Out Tuesday: Janet Jackson's "Discipline"
Janet Jackson
Album: Discipline (Island)
In stores: Tuesday
Why we care: Much like brother MJ, Janet Jackson long ago lost touch with the current pop marketplace. But her 10th album might be weird enough to sell: a retro concept disc about a funky future. In other words, a robot-silly ’80s platter made for plugged-in modern listeners.
Why we like it: With the help of cyborgian servant Kyoko (yep, that's right), Jackson patrols a futuristic sex paradise, working out her nightly passions over burbly blips and techno crashes. Discipline gets a little too synthetic after awhile — like making out with the HAL 2000 — but the first half is perversely fun.
Reminds us of: Mrs. Roboto
Download these: Feedback (WATCH) and Roller Coaster (LISTEN)
Grade: B
Sean Daly is the pop music critic for the St. Petersburg Times. His CD collection -- from Journey to Dylan, Prince to U2, Public Enemy to Stan Getz -- is much bigger and better than yours.
Not a big fan of Ms. Jackson, but my curiousity is piqued by the phrase "Mrs. Roboto"
Posted by: Brad | February 25, 2008 at 04:48 PM
It's definitely retro-familiar. Which would be a smart thing for Michael to do, too. Instead of keeping up with Usher, etc., go back 20 years.
Anyway, check out the links and lemme know what you think.
Posted by: Sean Daly | February 25, 2008 at 04:50 PM
45 seconds into "Feedback" and I'm waiting for Rihanna to say, "i'm breakin dishes..."
Posted by: Marissa | February 25, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Sean,
I hate this! It sounds too commercial--there's nothing original about this. The music sounds like something the record company over-produced and coughed up to see if people would like it.
Posted by: Sherri | February 27, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Apropos of nothing, this made me laugh. Janet, get thee to a stylist (or fire your current one...)
http://gofugyourself.typepad.com/go_fug_yourself/2008/02/fugapline.html
Posted by: jane | February 27, 2008 at 03:49 PM