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Janet Jackson
"Nothing" single
Released: March 23rd, 2010
Poor thing. Miss Jackson just can't seem to get a break. Ever since exposing herself at the Superbowl in 2004, Janet hasn't had one hit song. The dance-packed "Feedback" came close...but ultimately failed in comparison to prior chart toppers. So now, Jackson is trying to reclaim her success with a ballad that oozes of her 90s hits, "Again" and "Everytime." And if it were still 1993, this song would undoubtedly be #1. However, it's 2010 and the current music consumer isn't too interested in hushed R & B ballads. "Nothing" brings Jackson a new-found innocence void of the sexually charged lyrics of late. Her breathy approach to singing is gentle and refreshing, perfectly complementing the simple music arrangement. Unfortunately, this nostalgic 90s throwback ballad is not going to give Jackson the attention she so desperately is trying to reclaim. Watch the video
Rihanna
"Rated R" album
Released: November 20th, 2009
Chris Brown
"Graffiti" album
Released: December 8th, 2009
Only 10 months after their infamous domestic abuse incident, Chris Brown and Rihanna have each released new albums. In February, these two musicians (and lovers) were at the top of their game, both riding the wave of fame after madly successful albums. And then the violent fists of Brown brought their careers to a crushing halt. To ignore this incident is nearly impossible when comparing their latest works. How does the victim respond to her abuser? And how does the abuser make amends to his victim?
On "Rated R", Rihanna has transformed into a true artist. The 'good girl' pop princess is no more. Forget the frivolous party songs "Don't Stop the Music" and "Umbrella." This is a woman who has something to get off her chest, and she does so remarkably. Rihanna's courageous confessionals of an abusive love permeate throughout the album. It allows the listener to finally connect with her on a personal level, outside of the clubs and in the privacy of one's own sacred space. The music itself contains dense beats, haunting synths, and eerie chord arrangements galore. This is not to say Rihanna has completely abandoned her pop roots...far from it; she's now the one packing the punch. In ignorant contrast, is Chris Brown's "Graffiti." Attempting to sweep his malice under the rug, Brown continues with his sexualized R & B jams. "Sing Like Me," "Wait," and "Take My Time" are just a few examples of Brown's carnal objectifications of women. The lyrics themselves aren't necessarily offensive, it's the context. A man who just recently beat up his girlfriend does not need to be singing about being such a suave ladies man. It's simply disgusting. This is all a real shame, because musically, Brown still has the touch for catchy tunes. "I.Y.A." and "Crawl" rank among his best songs. Too bad he's an unremorseful creep.
Watch music video for Rihanna's "Russian Roulette"Watch music video for Chris Brown's "I'll Transform Ya"
