That's the Way Love Goes
Janet Jackson · 1993
34 min · 6 tracks · contemporary R&B
Smooth grooves mingle with soulful melodies, creating an intimate atmosphere that showcases vulnerability and warmth.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
That’s the Way Love Goes (LP version) Start here — This track encapsulates the album's essence with its sultry production and heartfelt lyrics, establishing it as an anthem for love's complexities.
-
→
That’s the Way Love Goes (CJ R&B 7″ mix) — The remix enhances the original's groove while maintaining its romantic undertone, demonstrating Jackson's versatility and appeal in club settings.
-
→
That’s the Way Love Goes (CJ FXTC club mix 12″) — This extended mix transforms the original into a dance floor staple, showcasing how Jackson's work transcended radio to dominate nightclubs.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe single showcases strong songwriting and production, though its mix-focused nature affects cohesion.
What we noticed
- The lead track features a slow, steady groove with layered vocals that create a lush, intimate sound.
- The subsequent mixes explore different rhythmic interpretations while maintaining the core melody and harmonic structure.
- The inclusion of an instrumental version highlights the song's melodic strength without reliance on vocals.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- laid-back groove for relaxation
- smooth melodies for intimate moments
- steady pacing for easy listening
- exploration of love themes
- for late-night vibes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer shorter standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Janet's reputation with its chart-topping success and innovative sound.
- Themes
- intimate love stories· 90s R&B romance· sultry dance grooves
- Career context
- In 1993, Janet Jackson was riding high on the success of her previous album, 'janet.' which had solidified her status as a pop icon. 'That's the Way Love Goes' served as the lead single for her self-titled album, marking a continuation of her creative evolution into a more mature sound and image. This track represented a significant moment in her career, transitioning into a deeper exploration of love and relationships.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
That’s the Way Love Goes (LP version)
The lyrics shift from uncertainty to reassurance, emphasizing emotional support amidst vulnerability.
This transition in tone reflects a maturity in songwriting, showcasing Jackson's ability to articulate complex emotions with nuance.
Tracklist
- 1 That’s the Way Love Goes (LP version) Start here 4:28
- 2 That’s the Way Love Goes (CJ R&B 7″ mix) 4:11
- 3 That’s the Way Love Goes (CJ R&B 12″ mix) 6:19
- 4 That’s the Way Love Goes (CJ FXTC club mix 12″) 6:25
- 5 That’s the Way Love Goes (Macapella) 6:24
- 6 That’s the Way Love Goes (CJ FXTC instrumental) 6:15
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.