Rhythm Nation 1814 album cover
Rhythm Nation 1814

Janet Jackson

1989
A&M Records

Rhythm Nation propelled seven singles into the top five: “Miss You Much,” “Escapade,” “Alright” and “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” dominated radio for three years, with number one hits in ’89, ’90 and ’91. This socially conscious suite of songs recalls a What’s Going On for the dance floor. The mechanized percussion production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis stomps hard throughout, dating it a bit but in full step with the popular new jack swing sound of its time. From Janelle Monáe’s “Hell You Talmbout” to Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” to Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” the legacy of Rhythm Nation stands tall.

Miles Marshall Lewis

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