So the other day I burned “All Nite (Don’t Stop)” by JanetJackson on a CD. As I indulged in her paper-thin vocals, sexualinnuendoes and funky bass line I wondered why the song was not ahit. The song sounded as good as any of the other R&B/popdrivel that enjoys heavy rotation on MTV, but I think, so far, Imight have been the only person who has not stopped listening toJanet.
But then I remembered — the boob.
It has been several months since Janet (Miss Jackson if you’renasty) redefined the “half-time show.” And it also has been severalmonths since the release of “Damita Jo,” and the record has becomea lackluster stepping stone in the life of Miss Jackson (what can Isay, I’m nasty). “Damita Jo” debuted at number two on the Billboardcharts in March and has been in a downward spiral ever since. Hertwo singles “All Nite” and “I Want You” have been received almostno airplay on radio stations other than Urban Contemporarystations.
Jackson has made a transition over the years from the innocentcrooner of “Control” to a more sexual being. Gone are the days ofsinging about “Rhythm Nation,” instead Jackson showed the nationthe rhythm of her flopping breast.
Accident or not, the incident is still stirring up controversy.The Federal Communications Commission still is scrambling to find abetter way to censor television, forcing many live telecasts to runon longer delays to allow for time to edit unplanned mishaps andimposing stiffer fines for obscenity on television.
But did Janet’s wardrobe malfunction kill her career?
Throughout music history, any misstep by an artist could killyears of hard work and talent.
Sin����ad O’Connor ripped up the Pope’s picture on SaturdayNight Live and subsequently had her album steam-rolled. The DixieChicks criticized George W. Bush and the nation’s conservativesstopped listening to their twang. Even the Beatles had a backlashwhen John Lennon said the band was bigger than Jesus.
But no one is steamrolling Jackson. No one really seems to careenough to either steam roll “Damita Jo” or buy the CD, and that isthe saddest part.
Maybe Jackson has had her turn. Perhaps after eight albums andmany more years of being everyone’s favorite pop princess, theJanet era has run its course. Her brother exhausted his greatnessafter allegedly getting too friendly with young boys. For Jackson apoor decision in undergarments might have sped up the process of anailing superstar.
Fame is temporary and few celebrities can escape the cycle offleeting adoration. But it seems Jackson was surviving up until theincident. Her nudity struck many listeners sober — Jackson was anaging pop-tart who still was trying to seem relevant, and justwasn’t anymore. In a musical landscape dominated by overtly sexualteenagers, Jackson seems out of place. She has made no changes toher musical stylings to reflect a more mature sound, unlessmaturity means dirty sex. Janet should have done somethinginnovative to signal her return instead of taking her top off. Shedid that years ago with her infamous Rolling Stone cover.
Her glory days might be gone for now, but the mental image ofher bare breast will live on forever.