This week marks the 20th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s blockbuster album, ‘All For You.’
Its colorful and sweet second single, ‘Someone To Call My Lover’, is today’s From The Vault pick.
After the album’s title track broke records left and right all over the world, underperforming was definitely not an option for Ms. Jackson. In all its “tailor-made for radio” glory, ‘Lover’ was issued as the LP’s second offering in 2001.
Produced and written by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Jackson herself, it peaked at #3 in the US, #11 in the UK and #15 in Australia. Based on a sample of ‘Ventura Highway’ by rock band America, it seduced critics and fans alike with its bright and melodic aura.
Helmed by director extraordinaire Francis Lawrence, the song’s accompanying visual saw Jackson embark on a road trip of sorts, stopping at a bar where she sings and dances with the crowd. Contrary to the choreography-heavy ‘All For You’, this video was all about editorial shots and Jan’s natural charisma.
With this project, the superstar reclaimed her joy and her smile after battling depression – as documented on her previous LP ‘The Velvet Rope’ – and going through a messy divorce a year prior. Though we love ourselves some dancefloor Janet, her positivity is always infectious and remains a huge part of why the world has connected with her at such a level.
With a tell-all documentary coming out in 2022, a new album on the way, as well as possible plans to give the fans the tour that was affected by the global health crisis, Ms. Jackson has much on the way. And as always, we’ll be front row and center to receive what’s to come.
