Picture it: 1986. Neon colors, big hair, and the unmistakable sound of the '80s in the air. It was a year of change, of breakthroughs, and for many, the year they first fell in love with Janet Jackson's groundbreaking album, Control.
Growing up, I always felt a special connection to music—it was my escape, my solace, my joy. The day I turned on WABB and heard the funky bassline and catchy lyrics to “Nasty,” I was instantly captivated. This was Janet Jackson, no longer just Michael Jackson's little sister, but a powerhouse in her own right.
By the time the album was officially released on February 4, 1986, "What Have You Done for Me Lately" had already been dominating the airwaves for three weeks. The song's infectious beat and empowering lyrics set the tone for the entire album. I wanted this album so badly, but my mom, ever the frugal woman, simply told me to “tape it off the radio!” How could I tape a whole album off the radio when they only played the top 40 singles?
During one of our shopping trips to K-Mart, my dad’s favorite among the discount department stores in the area, I managed to convince him to buy me the 7-inch single of the song “Control.” It was backed with a song from Janet’s previous album called “Fast Girls,” which I loved just as much. But having the single still didn’t satisfy my craving for the entire album.
The turning point came in an unexpected and heartbreaking way. My abuser, a few doors down from us, used "Control" as the soundtrack to one of his frottage sessions. As payment for his one-way pleasure, he let me have the album and told me not to tell my mom where it came from. When I got home, I knew I had to keep it a secret, so I decided to record the album onto a cassette tape using my sister’s big stereo. This way, I could listen to it in my mama's car or wherever I wanted.
From start to finish, the message of "Control" is clear: Janet had something to prove. This album is far from a cookie-cutter 1980s record. It stands out as one of the few albums from that era that doesn't show its age. The fresh sound, innovative production, and Janet's confident vocal delivery make Control timeless.
The album consists of nine tracks, seven of which became singles that stormed the charts. Alongside "What Have You Done for Me Lately," fans were treated to hits like "Nasty," "When I Think of You," "Control," "Let's Wait Awhile," "The Pleasure Principle," and the final track and single, "Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun)." Each song tells a story of empowerment, independence, and resilience, themes that resonated with many and solidified Janet's place in music history.
For those looking to relive the 1980s without delving into the "oldies" genre, Control is the perfect throwback. It captures the essence of the decade while maintaining a fresh, modern feel. On a side note, a remix album titled Control: The Remixes (also known as "More Control") was released on January 26, 1987, in Europe and Japan. This album features various remixes of tracks from Control and serves as a great companion to the original album. There are three editions of the remix album, each offering a unique listening experience. For the best collection of remixes, I recommend the UK edition.
Janet's journey through Control is a testament to the power of music and the strength it can bring to our lives. Whether you have a similar story or simply want to share your thoughts on the album, I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment and join the conversation. If this story resonated with you and you feel inspired to show support, know that every little bit helps in keeping these memories alive. Let's continue celebrating the music that shapes our lives! 🎶✨
I remember how you said you got your first copy of this album. Sad that we fell into hustling in our elementary school ages but hey, easy free stuff. Mr. Bemis sucked.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely remember. He was the one that gave it to me. His gifts were always small...like his member.
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