259 - Janet Jackson - Velvet Rope

[csberry]

Velvet Rope was recorded as Janet was emerging from depression. The album rests on the concept that everyone hides part of themselves from others (symbolically by a velvet rope - like at a club) and there is the promoted idea that this collection of songs is Janet pulling down some of those emotional barriers and exposing her soul to us. It is a nice and pretty package that seems to contain all of the required elements for the concept and conceit of Janet laying bare for the audience, but I'm not buying it. The overriding feeling I have when listening to and thinking about this album is one of superficial emotion.

I don't doubt Janet's intentions if the promoted story of Velvet Rope being an act of therapy is true. But there is a hokey-ness to many of the songs that keep making my eyes roll in my head. You know that "Got 'Til It's Gone" is deep because it samples Joni Mitchell and she chose a guest rapper with intelligence and critical praise, Q-Tip. The lesbian remake of Rod Stewart's "Tonight's the Night" comes across as an awkward attempt to create a sex scandal (next misstep, the nipple slip?). And Janet also seems to be alternating between A) a sweet girl-next-door using a cooing Mariah Carey delivery and B) a sex strumpet that is into all sorts of kink and purrs when she sings. The difference is more than two sides of the same coin. To me, it sounded like two completely different personalities.

Musically, Jimmy and Terry have done another great job of creating the beat and sound for Janet. The songs are what they are and are done well. To me, however, there seemed to be an assembly line aspect to the album that negated the supposed emotional nakedness of the songs.

Songs I knew I liked: None

Songs I didn't know but now like: "My Need," "Free Xone," and "Special"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: "Together Again," "Every Time," and most of the interludes.