Austino's Vault: Velvet Rope

Artist:  Janet Jackson
Album:  Velvet Rope
Year:  1997
Record Label:  Virgin Records

What a special album!  It's an all-time classic, and arguably Miss Damita Jo's best.  The cd covers just about every aspect of life from love to sexuality to death to simply being yourself.  The hit producers of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis accounted for much of the production on this album.  Officially, Janet released four songs off this album:  Got 'Til It's Gone (feat. Q-Tip and Joni Mitchell), Go Deep (Oh, the real parties!), Together Again, and I Get Lonely. That last song I Get Lonely is so personal to me, eye can't stand still just listening to it, feel like doing my shimmy of '98 dance!...hopefully you clicked on the song to get the link to the video. Just to see real dance moves with sexy female swag, just what life used to be u know!! Plus, how can you not noticed the fashion with the girl tux look with open coats, ties and with the late 90s red hair color...somebody should be taking notes.

But Janet hits on every level, and she had jams that she didn't release as well.  Free Xone describes how we all should be who we are.  "One rule...no rules!"..  I really dig this one because there is a lot of plasticity going around (it must be on sale at Wal-Mart or something...) and just be who you are...free.  I rather be with a real original than a fake duplicate anytime...What About describes the wrath of a young lady who questions her man's escapades (that's a Janet history joke if you a music person) to a jamming beat.  Anything is for the romantic who like to be with the special freak in their life. "Good things don't come easy", is what she croons... It sounds great to play at night time, but it ain't nothing like playing it during the day...plus night time is for amateurs, vets show love during the day as well...that's a side tip for us guys. The song Special is unique as well and gives anyone confidence about who they are.  The album ends with a treat of a bonus track at the end, too.  What more can you ask for...pure classic.

Just a brief trip back to 1997 to when Janet was on top still doing her "thizzle"...truly hope you enjoyed the choice.
Austino.

Austino's Vault is a special blog post to reflect on albums which have made an impact on our life and experiences.  The goal of Austino's Vault is to show music in which if you own, bring it out for a day to listen....If you don't own, go and get it, you won't regret it!