To be completely honest, I would say that I am a mid-tier Janet Jackson fan. I love many of her songs and videos but only own a handful of her albums (my favorites being Rhythm Nation 1814 and The Velvet Rope). However, I appreciate her superstar status and her lasting impact on pop music and pop culture.
She was just 16 years old when she released her debut self-titled album. Her third studio album, Control (1986) holds the record for most American Music Awards nominations from one album, namely 12. Her number 1 album, Rhythm Nation 1814, was the biggest selling album of 1990 and is the only album to feature number 1s on the Hot 100 chart in three separate calendar years (1989–1991). The seminal album earned her nine Grammy nominations, including Producer of the Year, making her the first female artist to be nominated in this category. 1993’s album, janet. is recognized in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the 200 Definitive Albums of All Time and produced six top 10 hits. This was followed by the critically and commercially acclaimed The Velvet Rope in 1997, producing a string of hits and a Grammy for Best Music Video for Got Til It’s Gone.
These are just a handful of highlights and achievements from Ms Jackson’s extensive musical career. When the opportunity to experience this powerhouse live presented itself, I did not hesitate to grab tickets. She is currently on her Together Again Summer Tour with 35 dates at North American amphitheaters and arenas, accompanied by American rapper & singer Nelly. The tour, which started last year, is a visual feast offering a setlist overflowing with songs from Janet’s five-decade-long career.
From the minute she stepped onto the stage she reminded the audience why she is an icon, serving looks and choreography and Janet charisma all night. The high energy show was divided into four acts and an encore, lasting just under 2 hours. My one criticism is that at times it felt like we were enjoying a medley of hits - she’d sing a verse or two and just when you were getting into it, the song would end and the next one would start. I think that there are certain songs that deserved to be showcased in their entirety rather than abbreviated versions, understanding that she has so many hits in her discography. I think some songs could have been used as video interludes between acts, rather than a dark stage - just a personal preference. However, I was thrilled I got to hear my personal holy Trinity of Rhythm Nation, Escapade and Black Cat (though the latter was a tiny snippet included with Scream).
The complete setlist was as follows:
Act I
Night
2nite
Slolove
Rock With U
Throb
All Nite (Don't Stop)
No Sleeep
Got 'til It's Gone
That's the Way Love Goes
Love Will Never Do (Without You)
Act II
What Have You Done for Me Lately
Nasty
The Pleasure Principle
You Want This
When I Think of You
Diamonds
The Best Things in Life Are Free
Control
Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)
Take Care
Let's Wait Awhile (Contains elements of Lonely & Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun))
Again
Any Time, Any Place
I Get Lonely
With U
Act III
Make Me
All for You
Alright
Escapade
Miss You Much
Feedback
So Excited
Act IV
State of the World
The Knowledge
If
Scream (Contains elements of If & Black Cat)
Rhythm Nation
Encore
Someone To Call My Lover
Together Again
Overall, I agree wholeheartedly with Vibe’s Mya Abraham, who concluded that “it may have been a celebration for die-hards, but even if you’re not on that level, Janet Jackson will always be worth the standing ovation”.
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