What makes The Pleasure Principle by Janet Jackson notable?

The song reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of Jackson's live performances, highlighting her influence in the dance-pop genre. It also received critical acclaim for its innovative production by Shep Pettibone, which helped define the sound of late '80s pop music. Released on May 12, 1987, 'The Pleasure Principle' came during Janet Jackson's transformative phase following the success of her breakthrough album 'Control'. This single solidified her status as a leading figure in contemporary R&B and pop music, showcasing her artistic independence and vocal prowess.

How many songs are on The Pleasure Principle?

The Pleasure Principle has 4 tracks, running approximately 23 minutes.

The Pleasure Principle

Janet Jackson · 1987

23 min · 4 tracks · contemporary R&B

Futuristic synths and pulsing beats propel Janet Jackson's confident exploration of desire and self-empowerment.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Pleasure Principle (long vocal) (The Shep Pettibone mix) — This extended mix captures the essence of Jackson's confident vocal delivery while emphasizing the track's danceable rhythm, making it a quintessential example of her style.
→
The Pleasure Principle (a cappella) (The Shep Pettibone mix) — Stripped down to its vocals, this version showcases Janet's powerful voice and ability to convey emotion without instrumentation, emphasizing her artistry.
→
The Pleasure Principle (12" dub) (The Shep Pettibone mix) — This dub version highlights the track's intricate production elements, providing a club-ready vibe that reflects the era's dance culture and Jackson's adaptability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong production and varied mixes, but its appeal may be limited to fans of the genre.

What we noticed

The first track features a long vocal mix that emphasizes Janet's vocal delivery over a backdrop of synths and beats.
The third track is a dub mix that alters the original's structure, focusing on rhythm and sound effects rather than melody.
The final track is a shorter vocal mix, providing a more radio-friendly version of the song.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single solidified her status post-'Control', enhancing her recognition.
Themes: dance floor empowerment· futuristic synth landscapes
Career context: Released on May 12, 1987, 'The Pleasure Principle' came during Janet Jackson's transformative phase following the success of her breakthrough album 'Control'. This single solidified her status as a leading figure in contemporary R&B and pop music, showcasing her artistic independence and vocal prowess.
Stylistic neighbors: Tinashe· Aaliyah· Beyoncé

New to Janet Jackson? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Pleasure Principle (long vocal) (The Shep Pettibone mix)

A pivotal moment occurs when the narrative shifts from introspection to an empowered declaration about embracing desires unapologetically.