Jackson: the name of music royalty. First it was the Jackson 5, then it was king Michael, and finally Janet burst onto the scene. With the tragic passing of Michael in 2009, it is up to Janet to carry the flame for the Jackson namesake and, wow, does she carry the flame with her latest album.
Unbreakable is the first album from Jackson in seven years. Right from the get-go the listener knows the album is fantastic. The opening track is “Unbreakable,” for which the album is titled. The production on “Unbreakable” is a great R&B groove that sounds very similar to a cut from a Timbaland-produced track from Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience. What this album does so well is vary the style of production through many genres. Along with many R&B cuts, “Take Me Away” is a standout track for sounding like more traditional pop music. But Jackson also adds a remix to her single, “No Sleeep.” The remix has production that is similar to most electric dance festival shows.
The aforementioned single from the album, “No Sleeep,” is one of two tracks on the album that have a feature. On an R&B album like this, a lack of features is actually a good idea because it allows the listener to focus on Janet. But having a few does not hurt the album, especially if “No Sleeep” features one of my favorite rappers, J. Cole. The other featured artist is none other than Missy Elliott on “Burnitup!” Hearing new Missy is really refreshing since we are all still waiting for her first album in 10 years, but this will do for now.
Although “Unbreakable” is almost a perfect R&B song, it is not the best track on the album; this award goes to the lively “Gon’ B Alright.” Hearing this song live in concert would be such an awesome time. The production is very upbeat and makes the listener genuinely happy, and this is only accompanied with Jackson’s positive lyrics about how everything is going to get better. This song represents the album’s feel: very positive and able to improve the listener’s day.
Unbreakable is a rare album from the heralded Jackson family. Janet delivers a great album, filled with tracks that make you want to tap your toes or even jump up and start dancing with someone. Hearing a new album from Janet Jackson is very refreshing, especially when all of the songs are a cohesive mixture of hit records. Not only is Unbreakable a great album all around, from production to Janet’s voice, but it is also a fun album. I believe that today’s music industry lacks albums that create fun experiences for the listener; so I applaud Janet Jackson for providing her audience with a wonderfully entertaining time. Thank you.
Grade: A
