Music

Why Janet Jackson’s 2015 comeback is good news for pop music

It’s been almost two weeks since Janet Jackson announced her comeback and showbiz writer, Jon Hornbuckle, is excited. He tells us why…

I’ve often been teased for being such a huge Janet fan; it’s criminal that she isn’t given the dues she deserves. Alongside her long-time collaborators, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Janet created the genre of music, and the showmanship, that would go on to create the diverse music scene we enjoy today. Sure, Madonna, Prince and Michael Jackson are all legends who made a huge impact on pop culture, but Janet gave so much, not just to the MTV generation, but the current crop of posters dominating the scene right now.

Here’s a few reasons why I think it’s time Janet reclaimed her throne as Queen of Pop…

She’s got a LOT to write about

It’s terribly bittersweet that most of Janet’s finest work has been the child of tough times. Janet’s last album was 2008’s Discipline (which I loved) and since then, she’s grieved the loss of her brother, found love and stepped out of the spotlight, so she’s got plenty to write about.

Having already described this album as ‘a movement’, fans are hopeful that this indicates a return to the sound of Rhythm Nation 1814. The record was released in 1989 and saw Janet tackle big issues at the time including racism, homelessness and drug abuse.

Her last single was a slice of pop heaven (and was criminally overlooked)

Janet released Make Me in 2009 to support her greatest hits collection but sadly even a performance slot on The X Factor failed to send it to the top of the charts.

Take a look at the video below, it’s a great track that isn’t worlds apart from what Daft Punk did with Get Lucky in 2013. Plus her style is totally on point here – sexy, classy and unique.

Janet Jackson - "Make Me" Music Video

She’s influenced way more people than she gets credit for 

Beyoncé, Rihanna and Britney Spears are just a few acts that have gone on record to express their love for Miss Jackson.

Jennifer Lopez using dance breaks in music videos? Janet did it first. The spectacle of Britney’s arena tours? Janet started it. Even Beyoncé’s latest album was compared to Janet’s The Velvet Rope as soon as it was surprise-released on iTunes.

Janet’s legacy and influence has been mammoth and now she’s back to remind the world why she earned that legendary status. Yes!

She’s a sensational live performer 

I was lucky enough to see Janet on her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal 2011 world tour at London’s Royal Albert Hall and it was one heck of a performance, and easily one of the best gigs I’ve ever been too. She absolutely tore the roof off during her sold-out three night stint.

There are literally dozens of clips I could link to of Janet’s best performances from the past 30 years but instead, take a look at her tribute to Michael Jackson at the 2009 MTV VMA Awards. It’s a master-class in pop performance; just watch the energy she’s exuding and that dance breakdown!

Janet Jackson,Scream live mtv vma 2009 (edited version ), Michael Jackson

Janet’s debut arena tour broke records across the world which made her one of only two women – alongside Madonna – to be performing in venues of that size. Her 2011 tour also broke attendance records and sold out venues across the world.

Can’t wait until she reaches British shores again? Keep locked onto this blog; you can guarantee I’ll let you know as soon as news breaks of tour locations and dates.

Reckon Janet Jackson should reclaim her title as Queen of Pop in 2015? Let Jon know @JonHornbuckle.