Roommate, today marks the 35th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s groundbreaking third album, Control, which not only changed the course of her career, but changed the landscape of pop and R&B music. The album successfully made Janet Jackson a household name in the music industry and permanently allowed her to step out of the shadows of her famous family.
‘Control’ sold 14 million copies worldwide, produced 7 hit singles, five top 5 singles, won a Grammy and hit number 1 on Billboard when it was released. Produced by the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who later produced most of Janet’s classic albums, ‘Control’ was essentially a pop and R&B album, but also had elements of funk and blues.
Originally signed to A&M Records when she was 18, her first two albums showed what was to come – but it was ‘Control’ that changed everything for her.
Talking about her focus for the album, Janet said, “My early music was way too bubblegum for my own taste. I wanted something to empathize with, a way of expressing pent-up feelings. I suppose I wanted to be taken seriously. “
‘Control’ also made Janet Jackson the youngest black artist to have a # 1 pop album and the first female album with five top 5 Billboard Hot 100 singles. With hits like “Nasty”, the title track “Control”, “The Pleasure Principle” and the ultimate slow jam “Let’s Wait Awhile” the album was a welcome and legendary change in music history! Congratulations on the classic!
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