Rhythm Nation 1814

Arguably the first concept albums were the Beatles' ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ and the Who’s ‘Tommy’. And among these pieces, it is my personal opinion that Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’ belongs in this storied collection. The fourth studio album by the singer-songwriter was released in September of 1989. Jackson was insistent on creating a concept album addressing social issues although label execs (A&M Records) wanted material more like her previous album ‘Control’. In fact, Jackson along with producers James "Jimmy Jam" Harris and Terry Lewis isolated themselves to compose the record. No one from A&M Records was invited to the studio to observe and the execs complied.

Drawing inspiration from various tragedies reported through news media along with themes exploring racism, poverty, substance abuse, and romance, Jackson sought to create an album depicting a sociopolitical utopia.

Along with conceptual storytelling, Jackson’s album contains a combination of musical genres from new jack swing to hard rock and from pop to dance. The album was in high rotation on radio stations with vastly different formats. Jackson’s use of synths and sampling reflected the newer musical tools heard in 80s pop music.

Favorite song on the album: Miss You Much