Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814

Infobox Album
Name = Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814
Type = studio
Artist = Janet Jackson


Released = September 7, 1989
Recorded = 1989 at Flyte Tyme Productions Studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Genre = R&B, pop, new jack swing, rock
Length = 64:32 (CD version)
61:19 (Vinyl version)
Label = A&M
Producer = Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson, Jellybean Johnson, John McClain
Reviews =
*Allmusic rating|4.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:azktk6jx9krh link]
*Robert Christgau (A-) [http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=janet+jackson link]
*"Rolling Stone" rating|4|5 [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/janetjackson/albums/album/182747/review/5943659/rhythm_nation_1814 link]
* [http://www.sputnikmusic.com/ Sputnikmusic] Rating|4|5 [http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review_15186 link]
*"People Weekly" (1989) (positive)
Last album = ""
(1987)
This album = "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814"
(1989)
Next album = "janet."
(1993)
Misc = Singles
Name = Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814
Type = studio
single 1 = Miss You Much
single 1 date = August 22, 1989
single 2 = Rhythm Nation
single 2 date = October 24, 1989
single 3 = Escapade
single 3 date = January 9, 1990
single 4 = Alright
single 4 date = March 27, 1990
single 5 = Come Back to Me
single 5 date = June 19, 1990
single 6 = Black Cat
single 6 date = September 4, 1990
single 7 = Love Will Never Do (Without You)
single 7 date = November 6, 1990
single 8 = State of the World
single 8 date = February 6, 1991

"Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814" (commonly referred to as "Rhythm Nation 1814") is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson. Released on September 7, 1989 by A&M Records, "Rhythm Nation 1814" is the second album of Jackson co-written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Jackson also shares production credits with long-term collaborator Jellybean Johnson and executive producer John McClain.

Departing from themes of independence present in Jackson's 1986 breakthrough album "Control", "Rhythm Nation 1814" is a concept album based on social injustice. Though A&M executives wanted an album similar to "Control", Jackson insisted on addressing social issues. Jackson and her producers routinely watched television news reports—predominately from CNN—as a source of inspiration for the album's lyrics. Though Jackson understood she could not change social norms with a single album, she intended to create a socially conscious message strong enough for listeners to take notice of. Capitalizing off the rise of new jack swing, the album incorporates R&B, soul, funk and jazz, as well as use of sample loop and triple swing.

"Rhythm Nation 1814" became Jackson's second consecutive album to debut at number one on the "Billboard" 200 and emerged as the best-selling album of 1990 in the United States. Its seven commercial singles, "Miss You Much", "Rhythm Nation", "Escapade", "Alright", "Come Back to Me", "Black Cat", and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" all peaked within the top five on the "Billboard" Hot 100 singles chart. "Rhythm Nation 1814" subsequently became the only album in history to contain seven top five hit singles and the only album to ever achieve number one hit singles in three separate calendar years (1989-1991). The Rhythm Nation 1814 Tour became the most successful debut tour by a recording artist. "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814" has been certified 6x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and has sold eight million records worldwide.

Conception

Following the commercial and critical success of her 1986 number one hit album "Control", Jackson was motivated to continue songwriting and took a larger role in the creative production of her new album.cite book | last = Strong | first = Martin | title = The Great Rock Discography: Complete Discographies Listing Every Track | publisher = Canongate U.S. | date = 2004 | pages = 749 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=2bxf_kPsUucC | isbn = 1841956155] Originally, executives at A&M wanted Jackson to expand on the ideas presented on "Control"—such as independence and sexual abstinence—but she was not willing to compromise her artistic integrity and substituted her concept for theirs.cite book | last = Halstead | first = Craig | authorlink = | coauthors = Chris Cadman | title = Jacksons Number Ones | publisher = "Authors On Line" | date = 2003 | location = | pages = 28, 126 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=tynOwh1E_GAC | isbn = 0755200985] Citation | last1 = Cocks | first1 = J. | last2 = Bland | first2 = E.L. | title = Dancing on the charts | journal = Academic Search Premier | pages = 87 | publisher = "Time" | date = 1990-05-28 | year = 1990 | url = https://libris.mtsac.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9005281388&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site | issn = 0040781X] Protest songs were commonplace among rap artists in the late 1980s, but the concept was rare with in other genres. [cite book | last = Bogdanov | first = Vladimir | co-authors= Chris Woodstra, Stephen Thomas Erlewine | title = All Music Guide to Rock: The Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul | publisher = Backbeat Books | date = 2002 | pages = 570 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=1-pH4i3jXvAC | isbn = 087930653X] Following in the footsteps of rap music, Jackson aspired to create a concept album addressing politics and social ills - racism, crime, poverty, substance abuse, homelessness, illiteracy - in addition to topics of love and relationships.

The album's title was a composite of Jackson's pledge, "We are a nation with no geographic boundaries, bound together through our beliefs. We are like-minded individuals, sharing a common vision, pushing toward a world rid of color-lines"cite web | last = Aletti | first = Vince | title = Rhythm Nation 1814: Janet Jackson: Review: Rolling Stone | work = | publisher = "Rolling Stone" | date = 1998-10-19 | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/182747/review/5943659/rhythmnation1814 | accessdate = 2008-06-07] and its supporting creed, "Music, Poetry, Dance, Unity". 1814 referred to the year "The Star Spangled Banner" was written; [cite book | last = Hyatt | first = Wesley | authorlink = | title = The Billboard Book of Number One Adult Contemporary Hits | publisher = "Billboard Books" | date = 1999 | isbn = 0823076938] in addition, 'R' is the 18th letter of the alphabet and 'N' the 14th, hence "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814". [cite web | last = Huey | first = Steve | title = Janet Jackson | publisher = Allmusic | date = 2008 | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:fifuxqe5ldae~T1 | accessdate = 2008-06-07]

Music

Production

The album was produced by James "Jimmy Jam" Harris III and Terry Lewis, with co-production credit given to Jackson.cite web | title = Rhythm Nation 1814 > Credits | publisher = Allmusic | date = 2008 | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:g9frxq95ld6e~T2 | accessdate = 2008-06-29] A&M executive John McCain served as the album's executive producer. Complete lyrics were included in the album. All of the tracks were recorded and mixed at Flyte Tyme productions studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also penned or co-wrote the songs with Janet Jackson, as well as arranging and programming the music, and playing much of the instrumental tracks. The background vocals for "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" and "Miss You Much", both penned by Jam and Lewis, were recorded prior to Jackson recording the lead vocals.cite book | last = Bronson | first = Fred | title = The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits | publisher = Billboard Books | date = 2003 | pages = | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=PgGqNrqfrsoC | isbn = 0823076776] The song "Black Cat" was written solely by Jackson and was produced by Jellybean Johnson; it was the final song to be recorded on the album. Total production time for the album was seven months. On the album's interior, Jackson dedicated the album to her mother, Katherine Jackson.

Content

"Rhythm Nation 1814" (as well as its predecessor "Control") was one of the primary albums that used the full spectrum of R&B musical techniques known as new jack swing, which emerged during the mid-1980s. The use of sample loop, triple swing, rap vocals and blues notes are present in the album's title-track "Rhythm Nation".cite book | last = Ripani | first = Richard J. | title = The New Blue Music: Changes in Rhythm & Blues, 1950-1999 | publisher = Univ. Press of Mississippi | date = 2006 | pages = 152-153 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=fFno4HDB7uYC | isbn = 1578068622] "Rhythm Nation" samples a single measure of "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" performed by Sly & the Family Stone, which became the basic background loop for the song. Vocals for the single are alternatively sung in octaves or rapped in spoken verse; a trend which became commonplace in R&B music by the mid-1990s. The song presented the overall theme of the album's message, with Jackson urging "a generation full of courage" to "break the color lines." Jam, Lewis and Jackson used new media as a source of inspiration for the social and political content of the album's lyrics.

The album's soulful dance-pop songs included "Escapade" and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)", while the Prince-inspired "Miss You Much" and "Alright" mixed R&B with funk; [Citation | last1 = Hawkins | first1 = Stan | title = Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Popular Musicians Since 1990 | volume = 1 | pages = 321-323 | publisher = Gale | year = 2004 | isbn = 9780028657998] the latter sampling Lyn Collins' "Think (About It)" (1972). "Escapade" was inspired by the Martha & the Vandellas 1965 single "Nowhere to Run", which Jackson originally intended to remake, but instead choose to record a new song with a similar feel after a suggestion from producer Jimmy Jam.cite book | last = Bronson | first = Fred | title = Billboard's Hottest Hot 100 Hits: Top Songs and Song Makers, 1955 to 2000 | publisher = Watson-Guptill | date = 2003 | pages = 365 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=mEIfDZtsVyAC | isbn = 0823077381]

"Black Cat" departed from Jackson's typical musical style, being the sole rock production of the album.cite book | last = Bronson | first = Fred | title = The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits | publisher = Billboard Books | date = 2003 | pages = 770 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=PgGqNrqfrsoC | isbn = 0823076776] Jackson was inspired to write a song about a young man who was suffering from substance abuse and asked Jimmy Jam for his assistance in writing the chorus and verse. Once the initial track was established, Jam suggested Jackson speak to Jellybean Johnson to produce the song as he was a "closet rock-and-roller." Johnson later confirmed his love of heavy metal guitar and agreed to produce the song. Johnson asked David Barry, who had worked on Jackson's previous album "Control", to play guitar for "Black Cat". To give the song a heavy metal feel, it was recorded using a mixture of rockman and Marshall amplifier.

Release and promotion

The album was released by A&M Records on LP, chrome cassette, and compact disc, demonstrating the label's expectation of broad appeal. [Citation | last1 = Pareles | first1 = Jon | title = Recordings; Janet Jackson Adopts a New Attitude: Concern. | journal = Academic Search Premier | pages = 3 | publisher = "New York Times" | date = 1989-10-20 | year = 1989 | url = https://libris.mtsac.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=64093195&sid=3&Fmt=3&clientId=13211&RQT=309&VName=PQD | issn = 03624331] A companion video compilation, the "Rhythm Nation 1814 Film", was also issued on both VHS and Laserdisc.Citation | last1 = Westbrook | first1 = Bruce | title = Janet Jackson has a winner with `Rhythm Nation' | journal = ProQuest | pages = 31 | publisher = "New York Times" | date = 1989-09-17 | year = 1989 | url = https://libris.mtsac.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=30367724&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site ]

ingles

The album's lead single "Miss You Much" became the first of four to reach number one on the "Billboard" Hot 100. The single hit number one on October 21, 1989, and topped the chart for thirteen weeks, selling over one million copies. [cite book | last = Jasen | first = David A. | title = A Century of American Popular Music: 2000 Best-Loved and Remembered Songs (1899-1999) | publisher = Taylor & Francis | date = 2002 | pages = 133 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=6szF5VprkHAC | isbn = 0415937000] The RIAA originally certified the single gold and then platinum on November 3, 1989. [cite web | title = Miss You Much | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1989-11-03 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Miss%20You%20Much&artist=&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 | accessdate = 2008-06-13] The album's second single and title-track "Rhythm Nation" peaked at number two on the Hot 100, kept from the number one position by Phil Collins "Another Day in Paradise". [cite book | last = Halstead | first = Craig | coauthors = Craig Halstead, Chris Cadman | title = Jacksons Number Ones | publisher = "Authors On Line" | date = 2003 | location = | pages = 104 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=tynOwh1E_GAC | isbn = 0755200985] The single was certified gold by the RIAA on January 16, 1990. "Escapade" became the second single to top the Hot 100 at number one and was certified gold on May 11, 1990. [cite web | title = Escapade | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1990-05-11 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Escapade&artist=Janet%20Jackson&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 | accessdate = 2008-06-13] "Alright" peaked at number four and certified gold on June 5, 1990, while "Come Back to Me" hit number two. [cite web | title = Come Back to Me | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1990-05-11 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Alright&artist=Janet%20Jackson&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 | accessdate = 2008-06-13]

"Black Cat" reached number one on October 27, 1990, six weeks after its debut on September 15, 1990, and was certified gold on November 13, 1990. [cite web | title = Black Cat | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1990-05-11 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Black%20Cat&artist=Janet%20Jackson&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 | accessdate = 2008-06-13] "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" became the seventh and final single to be released off the album on November 6, 1990; it rose to number one on January 19, 1991, topping the chart for one week. The single was certified gold on February 12, 1991. [cite web | title = Love Will Never Do (Without You) | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1990-05-11 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Love%20Will%20Never%20Do%20(Without%20You)&artist=Janet%20Jackson&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 | accessdate = 2008-06-13] "State of the World" was released on radio airplay but not as a commercial single, as A&M executives felt the album would garner high sales if there was a song receiving airplay that was not commercially available.

Videography

Together with director Dominic Sena, producer René Elizondo, Jr. and a team of dancers and choreographers, Jackson produced the "Rhythm Nation 1814 Film", featuring four songs from the album. According to Sena, the film short was originally referred to as the "1814 project" so that the general public would not know Jackson was in the middle of production while filming on location in Los Angeles. Shot predominately in black and white, the "Rhythm Nation 1814 Film" tells the story of two young aspiring musicians (one black, one white) who are friends with Jackson. One of the young men becomes a victim of substance abuse and is eventually killed by a drug dealer, leaving his friend to seek comfort from Jackson. The film short has a duration of 30 minutes and includes an extra 30 minute feature documentary of the making of the film.

Yvonne Tasker, author of "Working Girls: Gender and Sexuality in Popular Cinema" (1998) observed the video, shot in a "bleak industrial setting" had Jackson and her dancers dressed in military outfits to represent a sense of "community" and "unity".cite book | last = Tasker | first = Yvonne | title = Working Girls: Gender and Sexuality in Popular Cinema | publisher = Routledge | date = 1998 | pages = 186 | isbn = 0415140048] "Gender and Qualitative Methods: Gender and Qualitative Methods" (2003) documented "the choreography suggests self-control and military discipline...Jackson is also dressed in a uniform and is performing asexually and almost anonymously in front of, but as one of the members of the group". [cite book | last = Jarviluoma | first =Helmi |coauthors= Pirkko Moisala, Anni Vilkko| title = Gender and Qualitative Methods: Gender and Qualitative Methods | publisher = Sage Publications Inc | date = 2003 | pages = 92 | isbn = 0761965858] "Rhythm Nation" won the 1989 Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video.cite book | last = Halstead | first = Craig | coauthors = Craig Halstead, Chris Cadman | title = Jacksons Number Ones | publisher = "Authors On Line" | date = 2003 | location = | pages = 104 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=tynOwh1E_GAC | isbn = 0755200985] The music video for "Alright", directed by Julian Temple, embodies classic Hollywood musicals, as Jackson portrays a 1950s woman dressed in drag. An homage to Michael Kidd's opening sequence in the 1950 Broadway production of "Guys and Dolls", Jackson requested Kidd co-create the music video. [cite book | last = Mitoma | first = Judy | co-authors= Judith Mitoma, Elizabeth Zimmer, Dale Ann Stieber, Nelli Heinonen, Norah Zuňiga Shaw| title = Envisioning dance on film and video | publisher = Routledge | date = 2002 | pages = 16 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=m09vjqEmeX4C | isbn = 0415941717] Jackson and many of her male cast members appear dressed in "Guys and Dolls"-style pen-striped zoot suits.

Rhythm Nation 1814 Tour

The "Rhythm Nation 1814 Tour" was Jackson's first world concert tour in support of a studio album. Described as "an elaborately choreographed spectacle" by "Entertainment Weekly", the tour aimed to re-create the award–winning, visually innovative music videos of "Rhythm Nation 1814"'s numerous hit singles and those of its predecessor, "Control".Citation |title = Music features: A Million Miles Of Music Your Complete Guide To The Tours Of Summer Summer Music Preview | page = 32 | publisher = "Entertainment Weekly" | date = 1990-06-01 | year = 1990] The debut concert in Miami, Florida on March 1, 1990 sold out prior to the performance. "Time" magazine stated Jackson's stage show integrated "sleek high tech and smooth dance rhythm into an evening of snazzy soul with a social conscience". The first international concert, which took place in Tokyo, Japan, sold out the Tokyo Dome within seven minutes; a record for the fastest sellout in the history of the Dome. [cite web | title = Janet Jackson Announces Rock Witchu Tour | work = Live Nation | publisher = PR Newswire | date = 2008 | url = http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-21-2008/0004818328&EDATE= | accessdate = 2008-06-13] The "Rhythm Nation 1814 Tour", with an attendance of over two million patrons, remains the most successful debut tour by any recording artist. [cite web | last = Sonder | first = Mark | title = Janet Jackson to perform at halftime show | publisher = "Mark Sonder Productions" | date = 2003-12-18 | url = http://www.marksonderproductions.com/headline/JanetJackson.html | accessdate = 2008-06-13]

Reception

Critical

At the time of release, "Rhythm Nation 1814" received predominately positive reviews for its musical content, with a mixed reaction on Jackson's choice to dedicate the album to social and political issues. "People Weekly"'s David Hiltbrand commented that "Jackson's heart may be in the right place -- she's against all the bad, hurtful stuff in a vague, Tinker Bell sort of way," but asserted her music had not improved from her previous hit album "Control". [Citation | last1 = Hiltbrand | first1 = David | title = Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 | volume = 32 | issue = 21 | page = 39 | publisher = "People Weekly" | date = 1989-11-20 | year = 1989] Vince Aletti of "Rolling Stone" magazine likened Jackson to a politician, "abandoning the narrow "I" for the universal "we" and inviting us to do the same".cite web | last = Aletti | first = Vince | title = Janet Jackson: Rhythm Nation 1814: Music Reviews: Rolling Stone | publisher = "Rolling Stone" | date = 1989-10-19 | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/janetjackson/albums/album/182747/review/5943659/rhythm_nation_1814 | accessdate = 2008-06-12] Aletti complimented Jackson's political resolve and musical accompaniment as she " [balances] despair with optimism, anger with hope, in the currently fashionable formula," without forgetting social progress is a result of hard work.

Contemporary reviewer Alex Henderson of Allmusic criticized Jackson's "wafer-thin" voice, but commented that her soul, spirit and enthusiasm make up for the limits of her vocal range on the numerous political and non-political "gems" throughout the album.cite web | last = Henderson | first = Alex | title = Rhythm Nation 1814 > Overview | publisher = Allmusic | date = 2008 | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:azktk6jx9krh | accessdate = 2008-06-12] Henderson credited "Rhythm Nation 1814" as "an even higher artistic plateau" than "Control", and commented to anyone interested in purchasing an album by Jackson for the first time that "Rhythm Nation would be an even wiser investment than Control -- and that's saying a lot." Sputnikmusic's Zachary Powell complimented the album as a work of quality, as its "top notch production from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and a musically diverse collection of songs flow [ed] with the natural talent Jackson possesses".cite web | last = Powell | first = Zachary | title = Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation 1814 Reviews - Sputnikmusic | publisher = "Sputnikmusic" | date = 2008 | url = http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review_15186 | accessdate = 2008-07-13]

Commercial

"Rhythm Nation 1814" debuted at number one on the "Billboard" 200 and on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.cite web | title = Rhythm Nation 1814 | work = Billboard charts | publisher = Allmusic | date = 2006 | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:g9frxq95ld6e~T3 | accessdate = 2008-06-13] The album spent four weeks atop the "Billboard" 200. On November 11, 1989, the Recording Industry Association of America certified "Rhythm Nation 1814" gold, denoting 500,000 unit shipments.cite web | title = Rhythm Nation 1814 | publisher = Recording Industry Association of America | date = 1989-11-11 | url = http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Rhythm%20Nation%201814&artist=&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 | accessdate = 2008-06-07] This number quickly rose to a platinum certification, denoting 1,000,000 units and 2x platinum by the end of the year. On February 19, 1990, the RIAA certified "Rhythm Nation 1814" 3x platinum. This number rose again later that year as the album was certified 4x platinum on May 5, 1990 and 5x platinum on December 14, 1990. On November 19, 1992, "Rhythm Nation 1814" was certified 6x platinum. Since its debut, the album has sold an estimated eight million records worldwide. [cite book | last = Gates | first = Henry Louis | coauthors= Anthony Appiah | title = Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and African American | publisher = Basic Civitas Books | date = 1999 | pages = 1022 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=DfEzhGlnzlkC | isbn = 0465000711]

Legacy

The best-selling album of 1990, "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814" became the only album in history to generate seven top-five "Billboard" hits; "Miss You Much", "Rhythm Nation", "Escapade", "Alright", "Come Back to Me", "Black Cat", and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" all peaked within the top five on the "Billboard" Hot 100 singles chart. [cite book | last = Dowell | first = Dowell | coauthors = Kim Jones | title = Heritage Signature Entertainment Memorabilia Auction #622 | publisher = Heritage CapitalCorporation | date = 2006 | pages = 139 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=Pum3Og4uerEC | isbn = 1599670364] "Rhythm Nation 1814" is the only album in history to have number one hits in three separate calendar years; "Miss You Much" in 1989, "Escapade" and "Black Cat" in 1990, and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" in 1991. [cite web | last = Bronson | first = Fred | title = Chart Beat Chat | work = A 'CLUMSY' TRIP | publisher = "Billboard" | date = 2007-12-21 | url = http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003688261 | accessdate = 2008-03-17] The album earned Jackson eight "Billboard" Music Awards, including Top Pop Album and No. 1 Hot 100 Singles Artist and the best-selling album of 1990. [Citation | last1 = Anderson | first1 = Susan | title = Chronicle | journal = Academic Search Premier | pages = 7 | publisher = "New York Times" | date = 1990-11-28 | year = 1990 | url = https://libris.mtsac.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=30523059&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site | issn = 03624331] [Citation |last=Macdonald |first=Patrick |title = Ringing In 1991: Northwest Top 10 Video Count-Down | page = 8 | publisher = "Seattle Times" | date = 1990-12-28 | year = 1990] The album's success placed Jackson on par with several other entertainers, including older brother Michael Jackson, and Madonna. [cite book | last = Kramarae | first = Cheris | coauthors = Dale Spender | title = Routledge International Encyclopedia of Women: Global Women's Issues and Knowledge | publisher = Routledge | date = 2000 | pages = 1408 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=60KJxSvkh5MC | isbn = 0415920914]

The 1000th issue of "Entertainment Weekly" dated July 4, 2008 celebrates the new classics: the 1000 best movies, TV shows, albums, books, etc. from 1983 to 2008. In "The Classics: Music" category, "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814", is listed at number 54 on the Top 100 Best Albums of the past 25 years. [cite web | title = The New Classics: Music | publisher = "Entertainment Weekly" | date = 2008 | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20207076_20207387_20207337,00.html | accessdate = 2008-06-29] The album is also ranked number 275 on "Rolling Stone's" 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It is included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Track listings

CD

#"Interlude: Pledge" – 0:47
#"Rhythm Nation" (Janet Jackson, James Harris III, Terry Lewis) – 5:31
#*Samples: "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" performed by Sly & the Family Stone
#"Interlude: T.V." – 0:22
#"State of the World" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 4:48
#"Interlude: Race" – 0:05
#"The Knowledge" (Harris, Lewis) – 3:54
#"Interlude: Let's Dance" – 0:03
#"Miss You Much" (Harris, Lewis) – 4:12
#*Samples: "Think (About It)" performed by Lyn Collins
#"Interlude: Come Back" – 0:21
#"Love Will Never Do (Without You)" (Harris, Lewis) – 5:50
#"Livin' in a World (They Didn't Make)" (Harris, Lewis) – 4:41
#"Alright" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 6:26
#"Interlude: Hey Baby" – 0:10
#"Escapade" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 4:44
#"Interlude: No Acid" – 0:05
#"Black Cat" (Jackson) – 4:50
#"Lonely" (James Harris III, Terry Lewis) – 4:59
#"Come Back to Me" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 5:33
#"Someday Is Tonight" (Jackson, Harris, Lewis) – 6:00
#"Interlude: Livin'...In Complete Darkness" – 1:07

Vinyl

#"Interlude: Pledge" – 0:47
#"Rhythm Nation" – 4:38
#"State of the World" – 4:53
#"The Knowledge" – 4:01
#"Miss You Much" – 3:53
#"Love Will Never Do (Without You)" – 5:48
#"Livin' in a World (They Didn't Make)" – 4:36
#"Alright" – 5:27
#"Escapade" – 4:48
#"Black Cat" – 4:50
#"Lonely" – 4:59
#"Come Back to Me" – 5:32
#"Someday Is Tonight" – 6:01
#"Interlude: Livin'...In Complete Darkness" – 1:06

B–sides

#"You Need Me"
#"Skin Game, Pt. 1"
#"Vuelve a Mi" (Come Back to Me) (Spanish Version)
#"1814 Megamix"

Note: Due to the fact that many pressings of CD's around the world doesn't support the editing of tracks with less than 4.00 seconds of duration, some editions of the album including a cut-down version of the 3-second interlude "Let's Dance" leaving the fourth second in silence before the next track begins. This creates a sensation of interruption due to the fact that "Let's Dance" and "Miss You Much" are mixed together, without an original pause.

Personnel

*Herb Alpert – Trumpet, Horn, Brass
*Julie Ayer – Violin
*Stephen Barnett – Conductor
*Steve Barnett – Conductor
*David Barry – Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Guitar (12 String)
*Lee Blaske – Arranger
*Chris Brown – Bass
*Carolyn Daws – Violin
*Hanley Daws – Violin
*David Eiland – Programming
*Rene Elizondo – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*Richard Frankel – Art Direction, Cover Design
*Johnny Gill – Percussion, Special Effects, Finger Snaps
*James Greer – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*Guzman/Rotterdam Conservatory Orquesta Tipica – Photography
*Steve Hodge – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr), Engineer
*Peter Howard – Cello
*Janet Jackson – Arranger, Keyboards, Vocals, Vocals (bckgr), Producer
*Jimmy Jam – Percussion, Piano, Drums, Keyboards, Programming, Producer
*Jellybean Johnson – Guitar, Drums, Vocals, Vocals (bckgr), Producer
*Jesse Johnson – Guitar
*Lisa Keith – Vocals (bckgr)
*Kathy Kienzle – Harp
*Joshua Koestenbaum – Cello
*Jamial Lafleur – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*Terry Lewis – Bass, Percussion, Arranger, Vocals (bckgr), Producer
*Tshaye Marks – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*John McClain – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr), Producer
*Tamika McDaniel – Vocals
*Tarnika McDaniel – Vocals (bckgr)
*John McLain – Guitar, Vocals (bckgr)
*Shante Owens – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*Amy Powell – Vocals
*Randy Ran – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*Nicholas Raths – Guitar, Guitar (Classical)
*Sonya Robinson – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*Clarice Rupert – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*Warlesha Ryan – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*Tamas Strasser – Viola
*John Tartaglia – Viola
*Reshard Taylor – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*Romuald Tecco – Concert Master
*Anthony Thomas – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
*Hyacinthe Tlucek – Concert Master
*Steve Wilson – Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)

Charts positions

Album

ingles

Footnotes

References

*Bogdanov, Vladimir. Woodstra, Chris. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "All Music Guide to Rock: The Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul". Backbeat Books, 2002. ISBN 087930653X
*Bronson, Fred. "Billboard's Hottest Hot 100 Hits: Top Songs and Song Makers, 1955 to 2000". Watson-Guptill, 2003. ISBN 0823077381
*Bronson, Fred. "The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits". Billboard Books, 2003. ISBN 0823076776
*Gates, Henry Louis. Appiah, Anthony. "Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and African American". Basic Civitas Books, 1999. ISBN 0465000711
*Halstead, Craig. Cadman, Chris. "Jacksons Number Ones". Authors On Line, 2003. ISBN 0755200985
*Jasen, David A. "A Century of American Popular Music: 2000 Best-Loved and Remembered Songs (1899-1999)". Taylor & Francis, 2002. ISBN 0415937000
*Kramarae, Cheris. Spender, Dale. "Routledge International Encyclopedia of Women: Global Women's Issues and Knowledge". Routledge, 2000. ISBN 0415920914
*Ripani, Richard J. "The New Blue Music: Changes in Rhythm & Blues, 1950-1999". Univ. Press of Mississippi, 2006. ISBN 1578068622
*Strong, Martin Charles. "The Great Rock Discography: Complete Discographies Listing Every Track Recorded by More Than 1200 Artists". Canongate U.S., 2004. ISBN 1841956155

External links

* [http://www.google.com/musicl?lid=Z_e4vgWe6AC&aid=VI_KSE3lv2M "Rhythm Nation 1814"] at Google Music
* [http://www.google.com/musicl?lid=pFzAM_kJBPI&aid=VI_KSE3lv2M "Rhythm Nation 1814"/Rhythm Nation Compilation] at Google Music

sucession box
before = "Dr. Feelgood" by Mötley Crüe
title = U.S. "Billboard" 200 number-one album
years = October 28, 1989 – November 18, 1989
after = "Girl You Know It's True" by Milli Vanillisuccession box
before = "The Very Best of Elton John" by Elton John
title = Australian ARIA Albums Chart number-one album
years = February 3 - February 9, 1991
February 17 - March 9, 1991
after = "Souvenir - The Ultimate Collection"
by Billy Joel