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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
MY FAVORITE ALBUM OF ALL TIME, ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN..., November 24, 2001
Musically, 'Rhythm Nation 1814' is an ingenious blend of pro-social anthems, gorgeously beautiful ballads, and new jack swing dance cuts. To this day, I have yet to hear an album that pleases my ears, moves my feet, and lifts my spirit the way 'Rhythm Nation' did, and still does. What Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis put together at the end of the 1980s was sheer pop/R&B magic -- and it has endured the test of time oh-so well. Great music always does.The 'Rhythm Nation' project had it all: substance, style, pop appeal, energy, and a socially conscious message. Amazingly, seven top five singles (U.S) were released during the 'Rhythm Nation' campaign, spanning from September 1989 until January 1991, when the majestic "Love Will Never Do Without You" became the album's fifth #1 single (something no other album has done since). Also, there was a double meaning to the "1814" tagged on to Janet's album. The well-known meaning is the fact that Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star Spangled Banner" in 1814. The lesser known meaning is that "R" is the 18th letter in the alphabet, and "N" is the 14th letter. Although these facts may seem trivial, I mean to include them to illustrate that RN 1814 was much more than a "pop" album in the traditional sense. Rather, the 'Rhythm Nation 1814' album (and tour) was a shining portrait of a caring individual employing her influence as a recording artist to spread an honest, pro-social message a la Marvin Gaye or Stevie Wonder. Now, let's get to the music: True to the mysterious cover art (black & white), the album begins with a tolling bell, a door opening, and then a recitation of the 'Rhythm Nation' pledge, ending with the line, "pushing towards a world rid of color-lines". An elevator sound descends into Janet's famous "5,4,3,2,1" -- and then we're off into the title track (2nd U.S. single), a gloriously funky anthem that still sounds as fresh, exciting and inventive as it did back in 1989. I really can't say enough about this song... Next up is an interlude that introduces the listener to "State Of The World", an urgent dance number (almost the 8th single) addressing societal ills such as homelessness, violence, and world hunger. Following another interlude, we are led into "The Knowledge" which musically has Janet chanting over a wonderfully produced 'new jack swing' beat provided by Jam & Lewis during what I consider their creative peak. After a "get the point?" interlude, we're off into dance-land with "Miss You Much" (1st U.S. single), a confident, carefree jam that nicely recalls her earlier 'Control' material. We hear a somber "Come Back To Me" interlude before going into "Love Will Never Do Without You" (7th U.S. single) perhaps one of the most beautiful midtempo R&B/pop songs ever recorded. The background vocals on "Love Will Never Do Without You" are incredibly uplifting, and make me miss the days when Jam & Lewis vocally contributed to Ms. Jackson's music. "Livin' In A World (They Didn't Make)" is a powerful ballad primarily inspired by the Stockton school playground killings of 1989, and the last full-length song to address social issues on the album. Its message -- addressing youth violence, adult hypocrisy, and protecting children -- is as relevant today as it ever was. One word: "colors" (a reference to gangs), is censored from the album; this was an interesting move by A&M Records...makes me wonder why? Then we get to dance again in the form of "Alright" (4th U.S. single), a new-jack-swing number in every sense -- so much so that rapper Heavy D contributed to the video (along with legends Cab Calloway, Sid Charese and the Nicholas Brothers). Next we go into the explosively fun "Escapade" (3rd U.S. single), which I still hear quite often. Both "Escapade" and (especially) "Alright" had great videos. After an anti-drug interlude, we're led into "Black Cat" (6th U.S. single), a scorching rocker that actually has a much better single version (which can be found on 'Design Of A Decade'); but it's the next song, "Lonely" that I consider a true work of art. It's a misty ballad featuring delicate percussion, a tender spanish guitar, and the most vividly plush background vocals I have ever heard. Jam & Lewis were able to create this 'quiet storm' magic a year earlier in 1988 when they wrote and produced "Can You Stand The Rain" for New Edition. "Lonely" is this reviewer's favorite song of all time. The beauty continues in the form of the oh-so-somber "Come Back To Me" (5th U.S. single), which follows perfectly in the footsteps of "Lonely". This is the Janet Jackson I fell in love with, and came to look up to during my youth: pure, sweet, caring and beautiful. Right after "Come Back To Me", Janet invites the listener into her bedroom, and sings "Someday is Tonight", a sequel of sorts to her earlier pro-abstinence ballad, "Let's Wait Awhile". Featuring a steamily muted trumpet by Herb Alpert, "Someday is Tonight" is an intensely sensual finale to this long and eventful journey of an album... We close 'Rhythm Nation 1814' with a 'morning after' final interlude ending with the line, "don't let your eyes deceive you" and a tolling bell - leaving the listener with a haunting, almost disturbingly unresolved ending to a perfect album. 'Rhythm Nation 1814' is a seamless work of pop/R&B brilliance. The subsequent 'Rhythm Nation 1814' world tour still maintains the record of being the most successful debut tour in history. Grade: A+ Andrew Knyte
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~ Janet
~ Michael Jackson
~ Michael Jackson
~ Janet Jackson
~ Michael Jackson
by Janet Jackson 
