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A THREAD: 20 of Janet Jackson’s Most Underrated Deep Cuts 
Here, let’s acclaim a small selection of top-quality Janet songs that casual fans might not know. Feel free to quote with your opinions on the songs.
*Recently, Janet’s catalogue has gone under scrutiny. Many have said that Janet’s hits have not crossed over, that she does not have many, or that her tracks are not as memorable as her contemporaries.
Underneath her 27 Top Ten hits lies a back catalogue full of MANY gems.*
Underneath her 27 Top Ten hits lies a back catalogue full of MANY gems.*
1.) Like You Don’t Love Me (from “Damita Jo”)
This track fuses the sultriness that plastered the “janet.” album with a more contemporary sound. This has Janet in her element: strong choruses, to-the-point lyrics, a girlish/feminine flavor, & irritatingly unforgettable melodies.
This track fuses the sultriness that plastered the “janet.” album with a more contemporary sound. This has Janet in her element: strong choruses, to-the-point lyrics, a girlish/feminine flavor, & irritatingly unforgettable melodies.
2.) Lessons Learned (from “Unbreakable”)
This deep cut is one of her more recent tracks. Here, she went off to write her own lyrics... “codependent lover, that’s her tune”. Often ignored, this song is one of her most powerful on the topic of love, detailing the not-so-good side.
This deep cut is one of her more recent tracks. Here, she went off to write her own lyrics... “codependent lover, that’s her tune”. Often ignored, this song is one of her most powerful on the topic of love, detailing the not-so-good side.
3.) Livin’ in a World (They Didn’t Make) (from “Rhythm Nation”)
It’s hard to pick a deep cut from the Rhythm Nation album. This song brings a darker mood to the album, but makes it all the more impactful. Sticking with the socially conscious theme, this track laments humanity.
It’s hard to pick a deep cut from the Rhythm Nation album. This song brings a darker mood to the album, but makes it all the more impactful. Sticking with the socially conscious theme, this track laments humanity.
4.) Days Go By (from “20 Y.O.”)
This cut, only released in Japan, is classic Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis soul. We see Janet comfortably lying in a cacophony of melodies, crooning about a literal lost love. Simple yet necessary on an album full of in-your-face dance tracks. Soothing.
This cut, only released in Japan, is classic Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis soul. We see Janet comfortably lying in a cacophony of melodies, crooning about a literal lost love. Simple yet necessary on an album full of in-your-face dance tracks. Soothing.
5.) Curtains (from “Discipline”)
Speaking of harmonies, this 2008 album closer shows that Janet can deliver lyrically-exciting R&B, without leaving her trademark sound. Again on a bed of her own harmonies, the superstar delivers a 4 minute long metaphor for sex. Classic Janet.
Speaking of harmonies, this 2008 album closer shows that Janet can deliver lyrically-exciting R&B, without leaving her trademark sound. Again on a bed of her own harmonies, the superstar delivers a 4 minute long metaphor for sex. Classic Janet.
6.) My Need (from “The Velvet Rope”)
One of many fan-favorites, this song drives at a more moderate pace and sees Janet drifting over a lustful, glimmering, anticipatory beat. This track is a staple of the album and one of her more memorable songs after listening to it in full.
One of many fan-favorites, this song drives at a more moderate pace and sees Janet drifting over a lustful, glimmering, anticipatory beat. This track is a staple of the album and one of her more memorable songs after listening to it in full.
7.) Roll Witchu (from “20 Y.O.”)
20 Y.O. is a clear attempt at merging Janet with hip-hop elements. This track, released only on iTunes & in Japan, makes the mark. A personal favorite of mine, Janet smoothes out this R&B-driven song with sexual flows that only Janet can deliver.
20 Y.O. is a clear attempt at merging Janet with hip-hop elements. This track, released only on iTunes & in Japan, makes the mark. A personal favorite of mine, Janet smoothes out this R&B-driven song with sexual flows that only Janet can deliver.
8.) Island Life (from “Damita Jo”)
Any fan knows Janet is a lover of islands. Here, she sings of life on an island on top of an exotic, exciting production. Different from “vintage Janet”, this one is a piece of her, who she was influenced by, & tells the love she had for DJs.
Any fan knows Janet is a lover of islands. Here, she sings of life on an island on top of an exotic, exciting production. Different from “vintage Janet”, this one is a piece of her, who she was influenced by, & tells the love she had for DJs.
9.) Do It 2 Me (from “20 Y.O.”)
This track was experimental and is a definite pop track for radios in 2006. Over a sample, Janet takes on an urban rhythm and makes it her own, serving intricate backing vocals, and giving the world another fun Janet song we can feel ourselves to.
This track was experimental and is a definite pop track for radios in 2006. Over a sample, Janet takes on an urban rhythm and makes it her own, serving intricate backing vocals, and giving the world another fun Janet song we can feel ourselves to.
10.) Take Me Away (from “Unbreakable”)
I have to admit I was being selfish by including this. But the way Janet takes dance to the next level through strong lyrics & a highly emotive melody SHINES in this song. Her voice suits songs like these so well & it deserves to be lauded.
I have to admit I was being selfish by including this. But the way Janet takes dance to the next level through strong lyrics & a highly emotive melody SHINES in this song. Her voice suits songs like these so well & it deserves to be lauded.
11.) Feels So Right (from “All for You”)
Obviously I had to put this in. This is my favorite Janet song of all time. Blissful melodies, grooving production, and Janet sitting pretty adlibbing over her bed of harmonies....I feel this is signature and full Janet in every sense.
Obviously I had to put this in. This is my favorite Janet song of all time. Blissful melodies, grooving production, and Janet sitting pretty adlibbing over her bed of harmonies....I feel this is signature and full Janet in every sense.
12.) What About (from “The Velvet Rope”)
I’m reluctant to call this “underrated”, but as powerful as it’s message is, it deserves that title. In one of many of her rock-tinged productions, Janet puts on a experience, spotlighting domestic violence in the most jolting way.
I’m reluctant to call this “underrated”, but as powerful as it’s message is, it deserves that title. In one of many of her rock-tinged productions, Janet puts on a experience, spotlighting domestic violence in the most jolting way.
13.) Night (from “Unbreakable”)
This is without a doubt one of her underrated gems. In a vein similar to songs on Discipline, Janet breaks to her second home of dance music and delivers an indescribable, numbing aesthetic. To me, this song is bliss & her voice is extra sweet.
This is without a doubt one of her underrated gems. In a vein similar to songs on Discipline, Janet breaks to her second home of dance music and delivers an indescribable, numbing aesthetic. To me, this song is bliss & her voice is extra sweet.
14.) Where Are You Now (from “janet.”)
Though a definite fan favorite, this gem is often forgotten among her many notable songs. In an almost puppylove manner (a break from the adult nature of the album), Janet gives us more of her classic soul roots & croons over her lost love.
Though a definite fan favorite, this gem is often forgotten among her many notable songs. In an almost puppylove manner (a break from the adult nature of the album), Janet gives us more of her classic soul roots & croons over her lost love.
15.) Thinkin’ Bout My Ex (from “Damita Jo”)
Leave it to Janet to transform a realistic situation into a sonic experience. Here, Janet’s artistic and personal growth is explored. Yet again she laces a bland R&B groove with a flavor of passion, transforming it, & making it hers.
Leave it to Janet to transform a realistic situation into a sonic experience. Here, Janet’s artistic and personal growth is explored. Yet again she laces a bland R&B groove with a flavor of passion, transforming it, & making it hers.
16.) Unbreakable (from “Unbreakable”)
In a song specifically for fans & JanFam, Janet updates her sound & delivers a title track that expresses the love she has for us as mutual, everlasting, & unbreakable. Besides the meaning, this song is smooth, powerful, & very “YAS Janet!”
In a song specifically for fans & JanFam, Janet updates her sound & delivers a title track that expresses the love she has for us as mutual, everlasting, & unbreakable. Besides the meaning, this song is smooth, powerful, & very “YAS Janet!”
17.) Special / Can’t Be Stopped (from “The Velvet Rope”)
In a seemingly obscure last song, Janet poured her current state of mind into what she feels we all desire in life. Given the context of this album, Janet being able to completely open up in this song makes it “special”.
In a seemingly obscure last song, Janet poured her current state of mind into what she feels we all desire in life. Given the context of this album, Janet being able to completely open up in this song makes it “special”.
18.) I’m Here (from “Damita Jo”)
One of my personal favorites, this song serves us luscious, classic Janet in what feels like an intimate session with the listener. Released only in Japan, she sheds the Rhythm Nation & Control persona & forces us to view her as solely a lover.
One of my personal favorites, this song serves us luscious, classic Janet in what feels like an intimate session with the listener. Released only in Japan, she sheds the Rhythm Nation & Control persona & forces us to view her as solely a lover.
19.) Better Days (from “All for You”)
In a song that most seem to not know or forget, Janet merges socially conscious messages with the stress from humanity & urges us to live life to the fullest. Using euphoric harmonies, she ends this album on a note still much needed today.
In a song that most seem to not know or forget, Janet merges socially conscious messages with the stress from humanity & urges us to live life to the fullest. Using euphoric harmonies, she ends this album on a note still much needed today.
20.) The Great Forever (from “Unbreakable”)
Lyrically, this song is very self-conscious & reflective, and it forces us to evaluate our paths. With age & wisdom, we see Janet as having evolved her outlook on life. It’s a bittersweet message that reminds us of what is important.
Lyrically, this song is very self-conscious & reflective, and it forces us to evaluate our paths. With age & wisdom, we see Janet as having evolved her outlook on life. It’s a bittersweet message that reminds us of what is important.
With just 20 deep cuts from Janet’s discography, its obvious that Janet runs deeper than Rhythm Nation. The pop/R&B superstar is a legend in her own category & her material, popular or underrated, is of the finest quality. What other tracks are underrated gems?
