner Höchstform. 4/5

There are some classic pop songs on this album and I like the overall message. It does suffer from sounding so 80's and there are parts of the album that seem to drag on. 3/5 Probably won't listen again

It's not bad, but it feels like a pastiche of what r&b sounds like in the late 80s. Like, I don't know, maybe this is a case of setting a standard that became stale? It's tough to know without more context that I don't have. It feels so shallow and namby pamby

4/5

I mean, it’s good, but nothing special. I enjoyed listening to it but I couldn’t help but compare it to Michael Jackson. Janet Jackson is a good singer and a good songwriter, but it just didn’t hit how I thought it would.

All I heard was the same electronic drum machine best on every single song.

I had a bit of a crush on Janet Jackson back when I was a teenager. But aside from that, I never had much love for the slick overproduced pop of the 80s. I'll charitably give it 3/5 because I have to admit it's a standout for its genre.

The underappreciated Jackson. This album kicks off with the utterly fantastic Rhythm Nation, and it overall keeps the energy up. Probably my favorite aside from Rhythm Nation is Escapade. It's just a great album by a fantastic R&B artist.

9/10 Favorites: Miss You Much Love Will Never Do (Without You) Escapade

All the songs sounded the same and went for too long, though I did enjoy the black cat sound effect.

Pretty pedestrian, it was ok

A good album, I liked Rhythm Nation and Miss You Much the most.

Très girly très sassy très ok très Michael Jackson au féminin (dans la production précise Pablo)

leading and dancing in the 90s

I remember back when this came out. To me, it already sounded dated at the time. More programmed than performed. Not a terrible album, but not particularly good either, and that's too bad - Janet is a talent.

It's no Michael but its not awful. This time of my life was a heavy rotation of MTV and VH1 ... even though I was not a fan of a lot of the pop music, it was still the soundtrack of my youth.

this is cheesy as hell.

I can appreciate it. Definitely not my style, although the high energy dance tracks even if they sound VERY "of the time" were pretty fun. 3.5 stars.

i really don't think this will help my already shitty day at the office, but we shall see. i've heard "rhythm nation" before. "state of the world" makes me nostalgic. it sounds like the soundtrack of every movie in the late 80's early 90's. If you bet me it was used in "sister act" and at least one "beverly hills cop" i'd believe it.

Rhythm Nation?? moren like LIBERALthm WOKEtion!! The only album so far where that stereotypical 80s sound didn't annoy me, big W

Very 80/90s pop. Nothing really groundbreaking for me again. Didn't dislike it, but really can't understand why it's on this list over other things.

So dated this album, struggled to listen to it all, like the same song, over and over

not sure if i like this one more than control or her next two albums, those are all perfect records so it's almost a toss up.

Really fun album, never listened all the way through

One thing I've found with this project... There's some albums I want to love but can't. And there's some albums I want to hate but don't. This comes into the second category.

Incredibly heavy on the electronically synthesized drums, made every song sound the same to me. Basically it’s eighties pop, and I hated pop back in the eighties. Granted it’s better than what we have now, but I still don’t like it. Also, skipped all the unnecessary “interludes.” Quotes because if you name the first and last tracks interludes, you don’t know what that word means. Didn’t want to try “intro” and “outro,” maybe?

*Interesting album with some big hits *Not a genre I love

While listening to this I found myself thinking a lot of the marvellous Imogen Heap album 'Speak for Yourself'. That album is so extremely evocative of the y2k era that 'Headlock' became a Tiktok code to represent its modern revival. And, to my ears, it's the incredibly distinctive production which produces the effect. The style somehow epitomises the era. The same could be said of this Janet Jackson album and the late 1980s. I found myself transported to a time of affordable drum machines and pop artists early efforts to unleash their potential on a mainstream audience. Unfortunately, however, I did not like it there. Maybe I'm a shallow fashion victim and when the late 80s become cool again I'll be extolling this albums virtues. Or maybe the shift will be controlled by subtle macro factors which operate deep in my subconscious and the journey will help me see the light. Or maybe this album just isn't for me. Which ever it is, this time around, 'Rhythm Nation 1814' simply wasn't for me. The production style seriously gives me the ick and I found a lot of the songs rather dull. Maybe we'll need to do this entire project again in around twenty years to find out. Or maybe I'll just stick to Imogen Heap.

low 4 just my thing actually

Not her best work but pretty interesting

Not for me

A particular sonic signature throughout - hip hop montage? Not unenjoyable but doesn't hold up well. My high school had a team of girls that danced at things - I don't think this was unique. These songs mostly make me think about watching those girls dance, wishing they were dancing to something else, and wondering how I might convince them to engage in sexual congress with me. I think Ms. Jackson (wink) is quite talented but this isn't my cup of tea and maybe the longest album I've seen on here - over an hour felt like work.

Me ha gustado bastante, no le pongo 4 estrellas principalmente porque se me hizo un pelín largo (+1 hora) y porque el disco usa casi el mismo sonido todo el rato. Pero es un gran disco de pop y R&B, no suena a 1989 para nada, adelantado a su época

As the 1980s were coming to an end, many pop artists were working hard to ensure they'd maintain relevance in the 90s. For Janet Jackson, she not only had to accomplish this, but prove there was more to her than simply being Michael's little sister. 'Rhythm Nation 1814' is a surprisingly poignant record that delves deep into themes of racism, poverty and substance abuse, as well as romance, and its clear that Janet was prepared to delve deeper into these subjects then even Michael was prepared to. With songs like 'Rhythm Nation', 'The Knowledge' and 'Miss You Much' and the fact that Jackson had a hand in the writing production and arrangement of most of the songs on the record, this record proves that the baby Jackson has a unique array of talent in her own right. 'Rhythm Nation 1814' sounds really fresh and confident, and shows that Jackson and her team had a keen eye on the next decade with its bold pop sound incorporating elements of new jack swing, industrial and dance. Michael sure wasn't the only unique pop star in the family! Best songs: Rhythm Nation, The Knowledge, Miss You Much, Love Will Never Do (Without You)

36# ShabaraparadmAHH- Soo, I find the lyrics kind of annoying and preachy, although I agree with the message. I was actually surprised by the sound of it. Ignorance from my side, but I didn't know at all that Janets work we're so acclaimed, but now I know and understand why. This has energy funkiness and artistry. Some 80s sounding, but with a lot of experimental elements, so it doesn't really sound dated. That little scream in almost all of the songs is funny, that high pitched Aah- I don't need more interludes, thanks. At least they're off of the actual songs. The Lonely track is beautifully produced, with that flute on the back, wow.

Meh. Mostly harmless. Some of the ideas are laughably dated (synth string stabs?!), and Janet does not have Michael’s instrument. Ultimately though I’d say the result is no worse than any decent early 90’s R&B/pop album. It may even have had something to do with defining that sound, but mostly I’m unmoved. Miss You Much is a high note in this otherwise mediocre affair.

This is not an album I would normally listen to voluntarily. It’s not bad, and it’s not great either. I appreciate the attempt at a concept album with the segues. I like a lot of the drum programming. And at times there were catchy songs and hooks. I sort of enjoyed a Janet Jackson album.

i didn’t finish it

Not bad, though not my cup of tea

Enjoyed this. It was exactly as I thought it would be, but I expected it to be a lot more generic. Absolutely of its time, but very good for what it is. I’ll probably never listen to it again, but even so.

Ehmmm, pues al principio me animó y luego... pues menos

I’ve never listened to a Janet album but there’s something off putting about this to me. On the surface it’s a good album, but something really bugs me about the production here. For one, it sounds like it never escaped the 80’s/early 90’s. I can’t stand this particular production style. Janet is signing like this should be a dance album, but the production feels so much darker and trance like at times. Maybe that’s the pull? Either way I’m not a big fan. It’s the same ick I get with later queen music.

Yes. The motif is ham fisted but this is exactly how you do it. Yes there is a song about teaching kids literacy but I think it all works with the interludes and it’s a call to action. This is a political album and I think it’s interesting to see the Jackson’s shift while still keeping the same vibe. Maybe it’s a 90s RNB but the drums are so recognizable. I hear the modern influences rapsody and Kendrick obviously but also like John legend. This is a post Reagan era made record where people did not like the direction of the world. Germany was split Cold War opioid and aids epidemic I get where Janet is coming from. Some songs feel out of place escapade feels like a single that was left in. It is about 5 songs too long doesn’t really justify the hour it runs though. I mean think about it this is 20 years. Past civil rights I think it’s just okay and enjoyable. Black cat guitar solo of course there has to be one here meh. Also she sings in SPANISH WTF THE END OF THIS RECORD IS CRAZY I get it it’s love forgetting the terrible things happening and just focus on emotions and love she doesn’t have an answer she only knows love. Preachy but I think it’s a fun time and I get Janet Jackson now.

Janet had a sound you couldn’t beat. There were also markers if the the time of this album

Sanctimonious dribble

I don't really like criticising albums for being "dated", but that's pretty much the main reason why I'm not a fan. I'm sure I would have liked this had I been alive in 1989, but it just doesn't hold up anymore. The beats are decent but they get old quickly. The album as a whole is too repetitive and too long. It's a shame really, as there is some hard-hitting moments and topics that are still very much relevant. Livin' In A World (They Didn't Make) is a moving one, but then the song immediately after goes back to the disco-industrial beats that completely juxtapose the moment you just had with that song. I don't really understand the aim of this. Probably my harshest 2 yet.

Even though the genre is not completely my favorite there is no doubt this album is a masterpiece!

I was all set to give this the standard inoffensive 3-star rating. Then Livin’ in a World (They Didn’t Make) came on. Such cringy, over wrought lyrics meant I had to knock another star off

Album #1,063 I was thinking if they were going to add a Janet Jackson album, it would be Control, but this one had quite a few hits as well. I enjoyed the fun songs like Miss You Much, Love Will Never Do, and Escapade, and less the “socially conscious” songs that were starting to become a trend at the time. Better than the raunchy, horny pop, that’s for sure.

Det her kreve mer intensjonell gjennomlytting ved en seinere anledning, for å få med mæ mer tekst og kontekst, men æ likte det.

Having been a classic rock fan in high school, I never thought I would ever get into pop music. By 1989, it became apparent to me that the state of pop music was not only better than the 70’s and early 80’s, but was appealing to more young people than ever. The release of Janet Jackson’ Rhythm Nation was a landmark in the pop landscape, bringing a concept album fusing multiple genres with a very danceable aesthetic. Could this have been a unifying cultural touchstone? It felt like it to me. Maybe it was just me discovering a new appreciation for hearing new things, or maybe it was naively believing that the world was getting better. Musically, a very solid R&B base, blending soul, funk, pop, and even hair metal (Black Cat)! Strongest track for me is Love Will Never Do (Without You). 5 stars

Damn, that’s a nice song… Wait, why’s my hard drive smoking? R&B isn’t really my thing, but this album is a bit more catchy than this genre usually is. It gets a bit repetitive after some point. It’s an hour of the same synths and the same voice with the echo effect. It still manages to stay enjoyable with its funky bass lines and fun vocals. Some lyrics kind of give me the vibes of a rich person pretending to care about social issues, but other than that, this album is good. 7/10

Iconic

Meh.

Several good songs on this, but it's odd to me that Control isn't on the list. It has better songs. RN's centerpiece is RN and every other songs has the same beat.

We are part of the Rhythm Nation!

A pop anthem between Prince and Michael Jackson, thus, a perfectly suited 80s album. I love the high-mindedness, but her life seems too removed to make a proper protest song, so RN is filled with cliches. But the rhythms pop, and the first few songs are top notch. 3.5/5

Just really don’t like any of this

Glossy, emotionless and hyper-produced. Twenty minutes longer than necessary and I did not care for it at all.

Didn’t care for it.

Never listened. Expectations: Low - Verdict: Good - Okayyy, straight out of the gate this reminds me of Prince which is about the highest praise I can give. A few tracks in, it's clearly not that level but this is really good. After a while I think things fall into a slightly more dull pattern and despite some more good tracks, it does fall short of my initial excited expectations.

Never listened to a Janet Jackson album before, this is sort of an instant 5. Really impactful song construction and super lush production. The lyrics are at times painfully 80s but taken as a whole it’s a towering achievement.

I didn't like this album as much as I remembered. A couple of decent songs but as the album was more of a concept album, it thought it lacked consistency.

Eh

Ok

groovy

I know she's an icon and it was nice to pull an album that I could have on in the car with my wife for once, but this was really really not for me.

Rhythm does not fit me.

I received this album as a Christmas present in 1989. It could be the nostalgia but I love it!

Rich person singing about troubles. Album was about 20 minutes too long as most songs began sounding the same

It was good 👍

I think she actually achieved world peace here<3. Jokes aside, it's a very thoughtful, soulful, groovy record, albeit a sound very of its time. Janet is such an underappreciated artist.

Prejudice - NO Ignorance - NO Bigotry - NO Illiteracy - NO

Who's the psycho who thought I want to hear happy poppy music while bringing up images of starving children? Musically safe and productionally over polished, everything about this album screams commerical product, not a work of art. I'm not interested in this side of the axis.

Title track is good, but this descends into standard highly polished pop fare pretty quickly. Style over substance.

This sounded far too manufactured and false. Sure, I hear your social concerns. But it's hardly What's Going On, sung from the heart. The Jam and Lewis production never fails, no matter the artist. But I wanted a little more soul and meaning. I wanted authenticity, and not album sales.

Better then expected. Very dated production in places.

good but i was lowkey waiting for it to be over 2.5

🎧Perfectly acceptable pop album. Too long.

i love the transitions between the interludes and the tracks.... so well done! the production is super fun and energetic, but at times it doesn’t seem to match the message in the lyrics. While the themes she touches on are important, some of the lyricism feels weak in places. Lines like “Prejudice? No. Ignorance? No.” come across a bit blunt and underwritten rather than impactful. after the interlude, the album shifts into more straightforward pop songs without much of a political message, which makes the placement of “Livin’ in a World (They Didn’t Make)” feel confusing. It would have made more sense in the first half of the album alongside the other message driven tracks. I do like how after the first few songs she says "Get the point? Good. Let's dance." and then continues the album with more typical songs. I do think this is one album where the interludes make sense. she reminds me of a better version of mariah carey. songs i would possibly go back to: Miss You Much Escapade Black Cat Lonely

she slay

Quite eclectic. Mostly 80s sounding pop, but Black Cat has some great guitar on it. That was my favourite song.

I LOVE JANET I LOVE THIS ALBUM also didn’t know one of these songs was in the horrendous Cinderella movie with Camilla cabello

This is the best Prince album that he didn't make. Jam and Lewis did an excellent job making Janet a star. This is such a 1989-1990 album but not in a bad way. Lots of hits but some good album cuts too.

Very unique sound. Too much of the same sonicly.

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis absolutely crushing it. Some truly transcendent songs. The single that hit me hardest as a 10 year old was 'Escapade', which at the time I heard as 'Ice-capade', because there was some kind of arena event with that name. So I always imagined Janet Jackson ice skating in love, which...works! I also just love the art direction: the uniforms, the black and white, the album cover. The epitome of stylish.

I am sorry to say that but one of your brother's is certainly better at music than you.

The reviews on this are so funny "its a product of its time" yeah thats...kind of how music works LMAO An album that came out in 1989 sounds like it came out in 1989 shocker! Regardless of the reviews, its a very good album but if you care enough to dive into the rest of her discography, you'll realize that she was still finding her footing here. She has a strong body of work but I personally find the run of Janet, The Velvet Rope, and All for You, much more fitting for her. (Be prepared these albums are from the 90s/early 2000s guys !!! so it will sound like 90s/ early 2000s music!!) Once you hear the rest of her music you will never get over the urge to beat Justin Timberlake with hammers.

La partenza è stata col botto, poi gli ultimi pezzi si sono adagiati un po' troppo a mio gusto.

To be perfectly clear from the outset, listening to this album was a real challenge for me. The driving sounds of the drum machine, the synthetic sound, the agitated vocals—all of it got on my nerves terribly. Janet Jackson was an unparalleled artificial construct, a product of her time. Whether she's still relevant today, I have no idea. "Rhythm Nation" is, in my opinion, totally overproduced; nothing sounds genuine, except for her ballads. I find "Livin' in a World," "Lonely," and "Someday Is Tonight" quite listenable, but definitely not every day. I'm glad I listened to the whole album, and now I have to stop. Janet Jackson—not really my cup of tea.

Those album was on constant rotation in my house in the early 90s. My mom would crank this up while cleaning the house. I'm not sure if it's legit good or just an absolute nostalgia induced love of this. Either way, I love it.

Peters out at the end but the harder edged R&B tracks are great. Bit of it's time but there's lots to enjoy

A pedophile's sister, corporate shill. Janet's lyrics are awfully preachy, telling us all what to do and how to think. This is trash with evil intent.

Not my style of music, but it’s good. I feel like the production quality (high) actually strips some of the raw emotion of the songs.

Okay…Interested to see this pop and see what I make of it. Not really heard much past the classics… Feels such a similar sound to Michael, just the drums, structure, groove. Unsure if there is shared writers or producers or who came first, but that stands out to me. I’m here for it though. It’s good - constant high energy and solid beat. But most songs sound pretty much the same and not feeling particularly impacted on a meaningful level. (3.5)

Idc about this

I liked this more than I expected, but I’ve always preferred Janet to her slightly more famous brother. The upbeat singles are definitely the highlights for me, but the slower socially conscious songs aren’t bad either. So many interludes… 3 stars

It's fine - half of it is mopey R&B and the rest is something I enjoyed! The up-tempo singles are amazing and the production holds up better than I expected. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis aren't always my favorite production team, but damn did they crush this one.

There are a few really good, solid songs on here. Then some real clunkers in my mind --

First listen to a fantastic album. Thank you for having this on the list 👍

p630. 1989. 1 star. Proof that Michael was the talented one. Bland, badly dated, inexplicably popular 80s pop with no standout tunes. And her voice isn't that great. Instantly forgettable.

Just another pop/r&b album to me. Nothing special, but could be catchy at times. 3/5

Cool 1980/90's feel. Easy background frel good music eg driving

I didn't like it. But she didn't deserve what happened to her.

very nice! Did discover one of the songs they play constantly at my job is on here LOL

very impressed by this one, janet has a gorgeous voice

super solid all the way through, super fun!! she’s great!!

What a great record, the production from Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis is legitimately unbelievable especially for 1989. They're making sounds I was not even aware you could make especially on tracks like 'Escapade' and 'Lonely' and the title track, which is a perfect layered piece of art. The album ends with three 5-6 minute ballads which is an odd choice but they're all so good that it doesn't matter.

And 80's R&B/pop album is gonna be skating uphill with me at the best of times, and this one did not overcome my biases. The songs are well-crafted, and she's a talented singer, but it's just not for me.

Janet Jackson rhythm nation- Some of the best dance music. It’s so satisfying. Works well as concept album. Favorite songs: rhythm nation, state of the world, alright, black cat.

Production was pretty fun, good background music album but songs were kinda forgettable. 3.5

I thought I was gonna enjoy this more than I did. I love Rhythm Nation. I just didn’t think that the songwriting was great and she feels more like a great backup singer than someone who can carry this whole album.

This wasnt a bad album, really. Just very much sounds like its time and its a sound that doesnt appeal to me much.

01) Interlude: Pledge - / 02) Rhythm Nation - 9,0 03) Interlude: T.V. - / 04) State of the World - 7,5 05) Interlude: Race - / 06) The Knowledge - 7,0 07) Interlude: Let's Dance - / 08) Miss You Much - 8,5 09) Interlude: Come Back - / 10) Love Will Never Do (Without You) - 10,0 11) Livin' in a World (They Didn't Make) - 7,5 12) Alright - 8,0 13) Interlude: Hey Baby - / 14) Escapade - 7,5 15) Interlude: No Acid - / 16) Black Cat - 9,0 17) Lonely - 7,0 18) Come Back to Me - 7,0 19) Someday Is Tonight - 7,5 20) Interlude: Livin'...In Complete Darkness - / TOTAL: 7,96 (80/100)

Not my thing at all. Glad when it ended

I just can’t get past the production and the annoying electronic snare. It’s still very MJ era sounds but just not as good as the MJ songs. Not my cup of tea

Torn with this one, might even be a 5

More influential in music video styles than in the music itself, but all over the charts for a really long time. Dance-Pop meh, it does almost nothing for me now and didn't do much for me at the time.

So many bangers. Really like this album.

Forgot how good this album is - can see the influence on say Beyonce with the intro to Cowboy Carter.

i hacked your account haha ok goodbye best wishes

Me not liking Janet Jackson might be one of my more controversial music opinions

Take away the "Janet Jackson" of it all and you are left with a cheesy pop album with bad vocals and synthesized music that sounds like a the preprogrammed demo tracks from my Casio keyboard from the 80s. The social commentary is also completely laughable considering what has become of the USA since then.

A few hits of note, but not my cup of tea.

Sounds that defined the 90s and an era of cartoon themes. Personally, it's not my cuppa tea. 4/10

an album speaking to the issues of society .... done quite poorly. i enjoyed the musicality of the album to an extent. however the surface level mentioning of a wide variety of issues makes the album seem performative - "prejudice. no....bigotry. no". well duh... but give us some more insight. not overly surprised considering the artist.

Good

Full disclosure, this was one of the first CDs I owned (stolen from Columbia House), and nostalgia is really big with me. Not a lot of love on here for Janet. Not sure why. This album has her best songs, was a smash hit, and while similar to her brother, she clearly has her own sound. Influence 2. Quality 4. Hits 4. Intangibles 5. I've always liked Janet 4.

everything sounds the same also, that one review is WILD and it made me not like her so...

it was ok. It literally faded to muzak in my head. A couple of tracks were better than most but no real standout.

She is what she is. Unfair to compare to other singing Jacksons. That would be like comparing God to his brother, Simon. I swear every introduction was the same - felt like I was going mad, but you can just say tell the songs are different. Her voice is alright. The songs are typical 80s pop. The production is alright. It's something you'd hear in a shopping centre: inoffensive and... alright. It doesn't exceed alright. It's just alright. Anyone want to guess my 'favourite' track?

Pretty good, I'd never listened to it before. The last few tracks were kind of boring for me and skipped them but overall a solid 4 I think.

This album is fantastic. The production is more aggressive and heavier than was the standard at the time. The songs are great, Janet's voice is fantastic. Even the ballads have some great harmonic stuff going on. 5 stars.

First Janet Jackson album a decent listen, a sort of politically aware album at points, in some of the songs focusing on some issues that were perhaps prevalent at the time? I did feel like a lot of the songs sounded the same, just very similar beats and vocals/lyrics, they weren’t bad but just became slightly repetitive. The first half was more upbeat, and the second half was a slower more emotional tone maybe if the two main moods had been mixed together in the album it could have broken up the sounds. Standout songs ‘Ryhthm nation’, ‘black cat’ and ‘state of the world’. A decent album for sure but just nothing too special.

Better than expected

Man, I loved this way more than I thought I was going to. Also knew more of the songs than I thought going in... Janet has managed to craft a lengthy 80s pop album that didn't bore me. That, speaking as a man with severe ADHD, is quite a feat. I think I'm a bit of a sucker for concept albums. In my opinion, structure, theme and flow are the difference between an album and a compilation. Albums are more than just playlists, they have a cohesion that a random collection of tracks does not. Concept albums take this art one step further - even without direct story elements, there's a strong thematic and musical through-line and that really appeals to me. Janet writes and performs a slew of bangers on this album that sounds like Michael and Prince all rolled into one with some hip-hop undercurrents. Not my usual bag, but very enjoyable. A surprising masterpiece.

The production is excellent, most of the song writing is simple, but it was an easy listen.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: pottering and cleaning house FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Peaked mid-way VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble (Shimmy-Shoulder Shake) FAVOURITE TRACK: Escapade My Rating: 3.5 This was my very first ever listen to this album, yet I knew most of the tracks. I was never really interested in JJ, or even MJ, when I was a kid, yet their music somehow got through.

The latter half of the album was sooo much better than the first half, but by that point I was too annoyed to care! The lyrics were so awful

The more 'soul' songs at the end were nice. Everything else kind of sucked. Very 'after school special' written by someone in a completely different class than their listening demographics

Blah 1

Sparkly and polished like a rare diamond. This is glittery pop, delivering important messages. I particularly liked "Escapade." Lots of Michael crossover sounds, like on "Come Back to Me." Or maybe he featured a lot of Janet crossover sounds? The sappy parts are a bit too saccharine for me, minus one star.

I liked this a surprising amount, it has the cheesy 80s production but I don't mind it here for some reason. Very good pop album

Just a great musical journey all throughout. Vocals were full but soft, calm, and worked well with the other musical ideas in the album. There was a little too much interludes but in the grand scheme of the album it makes sense and works well with it. Would recommend. 8.5/10, Favorite Song: Escapade

Three stars for an album I didn’t even know I was nostalgic about.

Don’t know what the record is for “most interludes on an album”, but eight has place this pretty high in the rankings.

This really isn’t my thing at all. At 20 tracks and well over an hour long, Rhythm Nation 1814 felt like it was always going to be a slog—and unfortunately, that’s exactly what it turned out to be. My immediate reaction was just how dated it sounds now. It absolutely screams late-80s, and not in a charming or nostalgic way. The production feels stiff and overcooked, and none of the songs landed with me at all. I also realised I don’t really remember any of these tracks, which suggests it completely passed me by at the time—and listening now, I can see why. The constant interludes don’t help either. They feel like unnecessary filler that only pad out an already overlong album, breaking any momentum it might have had. Favourite tracks: I genuinely couldn’t pick one. I found this an awful listen. Least favourite tracks: The interludes — pointless and distracting. Album artwork: Fine, but fairly standard and nothing special. Overall, this was a tough one to get through and not an album I’ll be revisiting.

There’s a LOT going on here, similar to “Like a Prayer”, but with a lot less angst. Janet is filling multiple roles, mixing hip-hop, funk, power pop, blues, rock and R&B in an album that sprawls all over. Its main drawback is length - things stay a little too similar over time that the songs mush together. But that said, it’s a real feat of an album with a constant flow, and 1989 feels like a real high water mark for ladies in pop. Tempted to give it a 3 but I feel like this warrants some more time to digest and enjoy.

Big, bold, high-concept, political songs that double as dance bangers. There's an interlude track "Let's Dance" that sums up this album's philosophy. It's a 3-second track of Janet Jackson saying, "Get the point? Good. Let's dance." She wants to deliver important social messages, but she wants to do it on the dancefloor. The club beats are the sugar to help the medicine go down. And of course, there are some more straightforward dance tracks and pop songs too, especially in the second half. This is a good album, but it does feel dated. “Alright” and “Escapade” were two feel-good highlights though. The last stretch of slow songs gets a little tedious. Those kind of slow jams have never really been my thing. But there is a beautiful trumpet solo at the end of “Someday is Tonight”!

Janet Jackson is really a Jackson. These songs slap and have so much of that MJ fun and exciting energy to them. They groove, they hit, they are catchy, and they are really full of life. With that being said, I can't help but hear this record and want the larger-than-life quality that I get with MJ, which is a shame because she is a solid pop star.

Standouts Rhythm Nation

As much as I liked the Jackson 5, I've just never been huge on their solo careers. This album, when it came out, was pretty much elevator music to me and that's still where I place it. Its odd because I consider myself a pop fan today, but dear god did 80s pop sound like bland crap. Some of the songs, Like "Miss you Much" and "Escapade" I could see liking with a different arrangement/production but as it is I couldn't even make it to the end in one sitting.

I wouldn’t have thought to listen to this album without this challenge but really enjoyed it. I’ve never really listened to anything from Janet besides whatever was popular in the early 2000s and the music video with her and Michael. Liked this but didn’t understand what the political stuff was addressing for the time. Thought it was funny when she said “get the point now let’s dance” and it went more into straight forward songs lol. Liked rhythm nation, miss you much, and love will never do

She’s a talented vocalist who sings about worthwhile subject matter, but I can’t get into this style of music

I’m much more familiar with early 2000s Janet but this was super fun. Miss You Much is such a banger, as is Rhythm Nation. The only downside was that there were a lotttt of interludes that I don’t think always added heaps to the context of the song that came after it. 3.5 stars.

Buen disco

Seriously disappointing. Songs aren't catchy and sounds are irritatingly repetitive.

Much like with her brother, I was never really much of a Janet Jackson fan, although I'm nonetheless impressed at how much success she had with this album. In many ways, I think this would have been a stronger album if it could have been made without the painfully hollow late 80s production sound, and even better if she'd managed to spend more than three tracks on the social-consciousness songs, as the rest of the album is far less distinctive musically (and lyrically); even if there's nothing necessarily profound in "Rhythm nation" or "The knowledge", they feel like a welcome excursion into the real world from one of the Jackson Five. The only other track that really stood out for me was the more rock-oriented "Black cat". But full credit to Janet Jackson for crafting a solid pop album that appealed to an amazingly wide audience.

Miss You Much works for me, the rest seems like the idea is better than the execution.

Rhythm Nation - 4.5/5 State of the World - 4/5 The Knowledge - 3.5/5 Miss You Much - 3.5/5 Love Will Never Do (Without You) - 4/5 Livin' in a World (They Didn't Make) - 3.5/5 Alright - 4/5 Escapade - 4/5 Black Cat - 4.5/5 Lonely - 3.5/5 Come Back to Me - 3/5 Someday is Tonight - 3/5 I went into this not really sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised with what I listened to. I guess new jack swing is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine. It feels a bit overproduced at times and I feel like some songs could have been slightly trimmed down for time. I feel it could have been a 5 if the message wasn't dropped halfway through the album, but a really solid production saves it from any lower. Overall: 4/5 Favorites: Rhythm Nation, Love Will Never Do, Alright, Escapade, Black Cat

Bland. Didn't she have a famous brother?

funky but repetitive

Iconic album. I love it. Many people in the reviews said that it sounds “very 80s” or shitting on it because it’s pop music. Of course music from the 80s is going to sound like it comes from the 80s. I think thats what makes it very charming and appealing to me. I was personally very impressed with this album’s social commentary. Something like this was absolutely pushing the boundaries of social commentary in the 1980s, even if it sounds cheesy now. This was a fantastic record.

Some albums must be stayed in the era they were made, and Rhythm Nation is one of them. It's an extremely dated sounding 80s new jack swing/pop album, very overproduced. Janet sings about societal issues but the sound overpowers everything, including the message of the album. Some songs are ok, but the album is quite long and overstays its welcome by a couple of songs. I understand this was a cool album in the late 1980s but it isn't one in 2026.

It was cute 80’s pop. Nothing distinguishing or special about it

As expected, there are a lot of sonic and stylistic elements here that I'm really not into. However, I dug the first part of this record a bit more than I expected. In addition to her strong sense of melody, Janet's social messaging is quite prescient and powerful. Even if I don't really love the overall style, some of these tracks are among my favorites I've heard in this vein, especially "Rhythm Nation". Unfortunately, the ending trio of slow jams reeeeally sunk it for me; I have yet to develop the patience for or understanding of this particular type of R&B. 2.5/5

Para qué me voy a hacer la complicada, amo a Janet hace un tiempito ya y me fascina su voz y su estilo. Me fascinó el álbum, ojalá no tuviera tanto interludio. Me sigue alegrando que me salgan justo los álbumes que no me escuche de artistas que amo. Favs: todas me encantaron

DNF. I can't handle this overly produced pop music on a first day back of work after the holidays. Felt so out of place and out of touch.

Generally a fan of the artist, this album didn't make much of an impression, for better or worse.

It’s ok… not my favorite.

Much better than her brother's output. Maybe it's less played out than Michael. Maybe it's that there isn't the baggage that MJ's music carries either. The album is really long, which could use some editing. Cut a few tracks get it done in 45 I say. And honestly a lot of it sounds the same. But, it also sounds like background music for the Streets of Rage video games and that's fine by me.

4.3 lowkey slayed

Meh 🥱

Put this on for a group and watch the vibe shift up. It may even turn into a dance party with the right crowd. If you find any haters, excommunicate them from your life. They clearly have no rhythm, and WE are a part of the rhythm nation.

Fun 80's Pop

Picking between 3 and 4 stars for this was very difficult. Kaytranada has instilled in me a deep appreciation for Janet's work, and this is certainly some signature stuff. There were just enough misses on the back half that I didn't feel like it really deserved 4. Still, it was very fun and memorable.

Beste Lieder: State Of The World

Perhaps underrated by Janet's standard -- i.e. this album is never brought up when talking about her classic, even though it could easily stand among them. Freeing album with strong vocals and lush production, even if the latter might be excessive.

Cool

Ju mer maskinellt det låter desto bättre. Lite Prince utan hans finess och låtskrivargeni Snuddar vid trean

Börjar bra med fyra starka på raken, från inledande titelspåret till Miss you much. Jag gillar det mörkare anslaget i den här 80-talsr’n’b:n. Känslan är dock att det blir en aning svagare andra halvan och jag blir lite trött i öronen på pisksnärtsproduktionen. Det påminner också en del om det som brorsan gjorde några år senare på Dangerous. Men Janet har en vassare egg här.

Inspelat i Minneapolis och med tydlig Prince-vibbar. Dock av betydligt lägre kvalité. Uppblandat med tråkiga beats känns det oerhört daterat. Popsoundet i skarven 80-, 90-tal låter sällan fantastiskt. Allt eftersom mindre Prince och mer Paula Abdul. Escapade är förvisso en hit av hög klass, men som sagt en fluga gör inget album.

Låter väldigt daterat. New jack swing är väldigt präglat av den tidens syntar och trummaskiner. Överlag för många och för långa låtar. Black cat är fruktansvärd. Ok pop i övrigt.

I remember liking this when I came out but forgot how good it actually was. Yea if you can get over the 80s production it helps but it was the 80s! Hovered between a 4 and 5, went with a solid 4

Janet Jackson’s **Rhythm Nation 1814** (1989) is a landmark pop record that fused dance, New Jack Swing, industrial textures, and social commentary into one cohesive, black-and-white-clad concept. Below is a track-by-contextual review that pulls together lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, and a concise pro/con list. --- ### 1. Core Themes & Narrative Arc - **Social-justice manifesto**: Interludes (“Pledge,” “State of the World,” “Knowledge”) frame the LP as a civic call-to-arms—racism, illiteracy, drug abuse, homelessness, media desensitization. - **Personal autonomy**: After *Control*’s declaration of independence, RN1814 widens the lens from “me” to “we,” arguing that personal freedom means nothing without collective uplift. - **Utopian optimism**: Jackson imagines a “nation” without color lines, where rhythm and knowledge unite youth. Critics then and now call it idealistic, but the sincerity is part of its nostalgic power . --- ### 2. Lyric Highlights - **“Rhythm Nation”** – Chant-able hook doubles as protest sign: “Join voices with the voice that’s a-changin’ the sound.” - **“The Knowledge”** – Call-and-response checklist (“Prejudice? NO! Ignorance? NO!”) literally shatters glass samples to sonically “break” old systems . - **“Black Cat”** – Hard-rock warning to a reckless guy; one of the earliest pop-metal crossovers written/performed by a Black woman. - **“Love Will Never Do (Without You)”** – Turns naysayers on their heads; love as deliberate resistance. - **“Someday Is Tonight”** – Sensual sequel to *Control*’s “Let’s Wait Awhile,” completing a three-album arc of sexual agency without being explicit. --- ### 3. Music & Production (Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis) - **New Jack Swing skeleton** – Syncopated drum-machine rims, shaker hats, and sub-bass (“Miss You Much,” “Escapade”). - **Industrial accents** – Metallic snares, vocal cut-ups, found-sound shards (“Rhythm Nation,” “State of the World”) pre-date the dystopian pop later mined by Timbaland and even Nine Inch Nails. - **Dynamic sequencing** – Side-A bangers (tracks 1-7) give way to airy, Linn-drum ballads (“Come Back,” “Lonely”) and guitar-led detours (“Black Cat”), mirroring a protest march that dissolves into after-hours reflection . - **Layered backing-vox** – Janet’s multi-tracks act like a mini-choir, softening the mechanical beats with human warmth. --- ### 4. Visual & Cultural Influence - **30-minute monochrome short-film** turned MTV into a political platform; choreography (popping battalion lines, chair-straddling routine) is still cited by Beyoncé, Ciara, Janelle Monáe, and K-pop directors . - **Pop blueprint**: Combining seven Top-5 singles with overt activism paved the way for Beyoncé’s *Lemonade*, Dua Lipa’s *Future Nostalgia* tour visuals, and Chloe x Halle’s synchronized routines. - **Philanthropic halo**: Jackson used tour proceeds to fund college scholarships for minority students; numerous fans cite “The Knowledge” as the push they needed to stay in school . --- ### 5. Pros & Cons at a Glance **PROS** ✅ Still-futuristic production; snare sounds are textbook in engineering classes (“10/10 snares”) . ✅ Seamless blend of club heat and conscious content—makes activism feel like a dance-off rather than a lecture . ✅ Milestone for Black female autonomy in writing, producing, and visual direction. ✅ Influences everything from Michael Jackson’s *Dangerous* drum programming to modern K-pop choreography staging. **CONS** ❌ Interludes feel dated/skippable on repeat listens; 20 listed tracks but only 12 full songs inflate run-time past the hour mark . ❌ 80s digital gloss (DX7 bass, Fairlight horns) can sound “grating” or “amorphous” to ears accustomed to modern analog revivalism . ❌ Idealistic slogans (“We are a nation with no geographic boundaries”) read as naïve in a post-2020 landscape—though defenders argue that aspirational pop has always trafficked in utopia . ❌ Mood whiplash: segueing straight from “State of the World” homelessness imagery to escapist fluff “Escapade” can undercut the gravitas . --- ### 6. Verdict *Rhythm Nation 1814* is a high-water mark of concept-driven pop: politically engaged without sacrificing hooks, technologically innovative without abandoning melody, and bold enough to package protest in shoulder-padded, military-chic couture. Its sonic fingerprints are everywhere—whether you hear it in the clanging percussion of *FutureSex/LoveSounds*, the regimented dance breaks of a Beyoncé halftime show, or the sociopolitical interludes on a H.E.R. album. Flaws? Sure. But even the excess interludes now feel like time-capsule charms, and the “dated” synth palette has circled back into hip. For anyone tracing how pop music can double as civic dialogue, the curriculum starts here. Spin it loud: the rhythm is still calling.

Typical Jackson sound of the late 80s and 90s. However, I feel Janet was significantly ahead of Michael here. Grooves are incredibly tight, yet multilayered and colorful. Overall brilliant production. I like the social consciousness message. Overall great album I really enjoyed listening to. 5/5

Pretty meh and got worse.

Excellent. Just excellent.

It’s ok. Better than many of the 80s albums on this list so far. Don’t like it. Don’t hate it.

A few songs were ok but overall too boring.

I was not excited to listen to this album, but, man I have been missing out! It’s full of excellent songs and manages to be a concept album as well

What do you do to follow up your breakout smash hit album? Hire the same producers and do it again….but this time turn everything up to 11. Lean into the CD format and put out 65 minutes of content! Bought this on the day of release having already bought the preview single (Miss You Much) as well. Was a massive fan of Control and was excited to hear the follow up. The thing is…..more isn’t better with this album. Control was a tight set of songs and worked well. But this is an overblown bloated mess in comparison imho. It’s all just trying way too hard. There are still good moments in here (usually when they calm down a bit on the preaching and the production), but it’s telling that I haven’t listened to this album in 20+ years since it got filed into the collection. Listening again now, I’m surprised it made this list tbh. I guess the 80s had to have a quota….but Control is a better JJ album. 2

Very much of it’s time - which is not a complaint! Janet is way more political than her brother and her sound is closer to Prince than Michael. It’s a fun if not nostalgic listen.

1.9 2x some catchy and fun songs, but not my thing

nah

Legendary

Got the point? Good, let's dance!

80s pop gold

This album manages to be both extremely overproduced and awfully underinteresting. Also wasn't released in 1814. SCAM

Getting strong late 80s vibes here. Sounds like Paula Abdul and others, especially State of the World. Anyway, the album sounds well produced and everything. Not that I would ever listen to it again. I don't even recognize the hits here.

Janet + 80s social protest + Minneapolis sound? Pretty potent cocktail

Only occasionally listened to Janet Jackson back in the day. This was a solid record with some clear standouts. No filler

C'est À PEINE overproduced. Mais c'est drette et y'a de quoi d'authentique.

I didn't think I would enjoy this as much as I did. I haven't really listened to Janet Jackson, let alone this album, but I got to be honest, it somehow impressed me. I don't get the reviews though: "it sounds so 80s", "should be kept in the time period it was made", "sounds out of date now", "out of touch". I'm no rocket scientist, but why would an album made in a time period NOT SOUND LIKE THAT TIME PERIOD? Oh, The Beatles don't sound like their time period at all, right? So what, do they sound 70s, 2020s and prehistorical at the same time because they are the peak of music and supposedly transcend any era? Since you all rate these "classic" artists so highly, nothing you say about the lower rated ones should apply to your favourites, but guess what happens EACH and EVERY time? I get it, you guys are "not like other girls", you listen to underground stuff (The Beatles, Nirvana, Bob Dylan and other reaaally really small artists) not pop. Pop is mainstream unlike YOUR music taste. This album doesn't align with my music taste either, but am i going to shit on it just because of that? As I said, I was quite shocked at how much I enjoyed it. I don't normally listen to this, but credit is due where credit is due, this album is great. Is it the best album of all times? No, that's a thing that will never exist, but that doesn't mean you can't call this album good.

I forgot how good this album was. There really were no filler songs on this at all. Had a lot of a prince feel to it as well.

This one is time-stamped hard. The only thing that could possibly make this appealing today is performing it at a halftime show and then having her boob pop out right after.

Ok

A good pop album from a really good singer. I really dislike all the Interlude tracks however. Doing an album a day is for me a chance to listen to the albums from start to finish, how most were intended to be listened to. But to me the interlude takes away more than it adds from the experience.

While I can appreciate the music of most of this record, the lyrics and themes read as shallow reflections of the ills of the world. Ones that Janet Jackson likely didn't face head to head due to her family's success (most of them, anyway). Like that one story about little Johnny - definitely an eyeroll there. Not a horrible record but one i won't return to. 2.5/5 -> 3/5

great album but nothing is more dated sounding than those digital drums and 80s synths.

Janet captures the mood of the time. Some songs feel dated to me, like the synth in The Knowledge, but besides that- she is a powerhouse with a voice.

oh brother so many damned interludes what is this a fucking symphony what is an interlude wait this is actually epic okay turns out only the interludes are good

My Spotify Wrapped tells me my 3, 4 and 5 spots in genres are folk pop, hip hop and new wave. It's funny how this project influences that with albums like this. The opening track, Escapade and Come Back to Me are bangers. Janet has always been an above average pop star. A few listens in and I understand why this was a smash hit. I've gotten 2 1989 albums in a row. Maybe the planets will align and I'll get Taylor Swift 1989 tomorrow.

Super solid 80’s album

#200/1001. Glad to review this one as my 200th. This hits straight to my soft rnb -spot. Velvet Rope bored the hell or off me, but this one is like a good book or movie. It is clearly a pop album with a conscious message, managing to not cross the line of overly educating or criticising. When this is about to happen there is the line: 'Get the point? Good. Let's dance ...' Get the message on the dancefloor, y'all! There is a nice dramatic arc and even the end with its ballads doesn't feel boring. This is the Janet Jackson album worth picking up from the 1 euro bin at the local fleamarket. Other things I learned about this album: - the number "1814" represents the year the national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner" was written. - New Jack Swing is a fusion genre of the rhythms and production techniques of hip hop and dance-pop, and the urban contemporary sound of R&B. - Her handwritten lyrics to the album's title track "Rhythm Nation" as well as her militaristic uniform for its music video have been preserved by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. - Janet did all of her background vocals and not just the lead vocals. - It is the only album in the history of the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart to have seven commercial singles peak within the top five positions. - In 1990 it was the best-selling album in the U.S. - something Madonna never accomplished. - the 30 minute film / music video (telemusical) "Rhythm Nation 1814" had a budget of $1.6 million. - the wikipedia article is miles too long. - 90s fashion should stay in the 90s. - Patrick Purdy was a sick son of a bitch.

Hit after hit after hit after hit after hit after hit after hit. There were literally that many hits on this album. Thank you for the time capsule.

This is just a female version of her brother's album "Bad," but without the hits.

These are the sort of songs thank make more sense when you watch the dance routine in the video! It’s also very 80s and not always in a good way. But hell the woman can sing!

Fuck yeah!

This one brings back some memories. During this time, I was a bit of a latch key kid, and I would go to karate after school until my folks got home from work. This album was in my karate instructor's rotation. So, this album makes me want to start hitting the bag. Also, I thought Janet was so freaking hot, wo I enjoyed all of her videos. Miss You Much is the jam!! As is Love Will Never Do (Without You). And Alright! And Escapade!! And Black Cat!!! Come Back To Me, literally all of them. Such a great 80's album with hit after hit. Thanks for the memories. I'll give this a 5.

What a top notch album. Some of the sounds on it did not age gracefully and act as a timestamp on the sound but still it does not take away much from the overall album. So many great tracks and performances.on this album Love Will Never Do is a musical masterpiece. So many great hooks in one song.

Hell yeah

Is there some kind of algorithm that determines I get to hear albums most likely to offend my lug ‘oles? Utter garbage from the first note, full of irritating cliches. Bloody awful dirge

This was a good album, I've never been a huge fan of Janet, like she's ok but we all know who the big one was in that family lol but this was a decent album

Tykkäsin! Erityisesti albumin loppupuolella olevat Lonely ja Come Back To Me olivat mieleeni. Lähes joka biisin välissä olevat interludet olivat mielenkiintoinen, joskin mielestäni turha, lisä.

# Album Name: Rhythm Nation 1814 # Artist: Janet Jackson # Rating: 2/5 # Comments: Such a boring album. All blended into one piece of steaming turd. # Top Tunes: ? # Would I listen to it again? No

a ver, es la mama Jackson pero se me ha hecho increíblemente repetitivo, no distinguía el final del comienzo de las canciones.

A bit long but groovy!!

Started ok but got a bit boring toward the end

Sounds like a wildly expensive album. A prototypical female pop artist album that setup how to make this style onto today. Samples, drum machines, some studio players and decent songwriting along with the inescapable gloss of 1989. Interesting story of Janet’s lyrics, and it’s still relevant today with topics like race, school shootings and poverty.

This is very reminiscent of Love Symbol/Diamonds and Pearls era Prince. Definitely does the “I’m making serious music about serious topics” lyricism, but it’s so much fun I’ll give it a pass. Lot of interludes here, but I’m glad they are their own separate tracks so I can skip them in future listens. Favorite songs were Rhythm Nation, Miss You Much, Livin’ In A World, and Escapade.

не понравилось

Good album, reminds of Princes beats. A bit long and sometimes repetitive. It was a bit better in the second half. 3.6 stars

Technical perfect album, pretty nice songs, but sorry - I've heard this kind of music too often to find it exceptional. 3/5

Overall better than TLC but the hits were worse. I was waiting for Scream but never got it.

I skipped every interlude so it’s not a true 5 but the bangers are all above a 4. Also, I really didn’t like Livin in a World but it did make me look up school shootings because I didn’t realize they were happening before Columbine which was eye opening I guess. Very gross. Anyway, put Escapade on. Perf Friday song 🥰

“Shit, that girl wider than all outsides. Talking about she looks like Janet Jackson.” “Oooooo, she didn’t go there” “Yeah. Bitch got out the car looking more like Freddy Jackson” I guess it’s a fine early 90’s R&B album 2.5⭐️

Not totally my type of music but this thing is full of bangers and all of the eight(!!!!) singles still hold up. 4.5 stars.

As if they told Michael to make an annoying album

this was not a fun experience for me really. There was one track - Escapade. 48 million plays on Spotify, seems like they spent their entire production budget on making this one track sound good. Also her voice... HER VOICE! If this didn't pre-date the technology I would have sworn this was auto-tuned. Her voice sounds perfect. It's kind of unreal. The rest of the record was not fun though. One in my listening group said that listening to this record felt like chewing aluminum haha. That heavy synth-oriented soundscape feels noisy and crazy but also thin and weak at the same time.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would - def some grooves and catchy parts. Was a bit long and some songs felt kind of similar but I enjoyed my listen not sure if I’d reach for it again - somewhere between a 3 and 4 but I’m rounding up to 4 bc it’s better than some albums I’ve given a 3

The Jacksons are so precise. Not my bag- but shes onto something

Holds up pretty well.

Wooo Yeah Wooo Yeah. Literally every song in 1989. No.

Don't get the hype for this one, seems like typical late 80s pop fare.

Listens: 0.9 Standout tracks: none Ugh. Not for me. From some cursory research, it seems like Janet Jackson is being genuine in her concerns she's raised in this concept album about a variety of social topics, but it still comes across as preachy, sterile and vapid.

What's the deal with 80s and 90s hip hop albums and the 'interlude'. Why did anybody think this was necessary? Some of the songs seem a bit preachy and not sure how much she backed this up with actions in her life? Happy to be proven wrong on this. The tracks where she was more 'Prince-y' and less preachy were far better. But why not just listen to a Prince album? A lot of the production is very similar and that can be a bit of a drag.

Very good pop album. First track - Rhythm Nation - was amazing, but it was by far the best song. Black Cat was also really good.

Ok, but considering the pedigree, it should be better. Also, it doesn't hold up all that well over time. I can still drop the needle on Off the Wall, Thriller, and even Bad and enjoy them. I struggled getting through this one.

very busy. clattering percussion everywhere, all the sounds are harsh and demanding - cavernous drums, clanking bass synths - no light and shade

Nice

This is another one of those records that caused an absolute sensation when it was released. Before this, Janet was a child actor. Then, suddenly, that cute kid on TV dropped a new record, new sound, new image, new style, new dance moves and a slew of music videos. It was the gag of the decade. Her whole family had been world famous, her brother was crowned the King of Pop. And then Janet outdid them all. I don’t need to love all of this, to appreciate the massive impact this had on pop culture.

Rhythm Nation Miss You Much Love Will Never Do (Without You) Escapade

Janet's having a nice time, but I can't get past the incongruity of speaking about the condition of the world, homeless people who can't find enough to eat, accompanied by joyous dance beats. Also, not my genre at all.

Almost too 80's for me, but I found this impressively diverse and engaging for an hour plus runtime. You can see her fingerprints on a lot of modern pop music in a good way. 4/5

I love it

4 honnete, parce que j'ai ecoute

Incredible album. Fun. Every track is full of energy and had me dancing in my chair.

Not a pop guy, but this seems like a good pop album. It was hard to take some of the deeper lyrics about the world seriously because of the light hearted beats and melodies surrounding them, but it was still a good flow.

Not good.

This album left me with questions. Felt like a combination of a generic 80s pop album (my mom probably lives this stuff) with Disney channel music, with just a splash of the Rob Zombie style that we listened to last week. I'm not sure what I think, but it isn't for me. Not upset about it either, though.

The album started very well. I liked the beats and the vocals and lyricism, but this is one of those albums that could have been a lot shorter to its benefit. Having 6 minute long slow songs makes it go on forever and it did no favors here. I appreciate it, but not my thing.

Bombastic production and killer vocals, this album removes the preachiness of social justice and still manages to find room for some classic dancey/ballad love songs. Great listen overall. The interludes are also a great touch.

Better than I remembered / expected. Though I doubt I'll be back for another listen very often.

Sounds like Michael Jackson to me. Added few songs which deserved 2nd chance.

Ambitious effort tackling some big social issues in a concept album peppered with confrontational "interludes", but ultimately it comes across as pretentious. It's hard to take anything here seriously when it's presented with synthesised drums.

Standout Songs: Rhythm Nation Love Will Never Do (Without You) Alright Black Cat Not really my style, but a couple songs I knew from the radio

Janet Jackson is here and she's gonna save the world through dance. Everything on here has such a general call-to-action hopefulness about it. Seems like a thing that persisted into the 90's. Some of this has certainly aged not as well though, like in the song "The Knowledge" with the call and response saying 'no' to illiteracy, bigotry, etc. Just a very cheesy way to structure things. But you can't say Janet's heart isn't in it. "Miss You Much" is sweet because you can kinda hear the chorus as something her brother could join in with her on - it's very 'Bad' era Michael. Super slick delivery, infectious hook. Definitely my pick from the record. What I appreciate most about this record is how Janet Jackson's earnesty can cut through some of the late 80's pastiche and cliche on this record. Her soft ballad "Livin in a World" is very endearing, boosted by an incredible chorus, and a pretty crazy ending too. I also LOVE the beat on "Someday Is Tonight". It sits somewhere between the romantic ballad it intends to be, and hypnotic, surreal waiting room music. Which means this song is PRIME vaporwave material, I wonder if any vaporwave artists hopped on sampling this song. "Escapade" stood out like a sore thumb as far as it's lyrics. Didn't make much sense at all. Same with "Come Back To Me". Both fine songs, but just all of the sudden nothing to do with Janet's socially-conscious messaging. Sorry for the very scatterbrained review here. The topics Janet covers here kinda made me get all messy with this one. Handfuls of social action songs followed by handfuls of romantic ballads. My alternate title for this album is "New Jackson Swing". Solid 3/5 a nice listen

Liked this more than I initially thought

This album is good at what it does, unfortunately what it's doing is just a lot for me. It wears me out well before the end of its 60+ minute run time.

A good beat, I enjoyed it.

Half good, half not so good but overall I’m glad I have it a listen, if only to find out where the sample for The Fat Controller’s “In Complete Darkness” came from.

I did not like it, but for no particular reason. Maybe too cheesy.

Kappaleet toistaa aika paljon toisiaan, samat rumpukone soundit joka kappaleessa. Kasari poppia, loppupää enemmän RnB ja muutenkin monipuolisempaa ja parempaa. Black Cat kappaleessa hyvä rock viba. Parhaat: Black Cat, Escapade

aqui temos uma janet politizada, extremamente sexy e confiante. as canções reforçam o posto dela na realeza do pop e sua vocalidade demonstra uma mulher preta segura de si e da realidade em que está inserida. rhythm nation 1814 é um pop perfection em sua totalidade. 5/5

75

3/5

A few tracks I may return for, but nothing I plan on seeking out. Perfectly fine music to listen to in a department store

Too long and also redundant at times, but 75% of this album was made for 80's/90's dance clubs.

Love JJ!

And I’m the skinniest jacksooooo00000nnnnn. Interesting choice for a Janet album. It's very '89, and not in a way I really appreciate. Her other albums are bangers though.

Wow. Never been a Janet Jackson, this took me by total surprise. Love the rocking production, LOVE the drum machines, not wild about the way they buried her voice in the anthems but the songs carry the weight for me. Best surprise album since joining so far.

Enjoyed this album from the least problematic Jackson.

This reminds me of the music from my childhood dance classes. This album is really well done and very cohesive. It has lots of variety and most of the songs are enjoyable. The interludes between songs are a cool touch too. I wouldn't go out of my way to listen again because I'm not a big fan of pop music, but I can respect this album for what it is. 7.5/10.