Having sold over 160 million records (albums and singles) worldwide, including 33 million in the United States and 2 million in the United Kingdom, JANET JACKSON one of the best-selling music artists, noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Janet Jackson discography consists of ten studio albums, two compilation albums, and two remix albums
A member of R&B royalty with a silvery voice and a fierce spirit, Janet Jackson helped define pop in the late 20th century with hard-hitting beats, sumptuous love songs, and a commitment to helping the world find, as she sang in her 1989 smash “Rhythm Nation,” “a better way of life.” Born in Gary, IN, in 1966, Janet broke from her pop-star brothers and initially found fame on television, playing Penny on the groundbreaking sitcom Good Times in the late ’70s. She released her self-titled debut album in 1982 but truly came into her own with her third full-length, 1986’s Control, a fiery proclamation of the self that took nasty boys to task and propelled the then-nascent genre of new jack swing into pop’s mainstream.
In the ensuing years, Jackson continued to push boundaries musically and lyrically: 1989’s Rhythm Nation 1814 added political savvy and squealing guitars to the mix; 1993’s Janet. was a declaration of sexual independence that coincided with her star turn in the John Singleton film Poetic Justice; and 1997’s The Velvet Rope put her innermost thoughts—good and bad—front and center. All these albums were packed with singles that defined the decade, like the brightly hued love song “Love Will Never Do (Without You),” the spirited “If,” and the chilled-out Joni Mitchell flip “Got ’Til It’s Gone.” Jackson kept innovating as younger R&B artists clearly inspired by her made their own inroads into pop. She worked with of-the-moment collaborators like The-Dream and Kanye West in the 2000s, and her 2015 triumph Unbreakable looked back on her three-plus decades in the music business with love, grace, and music that recalled her platinum past while gazing ahead to pop’s future. So, if you are a die heart fan of Janet Jackson Albums then check out here we have list of Janet Jackson albums in order of release so far.
Janet Jackson Albums Available on: Apple Music
All Janet Jackson Studio Albums in Order of Release Date
1. Janet Jackson (1982)
Janet Jackson’s self-titled debut album, released in 1982, showcased her as a talented vocalist with a fresh and youthful energy. Produced by her brother, Michael Jackson, and Donn Landee, the album combined elements of pop, R&B, and dance music.
The album’s standout tracks include “Young Love,” “Say You Do,” and “Come Give Your Love to Me,” which showcased Janet’s impressive range and smooth delivery. The album also featured the hit single “The Magic Is Working,” which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
While the album was not an immediate commercial success, it set the foundation for Janet’s future success and helped establish her as a rising star in the music industry. With her distinctive style and undeniable talent, Janet Jackson’s debut album is a classic example of early ’80s pop and R&B.
2. Dream Street (1984)
Janet Jackson’s “Dream Street” album was released in 1984 and was her second studio album. The album featured a mix of pop, R&B, and dance music, and was produced by her brother, Michael Jackson, along with a team of other producers.
The album was not as successful as Janet’s later works, but it did produce some popular tracks such as “Don’t Stand Another Chance,” “Two to the Power of Love,” and “Pretty Boy.” The album also showcased Janet’s growing confidence as a performer and songwriter.
While “Dream Street” may not have been a commercial smash, it was an important stepping stone in Janet Jackson’s career. It helped establish her as a talented artist with her own distinct style and set the stage for her later success in the music industry.
3. Control (1986)
Janet Jackson’s third studio album, “Control,” released in 1986, marked a significant turning point in her career. The album showcased Janet’s newfound independence and control over her artistic direction, with her taking on a more assertive and empowered persona.
“Control” was a critical and commercial success, spawning numerous hit singles such as “Nasty,” “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” and “When I Think of You.” The album’s themes of self-empowerment, independence, and liberation resonated with audiences, particularly women, and earned Jackson a reputation as a feminist icon. With “Control,” Janet Jackson cemented her status as a leading pop artist of the 1980s, and the album remains a beloved classic to this day.
4. Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989)
Janet Jackson’s fourth studio album, “Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814,” was released in 1989 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The album tackled social and political issues such as racism, poverty, and drug abuse, while also exploring themes of love, sexuality, and self-empowerment.
With hits like “Miss You Much,” “Rhythm Nation,” and “Escapade,” the album showcased Jackson’s versatility as an artist and cemented her status as a pop icon. The music videos for the album’s singles were also groundbreaking, incorporating powerful choreography and bold visuals to convey the album’s message.
“Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814” was not only a critical and commercial success, but it also had a lasting impact on the music industry, influencing other artists to use their platforms to address social issues. The album remains a timeless classic, showcasing Jackson’s artistry and vision as one of the most influential artists of her generation.
5. Janet (1993)
Janet Jackson’s 1993 album, “Janet,” is widely regarded as one of her most iconic and influential works. With its blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, the album showcased Jackson’s versatility as an artist and helped establish her as a cultural force.
The album’s lead single, “That’s the Way Love Goes,” was a massive hit, topping the charts for eight consecutive weeks and earning Jackson a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Other standout tracks include “If,” “Again,” and “Any Time, Any Place,” which all received significant airplay and critical acclaim.
Beyond its musical accomplishments, “Janet” was also notable for its frank discussions of sexuality and social issues, such as domestic violence and racism. The album’s cover, which featured Jackson topless with a pair of male hands covering her breasts, was a bold statement of empowerment and self-expression.
Overall, “Janet” remains a landmark album in Janet Jackson’s career and a lasting influence on the R&B and pop music landscapes.
6. The Velvet Rope (1997)
Janet Jackson’s 1997 album “The Velvet Rope” is a landmark in her career, showcasing her willingness to explore personal and social issues through her music. The album blends various genres, including R&B, pop, and trip-hop, and features collaborations with several artists, including Q-Tip and Joni Mitchell.
The album’s themes touch on love, relationships, depression, and self-empowerment. The title track, “The Velvet Rope,” explores the concept of exclusion and societal pressures. “Together Again” is a tribute to friends lost to AIDS.
The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and selling over ten million copies worldwide. It remains a timeless piece of music that continues to inspire and resonate with listeners today.
7. All for You (2001)
Janet Jackson’s “All for You” album, released in 2001, was a commercial and critical success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and earning Jackson her fifth Grammy Award. The album’s title track, “All for You,” was a chart-topping single and a staple of pop radio for much of the year.
The album features an upbeat and energetic sound, with Jackson exploring themes of love, relationships, and empowerment through her lyrics. Tracks like “Son of a Gun” and “Someone to Call My Lover” showcase Jackson’s signature blend of R&B, pop, and dance music, while slower songs like “Trust a Try” and “Come On Get Up” display her ability to convey vulnerability and intimacy through her music.
Overall, “All for You” is a standout album in Jackson’s discography, representing a successful continuation of her career following the massive success of her previous album, “The Velvet Rope.” The album remains a beloved classic in the pop music canon.
8. Damita Jo (2004)
Janet Jackson’s eighth studio album, “Damita Jo,” released in 2004, was a departure from her previous work, as she experimented with more explicit lyrics and sexual themes. The album was met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising Jackson’s vocals and production choices while others criticized the explicit content.
Despite the controversy surrounding the album, “Damita Jo” debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. The album featured collaborations with a variety of producers and artists, including Kanye West, Babyface, and Missy Elliott.
Some of the standout tracks on the album include “All Nite (Don’t Stop),” “I Want You,” and “Just a Little While.” Overall, “Damita Jo” showcases Janet Jackson’s ability to reinvent herself and push the boundaries of her music while staying true to her signature sound.
9. 20 Y.O. (2006)
Janet Jackson’s 20 Y.O. is her ninth studio album, released in 2006. The title refers to the fact that it had been 20 years since her breakthrough album, Control, was released. The album features a blend of pop and R&B, with contributions from producers such as Jermaine Dupri, Ne-Yo, and Stargate.
The lead single, “Call on Me,” features Nelly and was a moderate success on the charts. Other notable tracks include “So Excited,” which features Khia, and “With U,” which is a slower, more introspective song.
The album received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Janet’s continued relevance in the industry and others criticizing the lack of innovation. However, it still managed to debut at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and was eventually certified gold by the RIAA.
Overall, 20 Y.O. may not be considered one of Janet Jackson’s strongest albums, but it still showcases her talent and ability to evolve her sound over time.
10. Discipline (2008)
Discipline is the tenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson, released in 2008. The album features a mix of uptempo dance tracks and slower ballads, showcasing Jackson’s signature R&B and pop sound.
The album’s lead single, “Feedback,” is a catchy electro-pop song that became a hit on the dance charts. Other notable tracks include the sensual “Rock with U,” the upbeat “Luv,” and the soulful ballad “Can’t B Good.”
One of the album’s highlights is the song “Discipline,” which features Jackson’s trademark breathy vocals over a seductive beat. The lyrics explore themes of sexual dominance and submission, as Jackson sings about the pleasures of giving in to a lover’s desires.
While Discipline received mixed reviews from critics, it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making it Jackson’s sixth album to achieve this feat. Overall, Discipline showcases Jackson’s versatility as an artist and cements her status as a pop icon.
11. Unbreakable (2015)
Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable album, released in 2015, marked her return to the music scene after a seven-year hiatus. The album featured a mix of R&B, pop, and electronic influences, showcasing Janet’s versatility as an artist. The lead single “No Sleeep” featuring J. Cole was a hit on both R&B and adult contemporary radio, and the album as a whole was well-received by critics and fans alike.
Lyrically, Unbreakable dealt with themes of love, loss, and perseverance. Many of the songs were inspired by Janet’s personal experiences, including the death of her brother Michael Jackson. Musically, the album was a departure from the more experimental sound of her previous album, and instead focused on creating a cohesive, soulful sound.
Overall, Unbreakable was a strong comeback album for Janet Jackson, cementing her status as one of the most influential and enduring artists in the music industry.
How many Albums does Janet Jackson have?
Janet Jackson discography is consists of ELEVEN studio albums, FOUR compilation albums, and TWO remix albums.
List of Janet Jackson Albums in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Janet Jackson Album in Order of Release Date:
Studio albums:
1. Janet Jackson — September 21, 1982
2. Dream Street — October 23, 1984
3. Control — February 4, 1986
4. Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 — September 19, 1989
5. Janet — May 18, 1993
6. The Velvet Rope — October 7, 1997
7. All for You — April 24, 2001
8. Damita Jo — March 30, 2004
9. 20 Y.O. — September 22, 2006
10. Discipline — February 25, 2008
11. Unbreakable — October 2, 2015
Remix albums:
1. Control: The Remixes — January 26, 1987
2. Janet. Remixed — March 13, 1995
Compilations albums:
1. Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 — October 10, 1995
2. Number Ones / The Best — November 17, 2009
3. Icon: Number Ones — August 31, 2010
4. Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits- — August 24, 2022
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Janet Jackson’s discography showcases her evolution as an artist, from her early pop sound to her exploration of R&B, hip hop, and social issues. Her albums, starting from “Janet Jackson” in 1982 to “Unbreakable” in 2015, have produced numerous hit singles and have cemented her status as one of the most successful female artists of all time. Whether you’re a fan of her dance-pop hits or her more introspective tracks, Janet Jackson’s albums offer something for everyone.
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