#475 Janet Jackson, 'Rhythm Nation' (1989)

 I know I heard some songs from this album when it came out, but I don't really recall them.  It's kind of sad that when many of us (like me) think of Janet Jackson, the first thing that comes to mind is the Super Bowl incident.

I'm not sure what to expect; expectations are low mostly because I'm expecting dance music and I generally don't dig that.  But I know she can sing, so I'll stop yapping and start listening....

---

Ok, this is exceeding my admittedly low expectations.  Slicker than I generally like;  as with many of the songs so far, fine if you are at a dance club (which is not something I personally enjoy), but not something I would sit and listen to.  That said, it's catchy and infectious.  And really interesting orchestration. I like it.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#490 Lil Nas X, 'Old Town Road' (2019)

 The only thing familiar about this one is the name of the artist. Can't say where I've heard of them.  This just came out 2 years ago. They should probably have some sort of waiting period, like with the Hall of Fame. Even sports hall of fames do this.  To make sure it's going to stand the test of time.  You ever look at Oscar winners from a couple of years and wonder what they were thinking? Let's give it shot.... OK, under two minutes. Did what it needed to do. I do think that in general pop songs have gotten too long. The Supremes song early in the list was around 2 minutes and damn near perfect. I feel like many songs could lose a verse and no one would care. Anyhow,  I like that more than I do most heavily sampled, drum machine sort of songs. Really cool contrast of the urban sounds and a cowboy subject.   Of the three songs released in the 21st century that have been on the list, this is my favorite.  By far.  Well done, Lil Nas. ...
Read more

#495 Carly Simon, 'You're So Vain'

 Ok, last one for tonight. I was five when this came out. I'm sure I've heard it a million times, I can hum the hook - "Bet you think this song is about you, don't you". Starting it up. I don't recall this intro at all.  That's some cool bass.  This song is hipper than I remember.  Nice guitar solo and rhythm guitar on the verse after the solo.  Interesting without taking away from the song. The band is really tight.  Going to look that up...  Jimmy Ryan on guitar, I'm not familiar with him. He doesn't even have a wikipedia entry.  But nice work! Jim Gordon on drums and Beatle connected Klaus Voorman on bass.  Gordon played on a ton of records, including Layla (at least one song from Layla I expect will be on this list).  
Read more

#488 The Weeknd, 'House of Balloons' (2011)

  No idea what to expect.  Can't say anything about this sounds familiar. This is the first one I really don't want to finish.  I've liked them all, but this is the first one I've disliked.  Won't say any more because I'm not going to finish - I gave it 2 minutes.  Sorry about the Weeknd.
Read more