20 Y.O. [IMPORT]

Janet Jackson

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 26, 2006)
• Original Release Date: September 26, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Virgin
• ASIN: B000FQ4O0G
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (312 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #23,121 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Janet Jackson opens her much-hyped, post-wardrobe-malfunction return to the studio with the following proclamation: "I've covered a lot in my 20 years, and I've uncovered a lot in my 20 years." There's a pause, then a giggle. And then comes an honest breakdown of this disc's DNA: "I want to have fun," chimes Janet (or J., or Miss Jackson if you're nasty and can remember that far back). Fun, then, is what we get. With a light heart, a light vocal touch, and no shortage of quips and unstaged-sounding between-song cut-ups, Janet and her Jermaine Dupri-helmed posse pull together a Sunday afternoon picnic of a disc: "Enjoy," among 20 Y.O.'s standouts, hauls in a kids' choir to reinforce the keep-it-simple, spirits-skyward vibe; "So Excited" reaches back to Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" for a subtle retro reference point; "Show Me" and "Do It 2 Me" buzz along to infectious midtempo sound melanges; and "This Body" is a heavy breather reminiscent of Damita Jo's likable smut. Nelly puts in a house call for "Call on Me," another easy-beezy standout and 20 Y.O.'s nod to name-dropping, but overall it's easiest to praise this fresh and frolicsome disc for what it does without--in a break from current pop customs, nothing's twitchy or trying too hard. -- Tammy La Gorce

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Product Description
Since the release of her 1986 groundbreaking album Control, Janet Jackson has done just that by taking control of her career. Her groundbreaking musical style, compelling music videos and show stopping performances have impacted the world, making her an international iconic superstar. Janet's new album 20 Y.O. is the celebration of her 20 years since taking control and shows why she remains a staple in mainstream popular music.

Note: Initial run of 20 Y.O. includes 4 different covers designed by contest winners.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Album in the past 5 years. Miss Jackson is Back!!!, September 26, 2006

By	Rodney Gunn "babyblue" (Opelika, Alabama United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is by far the best album Janet has put out since The Velvet Rope. This is also the best album put out within the last 5 years. This album puts Beyonce, Christina, and Justin to shame. The original Diva is back and all her followers need to bow down.

52 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a Classic, but Good, September 26, 2006

By	Antoine D. Reid "80sforever" (Durham, NC United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Let's be honest, this isn't a classic Janet Jackson CD. When put next to earlier cds such as 'Rhythm Nation' and 'Velvet Rope" or even 'All For You', it seems like she's honoring her 20 years as a music star by going in a completely different direction. '20 Y.O.' has a selection of songs that remind you of something a 20-something year old music star today would be doing. Perhaps that's because Jermaine Dupri has steered her in this direction with a sound that sounds a bit beneath her. Gone are the real classic hits and tunes we'd expect from Janet and in there place are rather commercial R&B and pop songs without that true Janet touch.

That being said, '20 Y.O.' is still enjoyable once you accept it as something new and it's own cd. The first five songs on the cd are true dance. "So Excited" is the first real upbeat Janet song we've gotten in a while. It does sort of have an old-school sounding beat to it that helps it stand out as a track and single. "Get It Out Me" is in some regards pure 80s and perhaps one of the best tracks on the cd. It reminds you a bit of LL Cool J's "Lose Control" and Janet's vocals are pretty good on that. "Show Me" is laid back and continues this retro-dance feel and perhaps showcases Janet's voice the best on the cd. "Do It 2 Me" is another interesting song that's sort of muddied at the start with Jermaine Dupri inserted his voice and vocals or rapping style into the mix, as he seems to do with a lot of songs he produces (he appears or intrudes in numerous songs on Mariah's "Emancipation of Mimi"). The song is setup to be a sort of naughtier, sexed up, dance driven sequal to "I Get Lonely" and she pulls it off well.

I'd say by the second intro, the CD goes from being upbeat and good to just being okay. The tracks lose the dance feel, they sort of lose the retro sound and upbeat manner and for the most part go into a laid back groove state. "With U" is a ballad of sorts that's really nice, "Enjoy" is Janet encouraging the listeners to just sit back and enjoy what life has to offer, "Daybreak" is the well produced song that sounds as if it could easily have fit in on an early 80s Janet cd. The rest of the songs don't stand out, the intros don't add a thing to the songs but unecessary breaks and pauses in the music.

In all, the CD was good. I'd say as a whole it's a stronger release than "Damita Jo". As for it being a sort of tribute or celebration of her 20 years as a musical star ... it seems to do that by attempting to turn her music and sound into an imitation of what's popular today, and that isn't appealing or necessary. That's what makes it a bit weak because in some respects, the first five songs are the best, but they're also the ones that seem to be the least bit Janet and she sounds as if she's trying hard (too hard at times) to stay relevant and fresh instead of embracing the sounds, subjects, and lyrics of her music from the past two decades. Good, though, and worth the purchase.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Janet brings back sizzling heat!!!!!! , September 26, 2006

By	Poe "Music Fan" (PA) - See all my reviews

Janet has been and will for ever will be one of the most iconic women in the world. Her and Madonna are probelly the two biggest female international superstars that still make great music today.

Janet really shows her fun side, instead of talking about race, empowering women, sexual orientation, and children. She states that she just wants to have fun.

She starts the album off with 5 club bangers off the bat. This women means business! So Excited (with Khia) her second single), Show Me (were she raps in the chorus and at the end of the song), Get It Out Me is just another amazing club banger. Do It To Me; which you can tell has Kanye West and JD heavily influenced beats on the track.

And the haunting rock anthem "This Body" a personal favorite on the album for me!

Then 20 YO PART 2
With U; which can be easily the best R&B song since "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey (2005) or "Trippin (That's The Way Love Works" by Toni Braxton (2005)And her first single which is cute duet with Nelly.

20 YO Part 3 - the classic JANET, and pop song

"DayBreak" which is probelly can be determined the only pop song same with "Enjoy" and maybe "With U" on the album.

"DayBreak" definity has the "Someone To Call My Lover" kinda vibe, but the beat is tens time better and so are the lyrics and vocals.

"Enjoy" is classic Janet. The Janet that we have known for these past 20 Years. Easily gonna be a favorite for those older Janet Fans.

20 YO Part 4

"Take Care" is definity the "Rope Burn" or the "Anytime, Anyplace" on the album. Really, classy sexual song. Janet really brings back the sexy slow jam on this one.

and "Love2Love" the sweet and soultry ballad. Which really brings Janet back into the "The Vevlet Rope" days. Definitly going to be another favorite!

The album definitly deserves a 5/5. This goes down in the books with the other great Janet albums!