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Janet Jackson’s newest album was released this month and I have to say, I was more impressed than I thought I would be. A few of my classic Janet songs are “That’s the Way Love Goes”, “All for You”, “Someone to Call my Lover”, “You”, “Again”, & “Where Are You Now” amongst many others.

Jackson’s last few albums have been a mix between “club”/dance songs & hip hop. I really enjoy Janet’s hip hop side and I think her talents lie mainly in that genre. However, I’m not the biggest fan of the funky beets. I think it over powers her beautiful voice & rhythm.

I remember back in the day, 5-6th grade where I’d hook up three extension cords to each other, plug in my boom box and play my scratched and skipping “Janet” album of hers and listen to it hour after hour with one of my childhood friends. Oh the memories!

Here are some of my favorites on her Discipline album:

• “Feedback” - Her first single, now on radios across the world.
• “Rock With U” - This is the best bump-n-grinding song ever for the club. Grab your honey or that cat you’re eying in the club and move your body!
• “Never Letchu Go” - This is the ballad-type of song that I crave from astounding singers. I think this is why I was so disappointed in DK’s album (review here) - there aren’t enough songs to showcase these amazing singer’s voices.

Another thing that leaves me unsettled: There are nine - YES NINE! - interludes! This is ridiculous, in my mind. Why is there such a need for so many?! Especially since I love the melodies & beats in may of them and they’re like 40 seconds long! I guess these would make great cellphone ring tones, right? Anyone need a cellphone repeater?
Do you enjoy Janet’s music? Who, in your opinion, has had a successful comeback as an artist this year in ‘08?

In the words of Mrs. Jackson, “Strobe lights make everything sexier/Shadows dancin’ on the wall/Our bodies as one”.

New in the music charts this week is Danity Kane’s sophomore album Welcome to the Dollhouse! Released Tuesday, March 18, the album has hit thousands of people’s stereos providing booty shakin’ tunes.

This album has a really huge dance feel to it. Hit the clubs and you’ll probably hear DK’s songs in the following weeks & months. Their first album was a really big hit, providing an R&B feel; many ballads, some hip hop, and a great variety of tunes. Danity Kane’s second album, however, is much more upbeat. The majority of their songs are fast paced and have a techno/dance feel to it. I prefer the girls in their R&B realm because I don’t feel like their voices are showcased as well in the revolution-type beats, however they can rock both worlds!

Welcome to the Dollhouse features artists like P. Diddy (of course, he doesn’t stay out of anything that has to do with the bombshells!), Missy Elliot, Rick Ross, and more. The introduction & interludes have a really calming feel to them. Opening the album, “Welcome to the Dollhouse (Intro)” starts with a trinkling music box sound. Revealed inside are these beautiful, talented women.

DK’s 15-track album is a true growth from their first album, however many of the beats are so similar it all sounds like one long track if you don’t pay attention. Some of my favorites include their first single, “Damaged”, “Is Anybody Listening”, & Pretty Boy. I’m hoping the more I listen, the more I’ll fall in love. However if I had to choose from either of their albums I would without a doubt reach for their first.

Here are the top picks that I’m totally digging this week.

1. Mandy Moore - Umbrella (remake of Rhianna’s)
2. Pussy Cat Dolls - I don’t need a Man
3. Ne-Yo - When You’re Mad
4. James Blunt  - Beautiful
5. Alicia Keys - Super Woman
6. Kelly Clarkson - Beautiful Disaster
7. Flo Rida - Low
8. OneRepublic - Appologize
9. Fergie - Clumsy
10. J Holiday - Suffocate
11. Usher - Love in This Club
12. Rhianna - Don’t Stop the Music

What are your favorite songs at the moment? Oldies or new releases. What style of music do you like best? It’s obvious I’m a hip hop/r&b girl, but I honestly do love most music. Share!