How Disciplined is Ms. Jackson?

            So the Pop diva that is Janet Jackson rolls out her tenth effort this week in the form an electronic laced Discipline.  Signs of a revived Jackson surface with the album’s first single; “Feedback” helmed by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. The high energy continues to one of the album’s jewels, the very infectious “Luv”(also Darkchild produced). It’s obvious from the very beginning that Janet yearns to return to her dance roots this “go round”.

            Although the absence of longtime collaborators Jam & Lewis from this effort is evident, one signature still remains; very accommodating interludes. Unlike some of the interludes from Janet’s previous album “Damita Joe”, these actually help guide the album and add to its appeal. One downside is that some of the tracks used in the interludes sound like they should replace certain ballads on the project. Also, still in effect is Jackson’s sexed up song lyrics. One may have thought the name Discipline would be similar to the statement Jackson was trying to make with Control (especially after a dismal performance of it’s 20-year anniversary disc that graced our shelves in 06), but that notion is thrown out the window once the first lyric of the Dominatrix themed title track hits the ears. Despite its raunchiness and constant calling out to “Daddy”, The Neyo pinned slow jam actually makes the list of stand out tracks on the album. I can see closet freaks jamming this on the low everywhere.

            All in all Discipline is a very solid album with classic Jackson moments and a hint of new direction as well.  Unfortunately some of the new direction does fall flat in a few areas, but the classic moments show that Janet’s still got it to a certain extent. If you’re a Janet fan, this is definitely a disc you want to cop for 08.

Stand out tracks:  “Luv”,  “Can’t B Good”, “Discipline”, and “Curtains”

Worst Tracks: “Never Letchu Go”,  “Greatest X”

Album grade: B-