"Janet Jackson - Discipline" (Album Review)

As I'm Sure Many Of You Know, Janet Jackson's Highly Anticipated New Album - Discipline, Leaked This Week. Here Is My Review.

Track Listing

1. I.D. (Interlude)" – 0:47
2. "Feedback"
   
3. "LUV"
   
4. "Spinnin" (Interlude)
   
5. "Rollercoaster"
6. "Bathroom Break" (Interlude) – 0:40
7. "Rock With U"
8. "2nite"
9. "Can't B Good"
10. "4 Words" (Interlude)
    
11. "Never Letchu Go"
    
12. "Truth or Dare" (Interlude)
    
13. "Greatest X"
14. "Good Morning Janet" (Interlude)
    
15. "So Much Betta"
16. "Play Selection" (Interlude)
    
17. "The 1" (featuring Missy Elliott)
18. "What's Ur Name"
19. "The Meaning" (Interlude)
20. "Discipline"
21. "Back" (Interlude)
22. "Curtains"
    

Introduction / First Impressions

Discipline, Janet's 10th studio album to date, has been dubbed as her 'comeback' to music, although she has never actually been away. From the offset, it is obvious that this is something of quality & highly out-weighs Jackson's other recent offerings, this is the return of a Global Pop Superstar.

The title's meaning reflects the theme of the record, every track has a sexy, raunchy feel, without becoming over the top or offensive, it is well controlled & in a sense; Disciplined.

It is obvious straight away that Discipline has a very 'futuristic' theme, from the interludes, to the techno style beats & the 'auto-tuned vocals' - it soon becomes apparent that Janet has had the creative reigns in her hands through the entirety of the record. While this futuristic theme serves the album well, it will not 'future proof' it, whether this was the plan remains to be seen.

Production values are this records strong point, & ultimately it's downfall. While the fantastic beats provide a modern, Dance-Pop fusion, as well as making most of the records 'radio friendly', they point out the fact that Janet does not hold the musical or vocal ability to compete on a 'talent level' with the likes of Mariah or Beyonce. This to me is the reason that Island - Def Jam have decoded to release both this & Mariah's record near each other, as they will not really compete with each other.

This record is aimed at the Britney Spears end of the market, but do not let this put you off, Janet is the master of this field & Britney should be looking to her as a mould of her future career. However, listening to the edgy, sexy feel of this record makes me wonder just how long she can keep this up, Janet is not the young woman she once was. I can't see her relevance in modern music lasting as long as the likes of R&B or soul singers.


The Music

Straight to the point, Discipline is a great Pop album from an amazing Pop star, if I start to ramble on, remember this is the main statement.

The hugely talented producers have, in my opinion, handed Janet a huge lump of great beats to work with. Credits include Janet's boyfriend; 'Jermaine Dupri', as well as new-comer 'MaddScientist', 'Rodney -Dark Child- Jerkins', 'Ne-Yo', 'Tricky Stewart' & 'The-Dream'.

I feel that while Janet has made the most of these producers, she has allowed their work to 'over power' her, tracks such as 'So Much Betta' & 'Rock With U' leave her vocal ability so un-noticeable, that it feels un-needed. The work of such producers becomes even more apparent when we reach the Ballads, if they can be called that. While they don't cause offence to the ears, most simply don't go anywhere, Janet seems to have made them for the sake of having some slow tracks.

'Can't B Good', offers a really nice exception to the rule, this cool, fresh jam feels more like a Michael Jackson song, than a Janet one, it offers some soothing vocals & actually conveys a real story. Of the semi-mediocre ballads, this is definitely the best. My pet hate of the album is 'Greatest X', the generic 90's R&B beat, accompanied by the excruciatingly cheesy lyrics make this an unnecessary piece of randomness in an otherwise focused track arrangement.

I also felt that the record seemed to 'tail off' at the end, once you reach the Missy Elliott collaboration 'The 1', you really need go no further. I was waiting for that 1 hot joint that you find near the end of a lot of albums, but I'm not sure if I ever found it. Maybe 'Discipline' is that little Gem, it's strange, raunchy feel works well with the airy vocals of Jackson, this makes for a sexy, easy listen track, but I'm currently sitting on the fence until I make my mind up.

Now, for the good points. The entire album offers that 'night out' feel, it contains hot party joints that are genuinely addictive, as well as being radio friendly & obvious singles I actually enjoy hearing them over & over. I find it hard to choose 'Feedback' or '2Nite' as the best track, both offer the same, spectacular production & catchy hooks, I think 'Feedback' will be the joint that is remembered.

Another part that I now find cool are the 'interludes' between the tracks, I usually feel that the songs on an album should be enough to tell the story of the record, but these little inserts do help piece together the feel, without ruining it, although the voice acting from Janet is questionable.


Verdict

'Discipline' offers a mixed bag of Pop, R&B & Dance tracks & an excellent blend of easy listen, well formed, professionally produced songs. Janet has put out a very consistent record that is enjoyable in the large part from beginning to end.

This female orientated record has an instant likeability that will appeal to a mainly young audience, with it's single worthy club tracks & well formulated party songs, it shows us why Janet is a superstar.

Miss Jackson has brought us a Pop record that we can listen to out loud without being ashamed, finally someone has made Pop just a little more respectable. This will be a hit, but is not a classic.

******* - 7/10

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Here Is Another Hot Track Lifted From Usher's, As Yet Untitled, New Album.

Moving Mountains has been produced by Timbaland & written by The-Dream, it is a mid-tempo track with some hot beats. Usher really seems to be bringing it for his new record, every track I have heard so far has been 'fire'.


I'm aware I'm yet to hear the album in it's entirety, but no track I have heard so far has really been a club-banger, which Usher is real good at. Moving Mountains covers the middle of the road, but where is the 'Yeah' of the last album?

LISTEN - Usher - Moving Mountains

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"Usher - I Can't Win"

As Usher Prepares The Release Of His Fifth Studio Album, Here Is A Brand New Leaked Track.

I Can't Win is a decent slow-jam with some very nice vocal arrangements & soft production from Stargate. For once, Stargate have made a beat that doesn't sound like Beyonce's; Irreplaceable, I am really liking the production, lyrics, vocals & the general feel of the track.


If Usher can keep up this level of slick, modern R&B, I'm sure his new album, as yet untitled, will be another smash hit. I Can't Win is a definite winner for me, let's hope it makes the final cut of his new record.

LISTEN - Usher - I Can't Win

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"Flo-Rida ft. Timbaland - Elevator" (Video)

For Those Who Haven't Yet Heard This Tune - I Think It Is Amazing. New-ish Artist Flo-Rida as Teamed Up With Timbaland For His Second Monster Single; Elevator.

This beat is sick, you know Timbo is the king, & with bangers like this, you know why. I have been feeling this track for a while now, but I'm not loving the video that much. OK, it's what I expected, but it could have been better.

I'm sure, that if Flo-Rida can keep teaming up with great producers & keep making hot collaborations, he will soon be a real player in the Hip-Pop game.

Flo-Rida ft. Timbaland - Elevator

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