Note: this release was originally purchased as a cassette, later replaced by a CD.
This was an enjoyable listen back in 1990 and it was available in the $1 bin, so why not? I've got to hand it to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, they were awesome writers/producers back then. The music was fun in a poppish new jack swing kinda way. Probably Janet's best CD, it's the only Janet Jackson CD I currently own.
Update: In its 2020 list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, Rolling Stone ranked Rhythm Nation 1814 at #339.
Press of the time:
- Robert Christgau (A-): "never before have Jam & Lewis rocked so hard for so long"
- Stereo Review: "the record succeeds because it offers modern techno-pop music of high quality"
- Rolling Stone (★★★★): "Dancers of the world unite!"
- CashBox: "quickly goes from the admirably ambitious to the painfully pretentious"
- Billboard: "sound-alike grooves on many numbers"
Album chart peaks:
- US Billboard Top 200: #1 (4 weeks, Oct 28 - Nov 18, 1989)
- Billboard Pop CD: #1
- Billboard R&B: #1
- Rolling Stone chart: #1
Tracks: I could do without any of the 8 "interludes" on this 20 track CD. There aren't any hidden gems here, but I like the hits Miss You Much, Come Back to Me, and Love Will Never Do (Without You). My favorite cut is Rhythm Nation, but that may just because it samples Sly Stone's Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). And when I say "samples" I mean that the funky bass line lifted from Sly is the basis for the whole song. Poor Sly didn't get any writing credit or even a mention anywhere in the liner notes; I hope he got his royalties.
 |
| For more information on the brief life of the CD longbox, go visit The Legend of the Longbox. |
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: This music reminds me of teaching at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton in 1989-90. In particular, I am reminded of teaching the drum line at that school. Below is a picture of me and some students from the drum line and my jazz band from the band banquet in May, 1990. I'm the one in the center holding the big stick.
This post begs the question: Do you speak softly?
ReplyDeleteI skipped Ms. Jackson's (cause I am Nasty) first two albums but was all over her next five (1986-2001) buying all the 12" singles that accompanied each and every one. She lost me with Damita Jo though and I don't think I have even listened to anything from her post 2001 output. Always thought she was a talented cutie and my favorite pics of her are those US flag bikini ones. Witnessed her Super Bowl kerfluffle live and was neither offended nor excited - didn't even bother rewinding DVR.
All credit goes to Jam & Lewis - are they even active anymore?
Favorite remix of hers is the Cool Summer Mix of "Nasty" which, if you play parts I and II back to back equals almost 20 minutes of music.
Strongly dislike all the interludes on hers and others discs. Enjoy all the tastefully used samples in her songs and hope writers get paid. Don't have a favorite album from her mainly because of those damn interludes breaking up the flow and the mood but I burned my own mix disc of favorites, both album songs and remixes.