Rhythm Nation 1814 - Janet Jackson (1989)

Ideated from: a Black History Month reminder that black artists largely built the modern world of music

For me, this is a great example of how we can put on blinders because of context. I didn’t think much of this when it was new and dominating the conversation because I always saw it as “just a pop record.” But listening now without 16-year-old me’s quirks, it goes hard. Even the big radio hits are packed with layered synths and drums that sound great.

The sound was the “new jack swing” style of drum-machine-front synthy R&B that was already ruling the airwaves, but Jackson and producers Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam weaponized that sound into semi-industrial pop/funk that really is remarkable.

I’m not any kind of expert on this, but a lot of things recorded in this 88 to 91 period sound tinny and distant now, I think because there wasn’t an accepted way to master a record for digital yet. Whatever might have caused that, this record is entirely immune. It sounds amazing in its the depth and definition.

Tracks I Liked

Rhythm Nation - built around a Sly & The Family Stone sample, this is probably one of the most recognizable songs of the late 80s, and it deserves it all.

Miss You Much - another non-stop groove monster

Alright - a little more conventional new jack swing, but still very well done

Black Cat - say you’re making an R&B record, and you want to attract the attention of 16 year old white kids… put a wicked guitar riff in one of the songs. Worked like a charm.