Janet Jackson
Discipline
(Island Def Jam)
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"Discipline shows none,” said Jim Farber in the New York Daily News. Janet Jackson’s ironically titled new album is an “unrestrained free-for-all” of sex, masochism, and orgiastic erotica. Ever since her wardrobe bust at the 2004 Super Bowl, Jackson has been trying to come back. The X-rated Damita Jo released later that year was a flop, as was 2006’s cheekier 20 Y.O. At
41, Jackson isn’t the hottie she once was. Sex also doesn’t seem to sell for her anymore. But still she can’t get enough of it. With its sadomasochistic fantasies and text-message titles, Discipline is the “ultimate turnoff.” You wish she would just embrace her age, said Ann Powers in the Los Angeles Times. “Madonna gave up smut for spirituality,” leaving Jackson to sit at the throne of indecency. Producer Rodney Jerkins and longtime beau Jermaine Dupri keep this album “overheated” with club-ready beats and synthed-up, soulless come-ons. But they’ve transformed Jackson’s sex-kitten purr into vocals that seem robotic and “nearly anonymous.” She sounds like she’s “faking it” for most of Discipline, said Jess Harvell in the The Washington Post. A flash of genuine personality sneaks in only on “Greatest X” and “Rock With U,” which pays homage to her brother Michael’s early hit. But when she retreats back into her sexual fantasy world, you want to look away. Get a room, Janet.
