Discipline Reviews

• What we have here is a failure to communicate

  
  By A268EEWUXYCA8Q on 2008-02-28
  For me, The Velvet Rope was Janet's masterpiece, though I didn't feel that way at the time. It wasn't until later that I realized how often the CD found its way back into my CD player. Velvet Rope seemed to culminate all the ideas and concepts Janet had been toying with since she first came on the scene. It represented Janet at her most personal, vulnerable and sexy with songs that ranged from an abusive relationship, to loss of a loved one to being tied up (presumably with ropes that were velvet) during sexual encounters to a bunch of emotions that ran the gamut of chaste to...not so chaste. It was expressive, dark and moody. Since then, her releases have been very cheery, which isn't a problem in and of itself.
  
  Here's the thing. I've been listening to Janet Jackson since Control, when I was a young kid in the 80s. I've loved every single album she's released and even when the last two haven't been so great, I've still enjoyed them. The problem is, ever since All For You, the CDs have begun to run together. While I really enjoyed 20 Y.O., I was hoping for further evolution of Janet as an artist and I placed my hope in Discipline. Unfortunately, what I'm finding is an artist that seems to be trying so hard to gain a hit again that she's giving up everything that makes her unique.
  
  It starts with getting rid of Jam and Lewis, her cohorts in crime since the beginning. When 20 Y.O. came out, I had thought that maybe finding new producers might help her freshen her image, but that has backfired. The songs on Discipline are...well, a lot of them are boring. They feel like any of the other nameless R&B artists out there, pumping out music that anyone of them could sing as opposed to personal songs that have defined Janet over her 20+ year career.
  
  "Feedback" is a fun song; I was hoping that it was a sign that Discipline would be a great, daring new CD. But, after that song, I found myself stuck in music that wasn't exciting, daring or different. The only songs that really stuck out to me throughout my listens were "The 1" with Missy, "The Greatest X," and the aforementioned "Feedback." Those are ones I've listened to on a few occasions because I've enjoyed them and they remind me of some of Janet's fun, good songs. A few songs in the middle, like "Rock With You" are enjoyable, if easily forgetable. Then there are the ones that simply are crud. The title track, for instance, is probably the biggest misstep of Janet's career. It's not the sexy, sultry song she wants it to be and he use of the word "daddy" just adds to the weirdness. Honestly, at 40, shouldn't Janet be past the father-figure authoritarian fantasy? Even if not, this was done much better...in the Velvet Rope with "Rope Burn."
  
  Instead of being the comback album Janet and friends have been hoping for since 20 Y.O., Discipline finds Janet so desperate to make a comeback album that she's willing to sacrifice her soul to do so. Melodramatic, I know, but this is the first time I've seen her singing songs she didn't write. Granted, Janet's not exactly the great poet of R&B, but it was her words, they came from her heart and they were about things she was facing. Instead of writing her album, she hired "hitmakers" to create songs and it shows. None of the songs really feel like a Janet song; they could just as easily be sung by any of the countless other R&B performers out there. What's worse, a lot of the songs feel like filler and I'm having trouble, looking at the song list, trying to remember how some of the songs go. By trying so desperately to make a comeback, Janet gave up what made her, her.
  
  I know this isn't going to be a popular review and I'll have to be content with that. Believe me when I say that I'm sad that this is my first non-glowing review for Ms. Jackson. Before I bought this album, I was hearing a lot of less than stellar things being said here and elsewhere, I just told myself that these people were the haters and that her album would be good. Unfortunately, that's not the case and I've been seeing some fans, both longtime fans and new, saying similar things.
  
  In a career that spans more than 20 years, everyone is entitled to a dud. As a fan of her work, this would be that one for me.
  
  2.5 stars
  
  

• She Ain't No Quitter!

  
  By A1DTCJV6KOMJOA on 2008-02-26
  Work it out Ms. Jackson. Radio may have ignored the pure sexiness of "Feedback" with its undulating base, raunchy and quirky lyrics that were a shot in the arm to the dead Dance/R&B that's been clogging the radio, but anyone who heard it knew it was pure Janet.
  
  Entertainment Weekly wrote a nasty review of "Discipline" stating that Ms. Jackson was now too old to explore her sexuality; backhandedly stating that she needs to cover it up and tackle a new theme. I want to know what is wrong with this theme? A woman's sexuality at any age should be in the forefront and with numbers like "So Much Betta" with it's whinny quips about being "Tired of being number two" and reversed break is proof that nothing's wrong with being grown.
  
  "Rollercoaster" "Luv" and the PHENOMENAL "Rock with U" have to be some of the best songs of this decade. Jebus! The latter has Janet's voice snaking beats, electronic quips and her revelation that "Strobe lights make everything sexier" is pure magic leading the listener into a trance.
  
  This album has a clean and pure focus: Fun and energetic. Oh, if it was only a complete dance album. The slow songs are not Janet at her best. "Curtains" is all shimmy, shake, and coos, making up for the other less than perfect slow jams.
  
  Janet has been one of -- if not -- THE most consistent female artist in music as of late. The woman has made herself a sex symbol around the world for not only playing coy but overtly and openly displaying her sexuality. Why is there a need all of a sudden to knock her down a few pegs?
  
  I will continue to buy her albums! The woman may not be breaking new ground but out of the rubble -- she's made an empire.
  
  

• Janet Jackson (n.): In Need of 'Discipline'

  
  By A3O8YT41TDXL0B on 2008-02-28
  Listeners of expertly crafted, perfectly packaged dance-pop have a quick - if temporary - fix in "Discipline," Janet Jackson's new comeback effort. Results are mixed, but the set sports a handful of high-energy morning pick-me-ups frothier than a Starbucks latte. Recent LPs like "20 Y.O" and the full-on porn of "Damita Jo" may have yielded lackluster results, but Jackson has been an established figure in the pop game since today's college crowd was in diapers for a reason: given the right material, she is a formidable performer.
  
  The album's feel is icy, distant and thoroughly modern, complete with Jackson's customary interludes, this time including a computer named Kyoko that gives her pep talks and even duets on the bizarre "So Much Betta." Despite such oddball moments the effusive, ultra catchy lead single "Feedback" and the roller disco-ready duo of "Rock with U" and "2nite" sizzle with flavor and catchy beats. With its instantly unshakable hook the sensuous "LUV" should be a massive hit, and "Never Letchu Go" is a pleasant slice of lovelorn r&b with 80's-inspired guitar work.
  
  It's only when she gets sentimental about her finest orgasm ("The Greatest X") or objectifies male genitalia ("7 inches? Yup, that'll do!" on "The 1" featuring Missy Elliot) that the collection drifts into clumsy sexual perversions and, importantly, amelodiousness. The pretense climaxes as Jackson coos "Did I upset you daddy? Take out your frustrations on me." on a BDSM-themed title track that would make Madonna blush. Somewhere out there Ron Jeremy's ears are burning.
  
  "Discipline" is typical late career Janet with obvious singles and equally obvious padding with overbearing sexual themes. This time, however, the singles rank among her best.
  
  

• Bordering on Ridiculous : The Descent of A Legend

  
  By A2ULSA0IRUE09E on 2008-02-26
  Janet Jackson has ruled the airwaves in my home since 1990. 'janet" from 1993 was one of the seminal 'soundtrack of my life' albums back in the day. That said, what can one say about "Discipline" without sniggering or holding back contempt? I don't know. This much is true though - this is an album where the interludes are vastly more interesting and entertaining than the actual songs themselves - which I'm afraid doesn't bode well for the entire enterprise. Also, lead single "Feedback" (a tremendous radio failure) is the best thing here - which again isn't saying much.
  
  Janet's last 'great' album was from 1997, titled "The Velvet Rope". It was also her last masterpiece. Since then, she has steadily lost whatever momentum she had. Even if she discarded all of her human rights and racism anthems for more sensual grooves, it would have been alright if the music was spectacular. But it wasn't to be. "20 Y.O" was a humungous disaster, a smoldering lump of catastrophe if there ever was one.
  
  "Discipline", unfortunately, despite boasting of some excellent production (especially in the first half of the record), is very much like "20 Y.O". Its eminently forgettable (this is one Janet album you won't be playing much a year from now), and nothing here really stands out. Forget about potential singles - it will be interesting to watch which songs they choose to market from this, considering the music is so, so weak.
  
  Also, the album goes in for a 'robotic' theme that doesn't gel. It eerily reminded me of that Victoria Beckham video from the last decade ("Out of my Mind"). The opening interlude has a robot asking Janet what she'd like to listen to, and the same robot closes the album. In between, Janet does what she does best - sing about sex. And the songs here, while not as graphic as some of her more sickening experiments ("Moist", anyone?), definitely make me believe that there is nothing more to this woman but a clump of overactive hormones. You'd think that when she hit 40 they would have quietened down, but its only gotten worse.
  
  If you thought the lead track "Discipline" actually meant for discipline at work or personal life, you're wrong. It isn't anything that straightforward or decent. Instead, the song is a sexual come-on to her 'father', and throughout the entire track she talks to 'daddy' and asks him to do all sorts of weird things to her. Incest is definitely something most people aren't comfortable with, but this song will make you queasy no matter what your beliefs. Personally I found it disgusting.
  
  Also, this is the record that has finally made me loose any shred of respect for Janet. Is there no life beyond her groin region? Are her private parts the only reason she sings anymore? How on earth can she make album after album of songs dedicated to her fallopian tubes? I do not understand. As a man, this sort of album from a woman is worrying and saddening - maybe this is what it takes to sell records these days. But remember, Janet was once a champion for a host of social causes, and much of her original fanbase, such as me, were attracted to her because of both her music and message - both of which have been hitting rock bottom of late.
  
  The songs. Well, the best thing here is definitely "Rock With U". It has a light, happy vibe to it and reminded me a lot of her "All For You" days. "Greatest X" is dedicated to, you got it, an ex who is 'like, the greatest!'. The great production of "What's Your Name" elevates the songs mundane songwriting to another level - this is indeed one of her better tracks in a long while. "So Much Better" has a chorus sung by a child (or is that Janet's voice all vocoded?) and it works. Be reminded though, that most of these songs sound like something a B-Grade starlet such as Olivia, Nivea or even Ashanti would record - that 'classic Janet' stamp is not there at all, leaving all the songs sounding quite generic. In fact, the closest comparison I can draw for you is the "LeToya" album from a year ago. Its innovative in places, has a lot of sampling, but doesn't quite gel together.
  
  The interludes are interesting to a point - especially "Spinnin", "Truth or Dare" and "Good Morning Janet". Janet, while making interludes, acts as if they were all recorded impromptu, lending the tracks an air of believability (somewhat). I like that she still uses this concept, but the only album where every single interlude worked was "Rhythm Nation 1814". I was also hoping that the ballads here would throw up something classic, but I was rather disappointed. Remember "Where are you Now?" from the 'janet' album, or even "Feels So Right" later in her career? The woman can ride a groove when she wants to. Sadly, none of that can be found here. The ballads are cheesy, and very infantile
  
  Lastly, the songwriting. Janet has never been much of a poet, but much of what is going on here looks as though its from 16 year olds' torrid love-diaries (and not even in a voyeuristic or remotely interesting way). Especially infuriating are her constant obsessions with private parts and sex in general. In fact, "Discipline" would be the wrong title for this album. She may as well have titled it "Desperate" and gotten it done with. The final album closer "Curtains" brings some of that 1990s Janet spirit back, but albeit shortly. The entire sordid experiment is over in about 58 minutes, which is about an hour of your life you can invest doing more creative and productive things.
  
  What a let-down. And this comes from a longtime Janet fan. Give "Discipline" a miss. If I wanted to listen to a middle aged woman croon about how much she needs sex constantly, there are numerous other places I can find this.
  
  Two Stars.
  
  

• How Janet got her groove back...

  
  By A24N1BAS3CU27H on 2008-02-26
  Janet Jackson returns with her tenth studio album, "Discipline", hoping to regain the chart glory she once had before that infamous Superbowl incident. Ditching long-time producers Jam and Lewis, she's hooked up with a slew of producers and songwriters (she doesn't write anything this time, she'd previously co-written most songs on every album from "Control" to date) such as Rodney (Darkchild) Jerkins, Ne-Yo, Tricky Stewart, Stargate, and boyfriend Jermaine Dupri, to mention a few. More upbeat (and much better) than her previous release "20 Y.O.", the moods range from club bangers, mid-tempo numbers, edgy funky numbers, and chilled out baby making music.
  
  Falling into the Upbeat club bangers category are lead-off Darkchild produced single "Feedback" (with stomping beats, intermittent rolling marching band drums, and distorted vocodered vocals), "Rock with U" (not big brother Michael's hit, but a funky song with bubbly 80s sounding synths, and Janet cooing over the beats, penned by Ne-Yo and Jermaine Dupri - the interlude before this song, "Bathroom break" is quite funny with a Daft Punk song playing in the background), and the club friendly Stargate produced "2nite" (with great bubbling synth breaks). Taking the tempo down a bit (and still highly danceable), we have the lovely "LUV" (nice echoing chorus and harmonies and a heavy bassline), and "Let me know" (a bonus on the Japanese version, as well as on iTunes) which is cut from the same Pop fabric as her hit "Runaway".
  
  The edgy funk numbers are the rather atonal and sparse Darkchild produced "Rollercoaster" with percussion giving a spinning sound (faintly reminiscent of "Escapade" and it's catchy and grows on you), the Prince-like "So much betta" with chipmunk vocals and a sample from Daft Punk (who really must remember to buy Kanye West a nice "Thank you" card) it reminds me a bit of "Nasty", and the sexually charged "The 1" with Missy Elliott, nice percussion, chiming sounds and bursts of electric guitar. These three sound most like Janet's Jam/Lewis stuff of the past.
  
  For ballads, there's the soothing lite-jazz of "Can't be good" (which reminds me a bit of "I can't help it" by Michael), the catchy "Greatest X" (she must have an ex fixation, there was "Thinkin' bout my ex" on "Damita Jo"), "What's ur name", and (for the first time on a Janet album) the title track "Discipline" which is the best of the lot; A steamy slowed down Jodeci/R Kelly style soulful ballad with lovely harmonies, (again) sexually charged masochistic lyrics about "having misbehaved and wanting her daddy to discipline her and make her cry", and heavy breathing at the end. What was her crime? "I touched myself/when you told me to wait". Surprisingly, it works very well, and is her most memorable ballad since "I want you".
  
  The other ballads; "Never letchu go" (with sprinklings of electric guitar), and "Curtains" are not bad, but I get the feeling they would sound better sung by someone like Mary J Blige or Mariah Carey. They are so-so songs which need someone with powerful vocal chops to carry them off, Janet sounds lost in the mix here. I feel these could have been replaced with more upbeat songs, but like I said, they are not bad.
  
  Good to see that she has toned down the overt sexual nature of her lyrics that appeared in her last 3 albums (we really didn't need to know about the temperature or humidity of her hidden body parts, "Warmth" and "Moist"), she doesn't have to be an oversexed android all the time. I think this album could bring Janet back on top, IF radio gives her a chance. So far, "Feedback" has been given a wide berth, but that doesn't detract from the fact that this is a very good fun album which should give Janet her 6th #1 album.
  P.S. I do not like the album cover photo; she looks like a bad drag queen. :-)
  
  
  
• I Love Miss Janet but...........................................................................
  By A2S64NURWVQSUS on 2008-05-15
  I love Miss Janet as much as the next person but I think it's time to bow out gracefully. With each new album her voice and creativity is wearing thin.
  YES SEX IS GREAT WE ALL AGREE ON THAT but does she have to talk about it on every album since R. Nation 1814?
  I gotta go............. I wanna listen to Pleasure Principle.
  
  
• Refuse to buy this
  By A19SHEMINNA6BV on 2008-02-26
  I see Ms Jackson in one of those situations where she doesnt know when to stop. At this point 20+ years in the game. Unless she was/is a power house singer there is no way she could still be in the game with the young people out now. This she needs to come to grips with. She needs to move on and and recreate herself. I really feel like she has a future in acting if she can check her ego and work her way up. Some how i doubt this is going to happen. I really wish she would just stop trying to make her so called "comeback". I hate to say it but this will for sure be yet another flop on her list. 3 in a row? Come on. Its kinda like Michael Jordan when it was time and he was still trying to act like he was in her 20's. Ms Jackson just put the mic down and focus on something else u may have ever wanted in your life. Enough is enough.
  
  
• Will the real Janet Jackson, please stand up!
  By A1DZMZPZMNHLCK on 2008-03-13
  I have to begin by saying that i have every album Ms. Jackson has ever done. I have all her videos on DVD, all her movies, and I've been to her last two concerts, The Velvet Rope and All for You. My opinion is that from a long-time Janet Jackson Fan.
  This album IMO, is in the same category as her last two, totally forgettable. I dont know what happened to her, but everything since All for You, has been the exact same. Her last three albums, including Discipline could have all been recorded by Ciara, or Rihanna, or any other 20yr old pop singer. Her lyrics in all her songs could have been written by anyone in their early teens. Her voice is whispery on every song. Her music used to say something. She used to have messages in songs. Her music was always so unique. Her songs were not like anything you could've heard from anyone else. Now shes trying her best to fit in with the "new young divas" and making music, that appeals to a much younger generation. Its almost as if, shes a completely different artist from the past. All her music from Control to All for You sounded like they came from the same person who's growing and evolving into more and more maturity. Damita Jo, 20 Y.O. and now Discipline sound like something a brand new artist would make. All the songs are about sex. No depth, no meaning, just about hooking up. As a long-time fan, I'm incredibly disappointed by this album. I guess if I didnt grow up on Janet, I might possibly like it, but when you know her previous work, and here the new stuff, its like, "What Happened?!?!?!" Not sure what was going on in her life around the time she recorded Damita Jo, but whatever it was, she hasn't been the same since.
  
  
  
• we are a part of a rhythm nation
  By A3MQ672FYFNM7B on 2008-02-27
  On the inside of the booklet Janet said: "Also, most importantly, I would like 2 thank all of my fans 4 the never ending support U give me... Thank U, this record is 4 U!" Isn't that so sweet of her. And such a rare act to see a successful recording artist behave so humbly. (Madonna could learn a lot of from Janet, like how to treat her fans and her public.)
  
  This is one of Janet's greatest CDs!! There are so many imitators and duplicators and haters, but there's only one woman who is the real thing! That's Janet, of course! My favorite song is "Feedback." It sounds so modern but also has a very edgy R&B sound to it. I also really enjoy the interludes. As you know this is something that Janet is now famous for. It is this touch of class and an attention to detail that popular music these days lacks. And, I love how Janet looks on the cover of the CD. She is so beautiful. I love how she always changes her look. She always has her finger on the latest trend and style before anyone else. If you're a fan of Janet's, don't miss her on Larry King on Thurs.! You know, I heard an ugly rumor about Janet (heaven knows there's been so many about her and her family) that she's in her 40s! That can't be true. She doesn't look a day over 27.
  
  
• Janet, I love you but I just can't put this nicely: GET LOST!!!
  By A28FNKCGFS03VL on 2008-03-06
  For the last decade, Janet Jackson has been on a continuous downhill descent that is nothing less than manically depressing when you look back at who she used to be in the 80s & 90s. However, each of her 3 albums prior to this (even the ultra-pitiful All For You) have all contained at least 1 song that kept them from being completely worthless. Sadly, that small, flickering bit of redeemingness has completely burned out on this capital mistake of an album, which may also be the least aptly-titled album she's ever made. Her always-questionable vocal prowess is at a new and startling low, and some songs (especially the stomach-turning atrocities "The 1", and "So Much Betta"), are so sickeningly robotic that they would be major low points even for talentless hacks like Rihanna or Britney. Janet has always been able to keep each of her albums from completely going under by having at least 1 good slow jam on it, but even there she pretty much craps out this time. The best song (and I say this rather lightly) is probably "Can't Be Good", which, at best, sounds like something she might have recorded 10 years ago and decided against releasing. Perhaps the first sentence that she speaks during that song sums things up best: "I Can't Believe I Let This Happen To Me." I can't believe you did either, Janet. Finally, I wish somebody would kill that stupid robot. Even if the album wasn't as bad as it is, hearing that voice over and over again will almost certainly drive you crazy.
  
  Worst JJ album ever, period.
  
  
• Another Winner From Janet
  By A3PCTD8QM1BIXI on 2008-02-26
  With her first album not to feature hitmakers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Janet gives us a sound that differs frim the sound than that of her last album. Since I have a huge bias for Jam & Lewis I can say their trademark sound is missed but with current heavy weight producers Ne-Yo, Shea Taylor, Stargate, Johnta Austin, Tricky Stewart and The-Dream all contrubting tracks the album has it share of winning tracks. Stargate gives us a club bouncy track entitled 2nite which is harkens back to Junior Vasquez's mix of Someone To Call To Lover while The Dream & his producing partner gives us Greatest X. Greatest X is one of the many ballads I found enjoyable on this CD along with Can't Be Good written by wonder kid Ne-Yo. Can't Good isn't the most sensual Janet song on the CD that titles belongs to the album title track also written by Ne-Yo. However my first ballad on this CD is Never Letchu Go written by Johnta Austin, it's the closet thing we have to a Jam & Lewis song on the CD and it deserves to be a single. I've always been partial to Janet's ballads but there are some other culb bangers on the CD besides Feedback,LUV and Rock With U with the strongest being The 1" featuring Missy Elliott. Save for a few interludes all in all this is a fine album and I hope Janet gives us her first tour since 2001.
  
  
  
• Here's some "Feedback" Janet. Find Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and fast.
  By AGAMDS21PJZPK on 2008-03-05
  My journey with Janet Jackson started when I borrowed my aunt's cassette of Control when I was staying with family one summer in North Carolina. The tape may have only contained 9 songs but it definitely had my attention when I wasn't listening to my rap& hip hop cassettes. Tracks like "When I Think Of You", "Pleasure Principle", "What Have You Done For Me Lately", "Nasty" and the title track were in heavy rotation for awhile. However, the ballads were also top notch. "Let's Wait Awhile" had Ms. Jackson wanting to take things slow and "Funny How Time Flies" had Janet being "bad". As soon as I heard "Miss You Much", picking up Rhythm Nation 1814 was a no brainer. My other favorites included "Escapade", "Alright", "Rhythm Nation" and the two ballads, "Come Back To Me" and "Someday Is Tonight". 4 years later in 1993, Janet released my all time favorite CD from her in janet.. This was the best balance that Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam & Terrly Lewis created with plenty of dance tracks, mistempos and ballads. My favorites included "That's The Way Love Goes", "Where Are You Now?", "Again", "If", and one of the best sex jams of all time "Anytime, Anyplace". Janet caught some people off guard in 1997 with The Velvet Rope. However, the singles "Got Til It's Gone", "I Get Lonely", "Go Deep" and the slow jam remix of "Together Again", which I had the CD Maxisingle of, still kept "The Velvet Rope" in heavy rotation for awhile.
  
  2001 was the year that All for You [Extra Track] was released. The title track gave the CD a nice buzz until it was actually released and once you heard tracks like "When We Ooo", "Love Scene (Ooh Baby)", "Would You Mind", "Truth" and "Doesn't Really Matter" then this CD ended up being right up there with your other favorite Ms. Jackson CDs.
  Damita Jo was released in 2004. My favorite tracks ended up being "Strawberry Bounce", "My Baby" w/Kanye West, "I Want You", "Thinkin' Bout My Ex" and the sexy & sensual tracks "Warmth" and "Moist". 20 Y.O. was released in 2006 and was the 1st time that another producer worked full time on a Janet Jackson CD other than Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Jermaine Dupri co-produced the majority of the tracks and while I enjoyed tracks such as "So Excited", "This Body", "Call On Me" and "Enjoy", it was the slower tracks like "With U", "Take Care" and "Love 2 Love" that ended up being the better tracks. This was the 1st time that I could remember that a Janet Jackson CD was questioned about overall quality.
  
  When I first heard the track "Feedback", I had huge expectations for "Discipline". The energy on this track was phenominal and this just added to the list of A+ uptempo tracks that Janet had in her CD catalog. I was surprised to learn that Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins had produced the track and not Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. "Discipline" was released on February 25, 2008. When I looked at the CD's liner notes, I was shocked to see that Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis had 0 production credits on the entire CD. I still approached listening to the CD with an open mind. Darkchild produces another winner in "Luv". I recently started hearing this track on the radio so hopefully this will be the next single. It's not as uptempo as "Feedback" is but fans of Janet's previous singles will like this track. "Rollercoaster" sounds as if it could have been made before "Control" was released. The track may grow on you awhile but compared to "Feedback" and "Luv", which Darkchild also produced, "Rollercoaster" definitely ranks at #3. "Rock With U" may also grow on you after awhile but I wasn't too impressed with Jermaine Dupri's 1st production credit on "Discipline". Everytime I hear this track, however, it makes me want to try to find the nearest skating rink and pull out my old skates on wheels with the stopper in the middle. "2 Nite" is plain awful. Stargate should stick to their same formula of producing midtepo tracks for Ne-Yo, Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Rihanna, Chris Brown, and Trey Songz because this beat isn't working. Janet attempts to win you over with her vocals, but this uptempo track didn't work for me. Things get alot better on "Can't B Good". Ne-Yo writes an impressive track and Janet's voice takes care of the rest on this midtempo jam. Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal produce a nice slow jam in "Never Letchu Go". Ernie Isley impresses as usual on the guitar and Janet takes care of the rest. "Greatest X" seems a bit forced in my opinion. The song comes off to be a bit cheesy to me. "Tricky" Stewart and The Dream have created various hits lately but this isn't one of them. "So Much Better" and "The One" w/Missy Elliott are as bad as it's going to get with "Discipline". I understand that every Janet CD isn't going to sound the same, but you're still going to expect the same quality regardless. There are too many moments on this CD where that expected quality isn't maintained. "What's Ur Name" is a nice change of pace to the rest of the CD that can seem to "sexy" at times. This track shows alot of versatility compared to theme of the majority of the CD. The title track is the "Would You Mind" of "Discipline". This track continues in the stellar style of sensual and sexual slow jams that Janet has provided for us for over 20 years. Ne-Yo and Shea Taylor definitely deserve props for writing this slow jam. Darkchild and Janet end things on a nice note with "Curtains". Janet uses the midtempo jam to tell her man (JD) the show that she is ready to have tonight and it's not a concert ladies and gentlemen.
  
  Overall, I would say that "Discipline" is a decent CD. However, if I look at Janet's CDs since "Control", this is clearly her worst CD and a clear 3 star rating. A range of about 2.5 stars and 3.5 stars is accurate, in my opinion. I am amazed to see so many 4 and 5 star reviews for this CD. I can only assume that "Janet" must be 8 stars if you are giving this CD a 4 or 5. Anyone is entitled to their own opinion, however. This CD is clearly a hit and miss CD. There are hits on this CD but there are also tracks on here that don't come close to the hits that Janet has created in the past with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Darkchild does a nice job on the majority of the production for the songs that he produced but it doesn't come close to the magic that Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis created with Janet in the past. JD is known for making hits but Darkchild actually does a better job of producing tracks on "Discipline" than JD does. Ms. Jackson should have Jimmy Jam's and Terry Lewis' number on speed dial after this release.
  
  James' Top 5
  
  1) Feedback
  2) Discipline
  3) Never Letchu Go
  4) Luv
  5) Can't B Good
  
  Honorable Mention:
  
  Curtains
  What's Ur Name
  
  
  
• Not Impressed.
  By ATUPZN6SZRZG2 on 2008-03-07
  I must admit after listening to her track "Feedback" I was so impressed. That was a real dance track that can have anyone dancing on the dance floor but then when they released the full album to listen to before you buy it my hope went way down. I really thought that she would stick to the feedback sound with the whole album when in reality only two more tracks have that awesome beat and the whole album is full of "Intros" I don't understand why she has such an obsession with intros. Just get to the track and let's hear it. I was glad I did not purchase this CD it would have been a waste. It says twenty two tracks they really should condense it leaving the real tracks and not the intros. Along with the boring intros came the songs which were nothing like feedback. This album is going the same route as "Damita Jo" which only one song was hot and once again full of intros and a bunch of ballads. It was hot at first but will fail again. If your looking for harcore dance beats this just doesn't cut it.
  
  
• 3½ stars - Uneven, but decent album.
  By A1S2IY37JU93XS on 2008-02-26
  Depending on who you are and your personal tastes, Janet Jackson may have lost you somewhere along the path of the last decade or so. (Personally, I have generally enjoyed all her albums, even Damita Jo and 20 Y.O. While her last few have not been without flaws--and I would choose Control over them any day of the week--each still had at least a handful of tracks that I genuinely loved.)
  
  Beginning with her controversial 1997 album, The Velvet Rope, some of the fans she had gained over the previous fifteen years of her musical career began to drop off. It still sold well, going on to move about three million units domestically; however, this was quite a dramatic drop from the preceding album (her fifth), janet., which went six times platinum and broke multiple records. About four years later came the first of multiple promises of a so-called comeback album from this diva. The first single, which was the title track from All For You, allured back many who had lost hope and it ended up hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Unfortunately, many apparently felt unfulfilled with the final product, which was her first album to bear a parental advisory sticker, and the results were an even further drop, with only a 2x platinum certification from the RIAA. After "the incident" in early 2004, Virgin Records dropped the raunchy Damita Jo like a hot potato and hoped for the best. Amazingly, a platinum plaque was awarded, despite all the drama surrounding the singer. 2006's 20 Y.O. managed to do the same, but with all the hoopla and hype surrounding the project, the sales were anything but impressive. Many of her greatest fans have been waiting as long as ten years for a return-to-form from Ms. Jackson, but every promise of a "comeback" is just another disappointing blow. Does Discipline, Janet's tenth studio album, finally bring the goods that could bring her back to the glory days? In my humble opinion: not quite.
  
  The first single, "Feedback," got people pretty excited for this album and I must say, the track is quite infectious. The production and hook are on point, even if the stuttering verses are a little weak to me. Still, it's not the best track on this album. Truly, I do enjoy quite a few tracks here, "Rollercoaster" being at the top of my list. Backed by jungle-like drums, yelps from producer Rodney Jerkins, and a vintage beat, it'll definitely make you dance. Janet's vocals are surprisingly energetic here, meandering and weaving through the production for a very cool effect. It should definitely be released as a single. "Luv" caught me on first listen when it leaked onto the internet earlier this month via her official website. Even if the weak similes and metaphors in the lyrics have been used countless times before, the bouncy, summery, synth uptempo ditty laced with some tight harmonies makes up for it. I also caught myself bobbing my head to the very club-friendly "2nite," even if it does sound suspiciously similar to Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music," especially during the toned-down second verse. Janet delivers flirty come-ons over a driving, funky bass. The catchy, rhythmic chorus and the bridge are great. "The 1" is a new sound for Janet and Jermaine Dupri, too. The production has a little go-go type of style, with prominent percussion work. Janet's vocals are syncopated and charged. As much as I love Missy Elliott, I really don't think her appearance adds anything. The album closes perfectly with my second favorite track, also produced by Rodney Jerkins, called "Curtains."
  
  After a group of uptempo tracks for the club, there is a patch of ballads/midtempos about the complications of love ("Can't B Good," "Never Letchu Go, "Greatest X"). While each is good respectively, when they are clumped together, they sound too similar, putting a damper on the album. The melodies are excellent and quite radio-friendly, the lyrics are relatable, but the production on all of them sound too similar to the good--but lazy, cookie-cutter--type of tracks that Jermaine Dupri started handing out to basically any R&B chick who gave him a call in the early 2000's. (For example, Monica's "U Should've Known Better," Tamia's "Still," Faith Evans' "Tru Love." All good tracks, but the production is formulaic). I think Janet would've been much better off if she just chose one of these ballads, or if she wanted to keep them all, she could've distributed them evenly throughout the album. The laidback, top-down groove of "What's Ur Name" is alright; I can take it or leave it. Again, Ms. Janet cannot give up on the interludes in between songs. Some of them actually tell a story this time around; still, I find them unnecessary and wish she would just leave interludes alone. The majority of them still break the mood of the album instead of serving as trasition pieces.
  
  There are three tracks on Discipline that I absolutely loathe and unfortunately, I believe they are some of the worst songs Janet has recorded to date. My absolute least favorite of the bunch, "Rock With U," ironically has been chosen as the second single. The track just wanders around aimlessly for four minutes, it's repetitive, it's grating, and altogether sleep-inducing to me. Her whispery vocals are laid over a trashy and unoriginal techno/trance track. The baby-voice and rewound refrain of "So Much Betta" just annoys me. It's rather uninteresting and even the artist herself doesn't sound all too engaged. The S&M title track, "Discipline," is just plain disgusting for me and I cannot stomach listening to it more than once. It's a self-indulgent musical escapade that I do not wish to hear again. The production is quite impressive, though.
  
  My final complaint regarding this album (excluding the trashy album cover and promo photos) is that, this time around, Janet strangely decided to not include herself in the songwriting process. Instead, she had others write and produce for her. As a result, even on some of the greatest moments of this album, she loses her personality and sounds somewhat disconnected... even uninterested in what's going on. Her soft voice often gets buried under the heavy beats. Last time I checked, I was buying a Janet Jackson album to hear what Janet Jackson had to say and sing, not to hear what the flavor-of-the-month songcrafters gave her, and what they would've given to any other singer if she had not obliged.
  
  The bottom line: I have mixed feelings about this album. I really wanted to love this album, but in some ways, I like it even less than albums like 20 Y.O., which I actually thought were pretty good. There are some great tracks on here with a lot of potential, and there are even a few that fulfill her promise to bring us "classic Janet with a modern twist," such as "Never Letchu Go," "2nite," and "Can't B Good." Discipline is an uneven and flawed album that doesn't necessarily break the cycle we've grown accustomed to; still, it is a decent effort. But you may have to wait yet another album for that "comeback." Or another, or... okay, you should give up.
  
  Key tracks: Rollercoaster, Curtains, 2nite, Never Letchu Go, Luv.
  
  
• Janet's "Discipline" A Tame & Safe Effort
  By A3PMEJAYKF3VUC on 2008-02-26
  On first listen, "Discipline" is a bit of a let down. Sure, the lead single "Feedback" is up-beat and rather pop orientated, but the lyrics seem all over the place, and at times, so does the entire album. Janet doesn't seem to take as many chances musically with this release as she has with previous ones. Is this 'classic' Janet, though? I'd say it is, simply because the sound echoes musical directions she's taken on older albums. There are many points when the album takes on an 80s or early 90s vibe. This, for me, made it a bit better because it doesn't suffer the problems that came with "20 Y.O.", her ode to her years in the business, a let down in that it sounded nothing like the songs and material that got her to where she is today.
  
  One thing that really distracts one from "Discipline" are all of these unnecessary interludes (do we really need an interlude titled 'Bathroom Break'?). If you remove them (via a music player or iTunes) and listen to the whole album, then yes, it does sound a lot better. With these criticisms, there are some good things that are praise worthy coming from this disc. The first half of the disc is really strong and upbeat (a usual for Janet it seems). Some of her best songs from this album are the bouncy "Luv", an upbeat love ballad of sorts with Janet proclaiming that her man has crashed into her heart and how she's tangled with him. "Rollercoaster" has some good vocals in my opinion with Janet playing with harmony and the actual music taking a backseat to her voice and the vibe of the song really feeling addictive. "2Nite" closes out this set of upbeat songs with Janet's vocals making this entire track sound like a B-side from one of her 90s album.
  
  This is, for me, when the album becomes a let down because we enter into a slow lull with songs that sound the same and aren't as exciting. "Never Letchu Go" and "Greatest X" are the best songs from this section, featuring, get this, Janet actually SINGING instead of doing her usual cooing, whispering, baby talk. "So Much Betta" is a sassy track with a computerized voice proclaiming that she's so much betta than the other girls and is highly addictive, definitely single material. The other songs, including "Can't B Good", the overly sexualized and corny "The 1" featuring Missy, the messy title track "Discipline", and the forgettable songs of "Curtains" and "What's Ur Name" really sound distracting and as if they were after thoughts to the great selection featured on the first half of the album. It left me feeling as if she didn't think out a real direction and just tried to string some random songs together and for me, it didn't work.
  
  In all, "Discipline" is average. I can't help but to compare this to her other releases and think of this as being a very tame, safe, almost quiet cd. It loses steam in the second half and the profusion of interludes is distracting and takes your attention away from the actual songs. They do, in some way, give an indication of the twists and turns of the music, but in the end, they feel as if they're simply filler to make it look like the consumer is purchasing a 22 track cd when really there are just 15 or so. I wish more thought had been put into the direction or theme of the album because without listening to some special commentary or interview, it almost feels as if there are two or three ideas competing for attention on this cd, making it seem like an average, amateurish attempt rather than the strong effort we're all aware Janet Jackson can accomplish. One thing I am pleased with is her decision to limit the overly sexual content to just one or two songs, mainly being 'The 1'. It helped this cd, and the artist, feel like a real professional rather than someone trying to compete for attention. In all, "Discipline" is okay but nothing out of the norm.
  
  
• Awful
  By A1EFDWMIX196NF on 2008-05-17
  I have never been more diapointed towards an album before. I love Janet but this is one of the worst records I have ever heard in my life. I don`t belive anyone will ever remeber this album. I haven`t given up hopeing that Janets future albums will deliver but I`m sad to say that this one didn`t.
  
  
• Time to rework this tired, tired formula....
  By A3D2DJEHR4U7HC on 2008-08-20
  After I saw in the paper today that Janet was launching a lingerie line, I was just irritated enough to come here to write a review of "Discipline". Too late--Terry Mesnard has just about taken every word out of my mouth. I would add to what he wrote that Janet was at her best when she was addressing social issues and laying down fierce, hard tracks.
  
  With "Janet" she shed her clothes and inhibitions--bravo for you Ms. Jackson--I always thought you might be harboring the need to get just a little nasty! Then "The Velvet Rope" took that a step further and I was wowed by the funk party she threw. Since then I've felt that she has gone the way of Mariah Carey in the "make the world my gynecologist" department. Pretty much every song has to have that "I Feel Love" vibe to it. Ok Janet, we get it, you're sexually liberated--MOVE ON!
  
  Say what you will about Madonna--and don't forget, Janet did have her say about Madonna's sexually explicit material--but Madonna did at least have a point to make with all of her sexually in-your-face moments. Janet and Mariah are just sexual in the "Look at me, I'm a butterfly, moth, whatever--dancing in the flames of love, making shadows on the wall...la, la, la!" Ok--we get your point--NEXT!
  
  There might be a reason Janet's been on such a slippery slope with her career for the last several years--it all sounds and looks like rehash--hardly anything she does doesn't sound familiar like you might have heard it on one of her other albums. Even in her videos she has the look of someone who is only concerned with all that is superficial--even the way she looks smacks of overproduction. And, if I hear her tell me another nickname she had as a kid or call out the names of her friends in another song...don't even get me started on those "I'm sick of them by the second listen" interludes! Doesn't she have anything to say about "the state of the world today" anymore...or are her sexuality and physical perfection the only things that are on her mind? And then there are all of those lip-synced performances, which really irritate me when you've paid the purchase price to see a show--be it live or on dvd. Having a little help is one thing, but when your mouth doesn't even move with the sound--please!
  
  I haven't given up on her, but she better find a new groove if she ever wants to be as relevant as she once was. I know the girl still has a care for something in the world besides sex, and that there's probably still a slammin' album in her somewhere, but this mess ain't a workin'!!!
  
  
• Janet Back with Another Georgeous Album!!!!
  By A1WR5DVEZG41V9 on 2008-02-26
  No need any comments. Discipline is an inredible album from a incredible international pop icon. Feedback,Luv,Rollercoaster,The 1,Greatest Ex,2nite, So much betta,Never letchu go and incredible Rock With U.. U must listen this album..
  
  
• A major disappointment....
  By AIU5Y6JPVP38M on 2008-02-26
  I will admit that I am still a big fan of Janet so when the release date came closer and closer my hopes did get raised. "Feedback" was amazing, the kind of Janet that I love so I had a lot of faith in this album........until I actually listened to it. Not counting "Feedback" there was really only two more tracks that were even remotely close to decent. "Luv" & "Rock With U". The rest are actually very pitiful when you look back at her previous albums. Damita Jo got terrible reviews but compared to this it's worthy of a Grammy. I wouldn't recommend wasting your money on the whole CD, but instead purchase "Luv", "Feedback" & "Rock With U" from ITunes.
  
  
• DONT CALL IT A COMEBACK!
  By A33T1665EWIMRT on 2008-02-27
  Janet's Discipline re-introduces the world to "Janet" in rare form!! From top the bottom "Discipline" moves and shakes you by giving you a multiple dose of club bangers, power ballad type love songs, heart pumping / hip shakin'- melodic classic tracks, and of course seals the deal with AMAZING sensual seductive songs that are works of art that only Janet can pull off and is WORLD famous for! Hardcore fans are going to EAT THIS UP, and MS JACKSON WILL DEFINITLEY HAVE NEW FANS IN LINE FOR A SECOND HELPING!! This is a classic body of work that you should not miss!!! A+
  
  
• A compilation of moments
  By A2B2MTBSG4S1BK on 2008-02-27
  As a longtime Janet fan, I want her to succeed and she is the only artist on a major label whose music I still actually purchase. The best thing about this CD is that it has its moments: "Feedback" (with its bazillion authorized and unauthorized remixes) is the party/workout/dance class anthem, "Rollercoaster" is just plain funky, "Can't B Good" is classic Jackson (if you like "I Can't Help It"), put on your favorite designer outfit and werk to "Rock With U". "What's Ur Name" and "So Much Betta" are finger-snapping mini-bites of music and I actually still find her interludes tolerable. If only horrendous urban radio would come along...
  
  For those who believe Janet should have more mature lyrics, that sentiment is ridiculous. No one says that about R.Kelly or any male artists, frankly. I want my pop music to simply carry me away and this record does that quite well.
  
  Get the damn record, stop intellectualizing and enjoy the ride!
  
  
• Janet, I'm awaiting Rhythm Nation, Part TWO!
  By A31U2QT7SAL7K on 2008-02-27
  Let's be honest, though "The Velvet Rope" produced a bevy of hit singles, Miss Jackson's last consistently good album was 1989's "Rhythm Nation 1814." That album was a blend of social commentary, romantic relationships, and just plain fun.
  
  Beginning with 1993's "Janet" the singer began releasing albums that showed a little more of her "freakier" side: a side noticebly obsessed with sex. The latest album does not veer too far from that theme. With lyrics such as "strum me like a guitar," "blow out my amplifier," and "something heavy like a first day period" ("Feedback"), "make me feel what I wanna feel 2nite" ("2Nite"), and "How long is it boo" ("The 1"), the singer leaves little to the imagination about her interests.
  
  The album should come with a PARENTAL ADVISORY if the buyer plans to get it for his kids.
  
  It's obvious that Jackson thinks that in order to compete with much younger talents like Beyonce and Rhianna, she has to portray herself as a equal to them in the sexual appeal department. There is no doubt that Jackson possess one of the best bods and has one of the sweetest smiles in the business. However, she is 40 years old and she needs to move away from the "sex kitten/ingenue" realm.
  
  Also, she needs to stick with the uptempo numbers, of which "Discipline," thankfully, has several. It's on ballads wherein Jackson's tinny voice is at its weakest.
  
  It's a no-brainer that the singer has the "Discipline" to release recordings in a timely manner; it's just that she needs the same to produce another classic, like the aforementioned "Rhythm Nation."
  
  Perhaps, she can keep main man Dupri as one of her producers but can bring in Jam and Lewis to add a little more flava!
  
  Also, get rid of those annoying "interludes."
  
  Recommended cuts:
  "Feedback"
  "Luv"
  "Rollercoaster"
  "2Nite" - sounds like a leftover from Madonna's last album, but pretty good
  "Rock with U"
  "Can't B Good" - reminiscent of brother Michael's "Human Nature"
  "The 1"
  "What's Ur Name"
  the title cut...the sexiest cut on the album
  
  
• I Need Some DISCIPLINE Tonight. I've Been Very Bad!!!
  By A3DIMK33JFV9ER on 2008-02-28
  If you are a big fan of Janet, you know she will never dissappoint you. If you are an occassional listener, you're going to love it or hate it.
  Discipline is a very nice CD. It has lots dance tracks that you can just groove to anywhere, and it has her standard baby-making song (which is unbelievable HOT), but if you really listen to it you can hear another side that explains what's s going in her life - i.e. I'm dying to find out who was her Greatest X. The CD akes you want more of Janet and this is just a taste.
  
  All I can say about the title song "Discipline" is WOW!!!!! Everytime I listen to it I break out in a sweat. It's intense and worth listening to over and over, and over again.
  
  
  
• Janet Wants to be Disciplined!
  By A1B1OEZR3NS9OV on 2008-03-01
  This album is amazing! I have no clue why it isn't getting as much respect! I know alot of people were expecting, a funky dance album from Janet after hearing Feedback, but that definately wasn't the case. Instead we got a little dance, and mostly ballads, which I can definately appreciate!
  
  *Indicates Album Skit/Interlude
  
  1. I.D. (Interlude)*
  
  2. Feedback- The first single off of the album! And everyone knows it. I think feedback is a very good song. It has every aspect of it to be a dance track. The beat is amazing and the vocals are very poppish, which allows for a very well made dance track. The meaning of the song is a little iffy in my book, but it is totally janet. The best part of the song to me are the Drums at the beginning. This is phenominal Janet work at its best! 9/10
  
  3. LUV-Luv is expected to be the third released single off of the album, and I cannot be anymore excited! This song is extremely catchy, and would be a huge summer smash! The lyrics could be a bit corny to somee people, but I think that they are pretty clever. I love how the entire song is in the context of a car accident. It's pretty awesome to me. One of the best songs on the album! 10/10
  
  4. Spinnin (Interlude)*
  
  5. Rollercoaster- This song is an extremely different sound for Janet! It doesn't seem like she would make a song like this at first, but after a few listens you can tell that she made it her own. The beat is excellent, and the overall melody of the song is just so catchy! It's not quite a dance track, but it is something to nod your head to on the way to work. It can give you qite a bit of energy too. I love this track, and it is up there with one of the best on the album. 10/10
  
  6. Bathroom Break (Interlude)*
  
  7. Rock With U-This is to be the second single, which I am kind of upset about. Rock With U is not a bad song by any means, it just isn't commercial enough to catch peoples attention. The background "ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh" that Janet does is the only catchy part of the song, the verses and the lyrics are pretty much forgetable to the average listener. I don't think it is a bad song, but it isn't the best, and definately not single material. 7.5/10
  
  8. 2nite- 2nite is extremely catchy! It is very disco modernized 80's Janet! I like it alot. Alot of people say it's the best song on the album, I wouldn't go that far, but it is an extremely excellent song! Very fun, and very dancable. It is one of the best, but not the best. 9.5/10
  
  9. Can't B Good-This is the first of the ballads on the album. It is very catchy, and very classic Janet. I love the song alot, it reminds me of the break of dawn on Michael Jackson's 2001 Album Invincible. It is very catchy, and very comforting. 10/10
  
  10. 4 Words (Interlude)*
  
  11. Never Letchu Go-Another ballad on the album. This song is also very melodic and relaxing! I like it alot. It has very good lyrics and avery soothing beat. This really nothing special about the song though, that stands out. It is a very good song, but it may soon be a forgetable one within the album. 8/10
  
  12. Truth Or Dare (Interlude)*
  
  13. Greatest X-The third and probably best ballad on the song. Never Letchu go and The greates X have alot of similarities in sound, and I have no clue why they put them back to back on the album. Nevertheless, the song is amazing! Janet already had another great song on Damita Jo called "Thinkin bout my Ex" So obviously she loves her Ex..lol! But regardless of all of that, possibly the second best song on the album. It would make a great ballad single. 10/10
  
  14. Good Morning Janet (Interlude)*
  
  15. So Much Betta-This song is so unique! It samples Daft Punk's song Daftendirekt. The song is amazing and my favorite song on the album. My only complaint about the song is that it's really short. Another verse would have done this song some justice. Overall, a very good track, and my favorite one at that! 10/10
  
  16. Play Selection (Interlude)*
  
  17. The 1 feat. Missy Elliott-I think this is an okay song, but it is way too mainstream. Even though it is a great tune, it really isn't janet. It sounds like Amerie or Beyonce would sing it. I am definately not bashing Amerie nor beyonce, because I love both of them and I have all of there albums. But Janet has been so much more unique than this in the past, and this just doesn't cut it. It is an okay song, it isn't bad by any means, but just not my favorite. 7/10
  
  
  18. What's Ur Name-Love this song. I don't think I could classify this song as a ballad, but probably mid-tempo. It's another one of the shorter songs on the album, which is a bummer. I like the song alot. It's really catchy, and a more "Modernized" Janet tune. Very good! 9/10
  
  19. The Meaning (Interlude)*
  
  20. Discipline-Another slow ballad and the titile track, and I love it!!!! It is so sensual without being too sexual! I like it alot! It is longest song on the album at a whopping 5 minutes exactly. But the entire song is worth it, and not boring at all! I love it. Definately baby making music. 10/10
  
  21. Back (Interlude)*
  
  22. Curtains-The is my least favorite song on the album. It is another ballad. And it just hasn't clicked with yet I guess. I am going to try to listen to it some more and see if my thoughts on it would change. Some parts of it is catchy, like the chorus, but the rest of it is pretty forgetable. I think it may grown on me, but right now it is my least favorite on the album. 6/10
  
  121/130=93% which is an A rating. I really like Discipline more than Damita Jo and it is up there with 20 Y.O. Alot of people think that her last three albums have been bad, but I would have to disagree. Alot of people thought she made a huge change with All 4 U, but I felt that aside from the singles, that, that was one of her weakest albums to date. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion. All I ask is please go out and buy albums, and do not download! We need to show more support to our artist. Because if we can't support them and make their carrers thrive, then we don't get any good music back in return.
  
  
• Great album to listen to all in one sitting
  By A2BEU7GPGNIG44 on 2008-03-06
  Janet Jackson's latest album "Discipline" is a return to her dance synth rhythm-esque roots. The first single from the album "Feedback" is a futuristic sounding dance track. "Discipline" is a CD that you can listen to from start to finish without having to skip songs. The CD has great continuity. The song "Luv," is a relaxed bouncy song. "Rollercoaster" is a mellow song with a laid back track. It's a very catchy song with a good track. "Rock With U," is another catchy song with a futuristic ring to it. "Can't B Good" is a smooth love song with a very mellow vibe. "Never Let You Go," is another real chill laid back song that opens with a soft guitar solo. There are a lot of really nice slow ballads featured on "Discipline." "Greatest X" is one of those songs. the song "The 1" featuring Missy Elliott is a great party track.
  
  "Discipline" takes Janet's back to her roots of her early albums such as "Rhythm Nation" and "Janet." Janet Jackson fans new and old will be pleased with this album.
  
  
  
• Something heavy like a first day period.
  By A3AL8GQ69QE7WN on 2008-03-15
  She said it, not me. I've read the excellent review by Terry Mesnard here, and he hit every point I was going to hit, so I'll be brief. I, too, have been listening to Janet (Ms. Jackson if you're nasty) since "Control", which I consider to be one of her finest efforts. I would also add "Rhythm Nation" and "The Velvet Rope" as her other two fine efforts. Yet, ever since "Rhythm Nation" I have felt, with each release, Janet has become weaker and weaker as an artist.
  
  The problems are clear. No one would say that Janet is a fantastic singer. She's a package deal (performance, looks, hooks, attitude). She's Michael's younger sister, and it's not lost on me that in 1993, after Michael's growing unpopularity for child molestation charges, that she dropped her surname for good. That's also when her music began to drop in quality as well. 1993's "Janet" was uneven and 1997's "The Velvet Rope" equally as uneven. Then, in 2001, she changed her sound for the second time, and every album since "All For You" has been about the same in sound.
  
  I thought dropping Jimmy and Terry would offer a new sound. I thought dropping her old record label and moving over to Island would contribute to a new sound, but this is not the case. In fact, someone like Janet is only as good as her material. She has other people writing her songs for her, and this isn't good. On "Discipline" her songs are primarily written by four men who clearly have their minds in their pants. Excuse me, but isn't Janet 41 years old? I don't know any 41 year olds that would talk about, let alone sing about, their sexual practices. Janet should be maturing and singing about more important matters than, "seven inches".
  
  So what about the arrangements/melodies? Well, I figure there are seven good songs and six weak songs. The best of the best are "Feedback", "Rock With U", "2Nite", "Never Letchu Go", "Greatest X", "So Much Betta" and "The 1". Funny that Janet utilizes the brilliant Missy Elliott when she's in direct competition with her. Also, Janet's music, in general, seems to be aping Missy's style rather than coming up with something original and having Missy rap over it.
  
  The obvious weak tracks are "Luv" (generic), "Rollercoaster" (repetitive), "Can't B Good" (boring), "What's Ur Name" (asinine), "Discipline" (how old are you Janet?) and "Curtains" (snoozefest). What's with the dumbing down of the song titles? Janet's gotten older and she can't spell anymore? If she's trying to be hip and cool, the one thing we know about someone getting old and trying to be hip and cool is that it looks pitiful and painful. It's okay to NOT pander to the teens, Janet. Life isn't all disco balls, sex and ecstasy--you can talk about more adult subjects.
  
  Here's what I say to Janet--why not write your own songs and produce the album yourself? That would be different. In addition, why not go your own way and not sound like all banal hip hop that's already jamming our ears with garbage? I believe in the talent Janet has, but it seems that too many people are telling her what to do. She should just stick to what she knows best.
  
  
• rhythm nation 2008 - No Thank You
  By A31ARB5BDSGVKN on 2008-03-23
  Even the opening bars of Feedback (which has great dance mixes, but misses the mark as a single) take us back to 1990. She should have followed Madonna's lead (it was reported for 6 months before it happened) and teamed up with JT and Mr. Timber himself. Abs back, 80s and 90s back......what a disappointment. 188,000 first week sales and then falling swiftly off the Top 40.....and I bet she'll do some robotic moves on her tour. What a disappointment!! Janet, what have you done for us lately?? This decade in particular!
  
  
• Discipline Is Amazin' From Dance To Some Love Makin'
  By A1FOPBSC1V16OG on 2008-03-30
  Janet Is BACK!....With Songs That U Can Dance 2 And Songs You Can Relax And Some Baby Love Makin' Song Like "Discipline", Title Track, Is Truly Sexy And Very Hot Song! And The Song That Really Stands Out With A Truly Crowd Pleaser Is "So Much Betta" & "Feedback" & "Rollercoaster", These Songs Are Hot And With A Unbelievable Beats, It Is Truly A Classic Janet Jackson CD With A Twist, Just Like She Said Recently On TRL Live, The CD Lives Up To It's Word Said By Janet....I Cannot Forget To Mention Other Great tracks Such As "What Ur Name" & "The 1" Featuring Missy Elliott, This Songs Kinda Feels Like Crazy In Love By Beyonce With More Uplifted Rap By Missy, Jermaine Dupri Has Really Done A Great Job On Discipline, This Time Around, 20 Y.O. Was Okay But Not The Janet I Know, Jermaine Lacked On 20 Y.O. But On Discipline He Really Gave Janet A Strong Edge And Classic Janet As We Have Grown To Love Her For, Truly Recommend U To Buy Discipline, And If You Love Club Bangers Listen To "Rock With U" & "2Nite" And Makes U Wanna Move, "Luv" Is A Good Feel Good Song.
  
  
• No Evolution
  By A2ZBH1YL1XC77O on 2008-04-23
  Being a true die hard fan of Janet's, after purchasing this album I was left very depleted. This was a shock after all the hype that J. Dupri threw around about it being her BIG comeback, and the album being a front contender for Mariah's album.
  
  With Discipline, many of the songs sounded like they belonged on the Damita Jo and 2.0. Year Old albums. There was no evolution of sounds. Even the themes that she tried to cover with this album were themes that she had previously covered with the aforementioned albums.
  
  In my opinion, I think Janet should do away with J. Dupri and his producing, because they do not share the same chemistry as he and Mariah share. Her voice would be better suited with the same producers that Brandy, Ciara, Mya, etc. utilize.
  
  For those looking for Janet to actually sing on this album, you will be disappointed. On most of the album she coes and seductively whispers over the tracks. There is no real singing done, which leaves one to wonder if she can actually sing. There is little to no emotion on the tracks and most appear as if she was lying in bed, on her back, with a microphone above her head singing aloud to herself.
  
  I know for many of the songwriters involved on this project, this album had to be a disappointment. Many of the songs have the potential of being hits with the right producing and the right VOICE. I'm not sure if Janet will recover from her lackluster record sales and bless us with another album. If she does, hopefully we'll get a chance to hear a more mature and evolved Janet. A Janet that introduces us to her feminine/sexy side, while remaining classy and one that isn't afraid to show emotion as she exuberated on Velvet Rope.
  
  
• Heard It All Before :-(
  By A1WPCLH2ZACWPH on 2008-05-04
  I've been a Janet Jackson fan forever and must say that I was very disappointed with this release. I will continue to support her but this album as a whole was a major let down. Before its actual street date, 'Feedback' 'Rock With U' and 'LUV' gave promise that this album would be her return from the awful "20 Y.O." and the underrated "Damita Jo" eras, but it failed for the following reasons:
  
  1. The Writing: Janet Jackson penned NOTHING on this album. The "Control" album solidified her work ethic and career for having hands-on in everything that she did musically, including masterminding tracks along with long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, but like Jam & Lewis, that key element is missing from the album. The lyrics are laughable at times for an over 40-year-old woman.
  
  2. Production: While she cooed how there were many producers willing to work with her and give her 'classic Janet' tracks, nothing is very classic to me on this album. Clearly these young guys she hooked up with in the studio didn't really follow her career much to know what her music signifies (with the exception of Ne-yo and Rodney Jerkins). It was a very paultry effort to keep her music 'current' especially with the slow songs ('Can't Be Good' one of the few exceptions).
  
  3. Direction: The album is far from cohesive. The whole futuristic vibe and the Kyoko talking robot which is very TLC's "Fanmail" with Vicki-i is redundant and boring and unnecessary. Clearly she just recorded some songs and what she liked went on the album and what she didn't got tossed. What happened to the days when she put together actual projects and concept albums?
  
  The album is titled "Discipline" but I don't know what that signifies in terms of her career at this point or the love of music. Discipline to me is about sticking to what works. While I was hesitant when she brought an outsider producer into the fold for the "All For You" album (Rockweilder), his addition actually worked in Janet's favor. With "Damita Jo" I remained skeptical only because she geared towards a more R&B/Urban direction, which is hard to believe because Janet has never been an R&B act--strictly Pop with sprinkles of R&B here and there on the album (slow songs in particular). I would really like her to take back control of her career and let go of another relationship that has seeped over into her professional life and caused much damage: Jermaine Dupri. Jermaine's influence and hand in the last two projects has not been good for her musically. He doesn't offer the Midas touch he's been so lucky to bless Mariah with, and I really wish he would stay on the side line and just be her companion rather than producer as they agreed with the "Damita Jo" project.
  
  Below is a list of the only tracks that really matter besides the current 4 singles:
  
  -2Nite
  -The 1
  -What's Ur Name
  -Curtains
  
  and if you have the Japanese Version or iTunes Deluxe Edition
  
  -Let Me Know, which should've replaced any of the other songs not mentioned in my list of picks
  
  Everything else, including the interludes, are nothing but fillers.
  
  

• E=MC2
• Hard Candy
• Spirit
• New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War
• Growing Pains