Released 40 years ago
Control
Janet Jackson · 1986
41 min · 9 tracks · contemporary R&B
A bold fusion of funk and pop, with assertive lyrics that redefine personal independence and self-empowerment.
Top tracks — play these first
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Control Start here — The title track embodies the album's themes of empowerment and self-determination, using an infectious groove to assert control over one's life.
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Nasty — With its provocative lyrics and catchy hook, 'Nasty' challenges gender norms and expectations, making it an anthem of female strength.
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What Have You Done for Me Lately — This track's upbeat tempo and sharp lyrics highlight themes of accountability in relationships, showcasing Jackson's newfound confidence and assertiveness.
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The Pleasure Principle — 'The Pleasure Principle' combines a mesmerizing beat with introspective lyrics about desire and independence, representing Jackson’s artistic evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Control showcases strong songwriting and production, establishing Janet Jackson's distinct voice in R&B.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a strong, driving beat and assertive vocals, setting the tone for themes of independence.
- Each song incorporates layered production elements, including synthesizers and rhythmic bass lines that create a cohesive sound throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady rhythmic journey throughout
- empowered anthems for confidence
- uplifting vibes for self-affirmation
- danceable grooves for celebration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer abrupt tempo changes
- seek minimalistic soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Janet Jackson's reputation and commercial success in music.
- Themes
- female empowerment· 1980s dance culture· personal independence
- Career context
- Released on February 4, 1986, 'Control' marked Janet Jackson's third studio album and her first major artistic breakthrough following her previous albums, which had not achieved commercial success. This album established her as a formidable solo artist, showcasing a new sound that combined contemporary R&B with dance-pop, setting the stage for her future influence in the music industry.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Nasty
The narrator directly confronts someone who disrespects her, boldly declaring she won't tolerate their behavior.
This direct confrontation shifts the power dynamic in the song, establishing a defiant tone that underpins its feminist message.
Tracklist
- 1 Control Start here 5:53
- 2 Nasty 4:03
- 3 What Have You Done for Me Lately 4:59
- 4 You Can Be Mine 5:17
- 5 The Pleasure Principle 4:57
- 6 When I Think of You 3:57
- 7 He Doesn’t Know I’m Alive 3:32
- 8 Let’s Wait Awhile 4:37
- 9 Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun) 4:28
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
1999
Prince
Shares the same bold funk-pop fusion and themes of independence with a danceable energy.
Like a Virgin
Madonna
Explores female empowerment and self-identity through catchy pop hooks and vibrant production.
I Feel for You
Chaka Khan
Combines funk and R&B with assertive lyrics that echo themes of independence and strength.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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