Just as the furor over her notorious exposure at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show died down in the spring of 2004, the iconic Janet Jackson unleashed DAMITA JO. While the soul-baring, bedroom-eyed record is unlikely to win over anyone scandalized by her Super Bowl antics, Jackson's fans--and fans of sensual, soulful pop in general--should enjoy the sultry outing, which continues the theme of sexual discovery that she began on 1993's JANET.
With over two decades of dominating the charts and a lifetime as musical royalty, Jackson knows her way around a tune, and DAMITA JO is swimming in pop hooks. There are a number of down-and-dirty tracks such as "Strawberry Bounce," "Warmth," and "Moist," which slink joyfully and lustily through the night. However, Jackson truly scores when she combines the distinctly carnal with more innocent pop notions, as she does with sublime beauty on the Dramatics-esque "I Want You" and with verve on the irresistible dance-rock of "Just a Little While."
The Japanese edition includes two additional tracks.
CD contains 2 bonus tracks.
Additional Tracks
Personnel includes: Janet Jackson (vocals); Kanye West (rap vocals); IZ (electric guitar, Moog synthesizer, drums, percussion, vinyl scratches); Kevin Hunter, Glenn Jeffery (guitar); Goran Kajfes (horns); Bobby Ross Avila (Fender Rhodes piano, Moog synthesizer, bass, drums); Jimmy Jam, Dallas Austin (keyboards, programming); Ervin Pope (keyboards); Colin Wolfe, Keenan Holloway (bass); BAG (programming); Tony Tolbert, Tony Reyes (background vocals); Babyface.
Producers include: Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson, Bobby Ross Avila, IZ.
Janet Is Sassy and BACK! Damita Jo is a journey into love in which Janet vocals are pure genius. Every song has an infectious groove and vibe and I LOVE IT!!! It is most definetly a must have album! Submitted by dieselvein (Florida-USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Stop trying to sing! Honey, whoever said that you cannot sing was right, you can't. You just depend on your good microphones to back you up. Take some lessons from your big brother who is a gazillion times better singer than you ever have been, remember baby that the only reason that you are in the industry is because of your brothers and not because you have any singing talent, you truly don't. Submitted by musicssinger (Babylon, NY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 4 of 6 found this helpful. This review is for a different format.
If you're looking for love, here it is The first interlude, "Looking for Love", set's the stage for the album. An introspective piece set against a placid dreamy backdrop: “We're vulnerable / We're sensitive / …. / So many different characters live within us / All looking for love.”
The title track, "Damita Jo", is a funky urban number which wastes no time letting you know Janet is back. Immediately making you yearn to get up and start driving to the nearest dance club, it's about the paradox of being in the limelight and people thinking they know you.
When you hear "Sexhibition," you know you've arrived at the club and it's time to hit the dance floor--this is the perfect song to take you there. Instead of taking us on an Escapade (circa Rhythm Nation), Janet takes us on a sexcapade. This track works off of wonderful plays on words: sexploration, sexplosion, sexplanation, and, of course sexhibition. At two and a half minutes, the track is cut abruptly by Janet's statement, "Relax, it's just sex."
"Strawberry Bounce" chimes in next to keep you on the dance floor. Janet gives up the control she sought in the 80s and this time let’s herself lose control. Definitely a dance number. An infectious up-tempo number with a snappy rhythm combines pop with an urban flair to keep the body moving on the dance floor.
This album has you dancing so hard that it's time to slow things down with the easy groove, "My Baby." Here, one of Janet's new influences is revealed--Kanye West. Kanye helped produce "Strawberry Bounce", but here he is front and center. Janet's vocal styling are interwoven with Kanye's rapping to reveal her anxiousness about entering a new relationship. Her multi-layered vocals morph into a unique new instrument which demonstrates why producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have been with her since she burst onto the scene with "Control."
Next, we're off to "The Islands" where Janet describes her love for them. In "Spending Time With You", it's clear that we have left the dance floor behind us and have reached those islands, the sanctuary where she can leave the world behind to spend all her time with her baby. This soulful track is reminiscent of "That's The Way Love Goes" where the simple soft hearted beat allows her pure vocals to shine.
"The Magic Hour", being her favorite time right before the sun goes down, is the perfect segue to the "Island Life". Janet explains how hearing the harmonies, the sexy beats, and the ocean--how just hearing a song--can make you want to "indulge in things that set our bodies free." This ballad will likely become a classic summertime release showcasing the purity of her voice over a synthesized string section and an infectious, but subtle beat.
"All Nite (Don't Stop)" snatches us away from the islands by announcing "This is sick / Attention it's time to dance." The intoxicating Cuban-like rhythm will make this a hit on the dance floor and the charts. As the next single being released, great remixes and a classic Janet dance video are definitely on the horizon.
Next, we’re transported back to the old school rhythm and blues with "R & B Junkie." Sampling Evelyn King's "I'm in Love", this electro-funk track seems destined for release as a single is sure to become a club favorite.
In the last moments of "R & B Junkie" Janet asks to slow it down and once again, be with her baby. Kayne is brought into the mix to produce "I Want You", a soulful ballad reminiscent of the Motown era. The string and piano arrangement ensures a classic R & B feel.
"Like You Don't Love Me" infuses a funky beat and accentuates the nostalgic trademark attitude from the "Control" era.
Next, “Thinkin’ ‘Bout My Ex” sounds like classic Janet with an up-tempo ballad and a great hook. A rarity on an album, you’ll be surprised to find out that this track was not written by Janet. The interlude fits this time, assuring us that "You know it's not who you think it is."
The next two tracks, "Warmth" and "Moist", are the baby making songs of this album. Although the mellow arrangements and soulful vocals shine here, the lyrics warrant omission from the edited version.
"Truly" provides a soulful ballad. Although not up to par for release as a single, this ballad over finger snaps could still become a concert favorite.
The next interlude brings us full circle from the opening one where Janet is “Looking for Love” to where she has found “The One”. “The confusion lifts/The contradictions melt/We’re left alone/With the one/The one is all we need/The one is the breath we breathe/The one is love.”
“SloLove,” soulful, but not slow, has a great hook. This house groove has the summertime feel that will lead you back on the dance floor.
Next, the interlude “Country” explains the album title--Damita Jo, Janet's middle name—as well as some of her personalities reflected in the revelation of her many nicknames.
“Just A Little While” follows appearing out of sequence on the album unless it is viewed as the encore. After being leaked over the internet, the public took hold of this song with the catchy guitar riff forcing it to become an impromptu first release in the US.
The owner's of the Japanese import have two extra treats, the bonus tracks "I'm Here", another soulful ballad, and "Put Your Hands On", another up-tempo retro-feel dance mix.
Janet's best album was "The Velvet Rope". Most of the lyrics on “Damita Jo” are back to the quality and depth of "The Velvet Rope Era", and the additions to the production crew have created an updated new sound that has the same impact as the "janet." release. Submitted by Karen (Johnstown, CO, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful. This review is for a different format.
Pretty good and nice rythum I really never was too interested in Janet Jackson's music to want to buy her CD's but enjoyed listening to it on t.v. and the radio. So this is the first CD that I own of hers' and love and enjoy it very much. Submitted by gateeyes1999 (Chicago, Illinois) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
fantastic music I really enjoyed listening to her. Great album about time she come out with this. Submitted by g5623 (greensboro NC) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
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