Janet Jackson, music’s reigning Queen of Pop, has hit a monumental milestone. The youngest of the legendary Jackson clan celebrates her 50th birthday today!
A trailblazer, a pioneer, and the boldest of blueprints for countless artists after her, Janet’s success narrative is rendered all-the-more resonating because she still possess “it” in abundance.
To mark the momentous occasion, we here at That Grape Juice are counting down our all-time top 5 Janet videos. With a career spanning over four decades and so many classics to choose from, it was no easy task.
Check out our list below and let us know what you think…
5) TIE!
‘All For You’ [2001]
By the year 2001, Janet had amassed a flavour of acclaim that would have easily rendered her a legend had she not released anything else. Yet, instead of resting on her catalogue of classic hits, she instead added another to the lengthy list with the title track to her 7th studio album.
A #1 for 7 weeks on the Hot 100, the song’s success was fuelled by its colorful visual. Flirty, fun, and filled with fierce choreography, this still slays today.
‘Rock With U’ [2008]
This ‘Discipline’ dance jam isn’t even a particular favourite of ours as a song. Yet to deny the brilliance that was its accompanying video would be criminal.
The definition of “ahead of its time,” the clip earns the honour of being one of (if not the first) modern video to employ the “one-take” edit. Note that there aren’t any transitions, no cuts, or jumps – a fact which only adds to its epic-ness.
We love us some ‘Dammn Baby,’ but “this” serves as the definitive mould of what Janet at this stage of her career is capable of churning out. Innovative, effortlessly sexy, and authentically edgy.
4) ‘ The Pleasure Principle’ [1986]
Before becoming famed for her military-like dance formations, ‘Pleasure’ emphasized Ms. Jackson’s ability as a solo force.
Paired with little else than a mirror and a chair, this classic video is one that has been emulated many times. But, as the age old adage goes, nothing tops the original!
3) ‘Alright’ [1989]
The visual for ‘Alright’ was one of the first (of many) instances when every component that made Janet a superstar aligned in the most mesmerizing of ways. Indeed, its potent blend of dance, theatrics, and untouchable charisma showcased Ms. Janet as the other-worldly star she is.
2) If [1993]
Come the release Janet’s eponymous effort in 1993, she had delivered such compelling content visually that talk turned to whether she could top herself.
‘If’ silenced the speculation – and then some.
Gothic, grand, and gorgeous, the video delivered Janet in dynamite diva mode.
Despite the clip’s moody mise en scène, Jackson remained the sole focus – as a seductress, as a provocateur, and, without doubt, the dominator.
It’s widely accepted that ‘If’ boasts the most legendary dance-break of all-time too.
1) ‘Rhythm Nation’ [1989]
Need we say more? Every credible artist possess a magnum opus and for Ms. Jackson it’s undoubtedly ‘Rhythm Nation.’
As a song, as an album, and as a movement, it’s her most impactful and enduring output.
Its video served as a visual exclamation mark of the fact that Janet Jackson is not only a singer, dancer, and all-round performer. She is a purpose-filled force!
Happy Birthday!
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Honourable Mention
This veered oh-so-close the #1 spot in our discussions, yet given that it was largely serviced as a Michael Jackson single “featuring Janet” (despite being co-billed), we opted for an exclusively Janet list. Did we make the right choice?
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What do you think of our picks?