Iconic. Innovative. Influential.
These are three words that would best describe Janet Jackson.
Today’s From The Vault pick is an demonstration of the indelible imprint she has left in our beloved Pop Culture. ‘I Get Lonely’ from 1997’s ‘The Velvet Rope’ is this week’s selection.
The work of then-fantastic four Ms. Jackson, Jam & Lewis as well as Jackson’s ex-husband and frequent collaborator Rene Elizondo, ‘Lonely’ is an authentic R&B track that sees Janet lamenting over being away from an estranged lover. A classic Janet “baby-making song”, its dramatic horns and sultry bass make for a sexy-sensual atmosphere which contrasts – in the best way possible – with Jackson strong yet vulnerable vocal delivery. The singer’s trademark harmonies are in full force as well. A triumph.
Releasing the track as a follow up to Dance-Pop mega hit ‘Together Again’ was quite the bold move at the time, but turned out to be a risk worth taking as it became the diva’s 18th consecutive Billboard Top 10 smash – peaking at #3 – and claiming the top spot of the Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B chart. In the UK, the R&B jam fared rather well too reaching the fifth position of the Official Singles Chart.
As it is often the case with the stage-blazer, the accompanying visual for the tune is as memorable as the tune itself. The Paul Hunter directed music video presents a flame-haired Janet in various futuristic sets including one where she – alongside her female dancers – engages in some silky smooth choreography, proving yet again that she is no one-trick-pony who can only do intricate high-octane routines.
From the fashion and hair & make up to the choreography, it is indeniable how impactful this video has been and is continuing to be: Britney’s ‘Me Against The Music’, Kelly Rowland’s ‘Motivation’, Rihanna’s ‘LOUD’ era look anyone?!
We won’t state again how seriously we’re anticipating Ms. Jackson’s return to chart glory. For today all we will do is salute yet again a tremendous artist who’s vision and audacity helped change the entertainment landscape forever.
![Songwriters Hall of Fame 2025: Janet Jackson, Eminem, N.W.A., & Rodney Jerkins Nominated [Full List]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/janet-jackson-eminem-nwa-songwriters-hall-fame-tgj-464x260.jpg "Songwriters Hall of Fame 2025: Janet Jackson, Eminem, N.W.A., & Rodney Jerkins Nominated [Full List].")
YASSSSSSSS Motha still has the other chicks beat. The Velvet Rope is a classic album by it’s very definition. There’s a reason it’s ranked among Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
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The one who birthed Ciara
As well as Aaliyah, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Kelly, Britney, Mya and Gaga so let’s give proper dues now. All these modern contemporary R&B and Pop chicks have emulated/replicated everything and I mean everything Janet and Madonna did in the 80s and 90s
Velvet Rope is everything…
I said it before
Janet Jackson >> Madonna.
This album made her the Queen Of POP!! This album is every Pop Stars dream. This was pure Life
I LOVE THIS album/song/video/tour!!! The era was so perfect! Janet’s style was impeccable during this time. Everything just went together so well.
This woman paved doors for many black pop stars tbh
Aliyah,Beyonce,Ciara,Rihanna they are all inspired by this woman.
This album was more than pop to me. It had R&B, hip-hop, soul, neo-soul, and pop.
The Video of “Together Again” oh lawd, still gives me life. Best Video made by a musician tbh
OMG I love Janet Jackson!!
Yess, gotta love miss jackson!
The true Queen.
THE QUEEN and ci is the princess
wtf are you smoking? Ciara isn’t anything. And if you think that Ciara comes close to Janet as an artist then you need to do your homework.
Ciara and janet are very similar tho, Ciara just has a stronger voice.
QUEEN OF POP…Yeah i said it
Janet>>>>>>>>>Madonna for ME
The f****** QUEEN OF POP!! Yaaas ms Janet!
Yasssss!!!!!! Salute the ICON & LEGEND!
*plays ‘Rock With U’ video*
I think Janet has a better tone, ad libs, runs and harmony’s than Ciara. Although Ciara has catchy songs i don’t really think she can sing. I always imagine janet singing Body Party and just how good it would sound.
Wow! Janet on “Body Party” would be EVERYTHING!
theletterbag.com
‘The Velvet Rope’ is an undeniable masterpiece. Absolutely stellar in every way.
B**** ci stays on your mind f*** you. They are both talents vocalists
Ciara had the potential to reach her standards but she blew it off.
Ciara could’ve been our modern day Janet Jackson
Stronger voice? Since when? Janet was actually nominated for Grammys for her vocal performances. Janet incorporates different styles of dance in her routines. Ciara? I think not. Janet writes, produces, composes, choreographs, etc. her own work. Ciara? I think not. Janet actually starred in hit movies. Ciara? I think not. At 28 Janet was already iconic and became a trendsetter. Ciara is 28 now and isn’t even close. Janet covered all kinds of topics in her music. Ciara? well I think you can see that they’re not actually all that similar like people think. Ciara does have potential though.
Queen Janet!! One of my fav songs from Janet’s best album tbh. Love it! But why must Janet stans always come for Madonna? She’ll always be the Queen of Pop. Always.
Sad… not 1 female nor male artist still has not been able to out do this women yet. She’s sipping ice tea in the syrian desert enjoying her billions and yet no creative b****** still has not come forward. True Queen.
If is Janet’s most iconic video in my opinion
JANET WAS ONE OF THE MOST GIFTED VOCALISTS OF OUR TIME. HER 3 OCTAVES, AGILE, SWIFT RUNS, HONEY-LIKE VIBRATO, WHISTLE NOTES AND NUANCES WERE OUT OF THIS WORLD. THE REAL VOCAL BIBLE, BRANDY WHO?
Janet has been a glorified icon since the age of 24. RN era. 😉
People can actually hear Ciara same cant be said about Janet.
You clearly don’t know much about Janet’s catalog. Good day.
You tried but failed
@Brit
Let’s be real girl
Janet shits on Madonna anyday.. I like them both but Janet Jackson is the s***
Janet will Always s*** on Madonna….
Janet is a FLOP!
So is Trannytina
i love janet but lets not act like she’s a vocalist.
LOL STRONGER VOICE?
BOTH HAVE LIGHT VOICES! BUT JANET STILL THE STRONGER VOICE!
RHYTHM NATION
BLACK CAT
WHAT ABOUT
LOVE WILL NEVER DO
TOGETHER AGAIN
SCREAM
ALL FOR YOU
SEXHIBITION
CLAP UR HANDS
WHAT CAN I SAY
HE DOESN’T EVEN KNOW THAT I’M ALIVE
I GET LONELY (EMOTION AND SOUNDS BELIEVABLE)
ETC ETC
But Ciara voice does havr more weight to it… stop being biased B****,
JUST CAUSE JANET DOESN’T HAVE STRONG VOCALS LIKE WHITNEY, MARIAH AND BEYONCE! DOESN’T MEAN SHE ISN’T A VOCALIST.
HER HARMONIES AND THE WAY SHE USES HER VOICE MAKES HER A VOCALIST.
Lmao.. anyone can sing like Janet doesn’t take that much effort i love Janet but that’s the truth .
LOL OH?
WELL IN 2010 AT AMERICAN IDOL THE CONTESTANTS SOUNDED A F****** MESS!
XTINA SOUNDED A MESS THE OTHER DAY ON THE VOICE
LOL SONGS ARE JUST MADE FOR CERTAIN PEOPLE. LET’S NOT.
JANET HAS SONGS WITH
MICHAEL JACKSON
LUTHER VANDROSS
ELTON JOHN
JANET LITTLE VOICE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ciara could never… Hell most of these b****** with light vocals or bigger couldn’t even! Esspecially todays artists.
Beyonce
J-hud
and xtina on a good day
F** just stfu giving janet to much credit for no reason im over it.
LOL I REALLY DON’T GIVE A FLYING F*** WHAT YOU OVER BOO!
I STATED FACTS BUM! DEAL WITH IT
But you h*** only give Janet credit cause shes older but truth is Ciara has the better voice i have no time to argue with your wack ass.
THIS WASN’T DISSING BEYONCE WHO IS ALSO MY FAV!
I WAS SAYING BEYONCE, J-HUD AND XTINA ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT CAN SING WITH TRUE VOCALIST! SO FOR JANET TO HAVE A LIGHT VOICE SHE HAS HELD HER OWN AGAINST LUTHER ETC IN THE PAST.
I don’t want to drag Janet but I will say ci is more musically inclined with a better ear for vocals sorry not sorry pressed b****
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
A CIARA STAN DRAGGING JANET JACKSON? BWAHAHAHAHA COMEDY!
WE CAN TALK!
WORLD TOURS
MOVIE BOX OFFICE
SETTING RECORDS
OPENING UP DOORS FOR NEWER ARTISTS
AWARDS
CHARITY
ALBUMS
ALBUMS SALES
ETC ETC ETC
LOL OH PLS… KEEP FIGHTING WITH RIHANNA STANS… A FIGHT Y’ALL ALWAYS LOSE!
your delusional is so ridiculous it’s not even funny. Ciara has been involved with the writing/production on all 5 of her albums as well as her choreography. Ciara does have a stronger voice/tone than Janet, Janet’s range is slightly wider than Ciara’s. All Ciara lacks is commercial success at the moment. Her albums, videos and live performances have always gotten praise from critics. All she needs is a strong label/management that’ll push her on a mainstream international level instead of limiting her to US urban markets.
@Antonio omg THANK YOU! That dude is a fool.
lol oh I’M DELUSIONAL?
F*** Ciara’s basic ass songwriting credits!
WHERE IS HER OSCAR NOMINATION FOR IT?
WHERE ARE HER SONG WRITING AWARDS?
LOL OH CHILE
STOP IT! Y’ALL TRY TO PUT CIARA ON A CERTAIN LEVEL THAT SHE’S CLEARLY NOT ON!
HER LEVEL IS WITH THE AMERIE AND BROOKE VALENTINE
CIARA IS NOT EVEN ON ASHANTI AND MYA’S LEVEL!
SONGWRITING OR BEING IN A BIG MOVIE LIKE CHICAGO!
Can you sit your b**** ass down and stop worrying about Cici and go find Janets non existent vocals thanks! #ImOut
AWWWW MOLLY YOU SOUND PRESSED AT THE FACTS THAT I’M STATING!
LMAOOOOOOOOOOO Y’ALL SO CONTENT WITH THAT CIARA B**** MAKING NTH BUT LATE ASS ATLANTA MUSIC.
NOTHING ICONIC OR LEGENDARY OR WOW WORTHY
Being nominated in vocal categories at the Grammy’s does not mean your a strong vocalist. Only one of Ciara’s vocally stronger songs ever got submitted for a Grammy vocal category and that is Body Party. And I, Promise and Sorry were never submitted for any Grammy nominations. I just hate when ppl always say Ciara can’t sing when Janet herself lip-synced until The Velvet Rope Tour. I love Janet, I own 7 out of 10 albums but let’s not act like Janet is a stronger vocalist than Ciara because she really is not. Ciara has always sung live even if she did bad, while Janet has not. Yes, Janet’s music has covered a wide array of topics that very few artists of any genre are covering but Ciara is heavily involved with the writing/production of her albums which is why she’s won 3 ASCAP Awards. If Ciara took more control over her image/promotion/marketing years ago, she could be selling millions of albums and have several world tours and #1 singles and 7 figure endorsements but she doesn’t know what she wants and that’s why these labels keep playing her. Janet knew what she wanted and strived to achieve it, that’s why she sold 150 million records, won 7 Grammys, scored 35 Top 10 singles on the Hot 100, 7 #1 albums and 5 world tours
F** please… Ciara won 3 ASCAP Awards… End of discussion
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AT 3
OH GIRL HUSH!
FACT IS JANET CAN SING LIVE AND NOT SOUND OUT OF BREATH LIKE CIARA! CIARA DOESN’T HAVE NOT ONE ICONIC PERFORMANCE!
RIHANNA >>>>>>>>>>>>> CIARA
Janet fans, is not Madonna’s fault if Janet is not as famous, iconic, revered and powerfull as Madonna is, ‘The Queen of Pop’, Madonna invented that title, all female singers has been called like that at some point in their career but all of them after Madonna, get over it.
How can a Ciara fan call someone elses vocals non existant! The kiis write themselves. Ciara could never EMOTE like Janet in her songs no matter how soft her voice is.
RODDY DAHLING…
US JANET FANS LIKE JANET… CAN CARELESS ABOUT BEING MORE FAMOUS OR POPULAR OR BEING THE QUEEN OF POP.LOL
JANET NEVER CARED FOR TITLES BOO! JANET WAS NEVER MEDIA HUNGRY LIKE MADONNA…
GET OVER IT! FOCUS ON PICKING ON LADY GAGA WHO ALSO SINGS BETTER THAN MADONNA.
rihanna is a s*** vocalist and preformer she will never compare to king ci.
And your point of her not having an iconic performance is what!? You brought up her not having any writing credits and then compared her to Ashanti and Mya who haven’t won any awards for writing while Ciara has won the top honor for songwriting and then you mention Rihanna in a writing debate when she can’t even write grammatically correct Tweet. All you can say about Ciara is her album sales are low. She already has won numerous awards, has hit singles and sold millions so you can keep trying tho… It’s cute
Ciara sings LIVE , Janet doesnt.
Nope, Janet’s first albums were also with A&M, she signed with them with them when she was only 14. Janet is the better dancer and is very diverse with her dancing. Ciara has been doing the same since she was 18.
Your laughing because it’s true… But hey the truth hurts. Yeah Ciara is possibly the biggest flop of this generation but don’t act like she hasn’t accomplished things in her career
LOL AT LEAST YOU AGREE SHE IS A FLOP! GOOD BOY
lmao
CIARA NEVER HAD HER OWN WORLD TOUR!
CIARA NEVER WON A SOLO GRAMMY
CIARA HAS # 1 ON HOT 100
CIARA THE ALBUM SALES REPS WHAT SHE IS A FAIL!
LOL SHALL I KEEP GOING?
WHETHER JANET SINGS LIVE OR NOT OR HAS A STRONGER VOICE OR NOT! SHE SLAYING CIARA AND IS CONSIDERED AN ICONIC LEGEND!
AND PLS DON’T SAY CAUSE SHE’S RELATED TO MICHAEL JACKSON CAUSE HER OTHER SIBLINGS WITH SOLO WAY BEFORE HER AND WASN’T HITTING ON S***.LOL
BLOOP BLOOP!
CAN CIARA SELL OUT ANY STADIUMS BY HERSELF? JANET HAS IN HER CAREER
CAN CIARA SELL OUT ANY ARENAS BY HERSELF? JANET HAS IN HER CAREER
HELL CAN CIARA SELL OUT THEATERS BY HERSELF? (LIKE RADIO MUSIC HALL)
JANET HAS IN HER CAREER!
HELL CAN CIARA EVEN SELL OUT HOUSE OF BLUES?
HOW DID K. MICHELLE GET HER OWN TOUR BEFORE CIARA? BWAHAHAHAHA
Y’all b****** comparing Ciara to Miss.Jackson is crazy!!! Miss Janet shits, spits and cleans up after on Flopara. Ciara will never be on the iconic stage of Miss Jackson. Cerror will bow down to the Queen! Ciara is nothing more than a backup dancer for Miss Jacksom
The only thing Ciara and Janet have in common are soft voices and that they both can dance!
Janet also had 3 albums flop in a row, Janet’s first three pre-A&M records were flops.However by the time Janet was Ciara’s current age she was a Star,while Ciara’s career is fading more and spare me “Body Party”…Vocally Janet’s voice is more emotive and less robotic. Neither are known as vocalist,but Janet’s voice is just better,Janet’s songs are WAY better and Rhythm Nation not only shits on anything artistically ever released by Ciara it also has outsold everything Ciara has released combined.
Janet had hits even while Mariah,Whitney,and Celine were ruling the charts.
Ciara at her peak doesn’t even scratch the pop greatness of Janet and the way it’s looking never will! I like Ciara but please no more empty comparisons.
Janet>Ciara and it will remain that way
Um, get your facts together! A&M was Janet’s first record deal. Her albums Janet Jackson, Dreamstreet, and Control, and Rhythm Nation are all A&M jams. Her first TWO didn’t do well.
Preach!!!
I’m a Janet fan and trying to come for Madonna, only make us seen jealous and bitter of her, Madge is the Queen of Pop, that doesn’t make Janet less iconic and legendary, Madonna worked like nobody for her throne and she deserves, also Thatgrapejuice if i want to named a Britney video that is Janet inspired, this would be the last, especially since ‘Me Agains’t the Music’ is like a tribute to Madonna, remember that she dresses in man style in her videos ‘Express Yourself’ and ‘Vogue’, if anything her dancing style was similar to Janet, this coul have been a beautiful post but most Janet fans keep hating on Madonna, btw, Britney’s Overprotected remix video is the real Janet inspired video.
CONTROL
RHYTHM NATION
JANET
THE VELVET ROPE
ALL FOR YOU
JANET JACKSON WAS A POP ICON AFTER ONLY 5 ALBUMS… CIARA IS ON HER 4TH AND STILL CANNOT GO GOLD!!!!!!!
JANET JACKSON, MADONNA & WHITNEY HOUSTON >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> MARIAH & CELINE
Stunning, simple, powerful. I love this song and the album especially.
Not Tranet stans trying to make her happen as Queen of pop when that title belongs to Madonna. Janet has 0 memorable songs, new generations don’t even know about her and she lacks classic soongs like Like a prayer, Like a virgin, Vogue. And lol at her being vocalist when she can’t sing to save her life, that whispering over a basic track is not singing.
Stay pressed with madonnasaur that has made a career out of controversy and let us appreciate the ARTIST janet that grew based on TALENT
yes Janet Jackson work ittttttt !!!!ttttt it !! and RIP MICHAEL JACKSON your music will live forever
GTFOH, Madonna thrived on controversy.
One of the greatest female artist of all time. My # 1 of all time. Janet’s success doesn’t come by accident, but by her continual efforts and talents.
Janet is a one of a kind, versatile, artistic and innovative artist that no one will ever fully be able to emulate. You have Britney, Ciara, Aaliyah, Mya and many others that came along and have developed a similar style as JJ, but none of them had the precision Janet did! Janet was damn near perfection!
Every black pop superstar after Whitney & Janet’s ground breaking entrance into the music scene in the 80’s has been able reach such high levels because of these ladies contributions to the craft. They both was EVERYTHING any aspiring pop icon could ever dream of being like! They were the moon and sun in the sky of music! Period! TVR was just another masterpiece(like RN) that made Janet the Ultimate Pop Queen! She slayed – no shortcuts, no easy ride, no relying on relevant artists for a hit or inflating her worth! She’s truly earned 100% of EVERYTHING she’s given credit for in the record books.
Ciara’s middle name is princess you dumbasses she will always be the princess @SMH
and LOL @ Y’all thinkin its an insult to be compared to janet. She’s the most talented pop girl since the 80s
You Ciara stans are deluded. It is an insult. Ciara is the princess of what? Crunk? That s*** died like 7/8 years ago.
@DYNASTY U MAD, UGLEEE? cIARA WNET 3X PLATINUM HER FIRST TRY AND DOUBLE PLATINUM HER SECOND
LET GOOGLE BE YOUR GUIDE BOOK MA’AM!
DEATH AT “STILL CAN’T GO GOLD”
IS THAT WHY BODY PARTY WAS THE ONLY GOLD SINGLE BY A BLACK FEMALE IN 2013????????????????
TGJ IS BEING PILLAGED BY TROLLS … I CAN’T
Lil’ Bow Wow put up those same numbers with his first two albums, so where tf are you coming from with this dumbass statement? Body Party is basic Ciara s*** and it showed that she has NOT grown as an artist at all. Ciara really is a one trick pony.
ESSENCE OF SEAN FAT GAY A-SS DONT U HAVE A THANKSGIVING DINNER TO REHEAT? LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Wait, Ciara Stans coming for Janet. Lmao! That’s like some unknown boy dance group coming for MJ. Lol… Sit ur ass down. R u mad that every female artist in the industry even to the lowest surpassed Ciara in talent, sales & gross. Ciara is still hanging on the edge cuz she wants to hang on Janet’s legacy real tight to claim her own. Unfortunately that b**** has nothing to live for so she minus well take the plunge. Her stans are so pist that the 4 most successful black females in the industry, Whitney, Janet, Bey, Rhi have been certified icons while this b**** no where to be found.
The war between Madge stans & Janet stans will never end. Madge may have the Queen of Pop title but Janet is music royalty. Can no one denial that.
Don’t get me wrong I’m a huge fan of the iconic Miss Jackson but Her Madgesty, Madonna is the QUEEN and in another league than any other female singer. Whitney/Mariah had the voice, Janet the dance moves and countless others s** appeal etc but Madonna was the perfect combo of all these qualities and that is why stans of every artist come for her and compare to Madge.
Janet is definitely an under appreciated icon. With all the GaGa / Madonna comparisons in the media I can’t believe Rihanna never is compared to Janet
IGL is a freakin classic. I love Janet. She is a true artist. A lot of people are claiming that her last 3 albums flopped. Damita Jo sold 3 mil worldwide. 20 YO sold 1.2 million worldwide. The numbers are small compared to her prior hits but it great compared to today’s standard. The only one that did not reach #1 in US was 20 Yo. It was #2. I Want You and Feedback are platinum selling singles. I believe Call on Me as well. A lot of you focus on the negatives and not the positives.