Janet Jackson

The marketplace has been both artistic boot camp and therapist's couch for Janet
Jackson; at the core of her bond with her audience is the fact that it has paid for the
privilege to watch her come into her own. It is simulated intimacy -- but what other kind is
there when the object of worship is a pure pop product? The 77-minute Velvet Rope is part
of a continuum, building from the self-empowering manifesto Control, the skin-d... More >

Why do I believe that this self-made object's mild kink and coyly matter-of-fact bisexuality are functions of flesh pure and simple? That for her sex really is about pleasure rather than power--or even, except as a side issue, love? Because her sex songs are flavorful where her love songs are all cliche, and because her much-berated fluting little-girl timbre whispers innocence even when she's loosening her new friend's pretty French gown. So in the absence of total personal fulfillment, here's hoping she retains her ability to feign delight, to fool herself as well as everyone else. (Grade: A-)