Janet Jackson has just shared the deluxe edition of ‘The Velvet Rope’ – her sixth studio album.
Led by the alternative hip-hop sounds of ‘Got ’til It’s Gone,’ the album sees Jackson explore themes of mental health, sexuality, and so much more.
That Grape Juice has been spinning the deluxe edition LP since its release. Join us below to find out which five tracks are essential on ‘The Velvet Rope.’
5. What About
Janet previously explored rock music on her songs ‘If’ and ‘Black Cat,’ however, ‘What About’ is her boldest step into the genre. Tackling domestic abuse with such ferocity and intensity, Jackson proves that no genre, or partner, can can contain her and rightfully so.
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4. I Get Lonely
One of the most – if not the truest – R&B tracks on the album, ‘I Get Lonely’ was born to be a hit from the start. Recalling the works of Blackstreet and other groups at the time, Jackson delivers the tune with such sincere sensuality that she really makes you believe that she truly wants only you.
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3. Empty
With the internet taking the late 90’s by storm, Jackson explored the new world – particularly that of online dating – on this track. A skittering hip-hop-meets-pop-tune, sonically the track could have been easily found on her 2015 album ‘Unbreakable.’ Always a forward thinker, ‘Empty’ proves Jackson was always ahead of her time.
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2. Got ’Til It’s Gone
As a lifelong fan of both Joni Mitchell and Janet Jackson, it naturally made sense that this track is among the album’s best. Sampling Mitchell’s classic ‘Big Yellow Taxi,’ Jackson swaps out the acoustic guitars of the original for harder-hitting hip-hop beats, proving that she can make a classic just like Mitchell did before her.
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1. Together Again
One listen and it’s easy to see how Jackson scored her eighth #1 hit with this song. A tribute to those lost to AIDS, ‘Together Again’ is a celebration that one day a reunion will take place beyond a place of sorrow and pain. Set to the tune of a dance beat, Jackson officially solidified herself as a true LGBTQIA+ icon with this song.
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Do you agree with our picks?
#8 is my fav fr!
Lol! Did you read the article??
Oh! My bad! lmaooo
Hahaha
STFU Jynkx talking to yourself with different accounts
STFU Jynkx
Losers mad
Got til It’s Gone, My Need, Rope Burn, Free Xone, You.
The deeper cuts stand the test of time. With the exception of GTIG, the hits saturated radio enough so that I dont ever listen to the original versions.
Her Control-forward shows the strength of QUALITY songwriting and craftsmanship. More artists should study it…
Great list. honorable mention Anything
I love Anything
I would replace what about with every time
Together again is cornball cheesy bubblegum pop 👎🏽
The title track deserves to be on this list!
Control and rhythm nation are her best work to date IMO💅🏾 I kinda like Discipline as well and the rest are just meh
5. I get so lonely
4. Everytime
3. got til it’s gone
2. Velvet rope
1. You
So suprised nobody mentioned “Accept Me” smh
Loves it. My picks:
1. Empty
2. I Get Lonely
3. Go Deep
4. Got Til It’s Gone
5. You
My Need Should Be #1 That song Is EVERYTHING IMO and Anything where I Get Lonely is And The Velvet Rope instead of What About IMO the whole album is fire 🔥🔥🔥!!
My Need Should Be #1 That song Is EVERYTHING IMO and Anything where I Get Lonely is And The Velvet Rope instead of What About IMO the whole album is fire 🔥🔥🔥!!