Before I begin, let me say that selecting 10 Janet Jackson songs for this list was an excruciating assignment that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
The hardest part of compiling this list was deciding which of Jackson’s numerous No. 1 hits would populate this list.
The reality of the situation was that I could have probably chosen all 10 songs from Jackson’s 1989 album, “Rhythm Nation,” which is truly one of the greatest albums ever recorded by any artists ever.
No matter, I have once again managed to complete the task at hand and compile a list of Jackson’s greatest hits ever.
So, without further adieu, here are my top 10 songs by the amazing Janet Jackson.
Pleasure Principle (1987)
This song from Jackson’s “Control” album may not be her biggest hit ever, but it is undeniably my favorite song ever by Jackson. The energetic hit went on to reach No. 14 on the U.S. Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on both, the U.S. R&B; and Dance charts.
It seems like just yesterday when I was a 20-year-old baby-faced young buck dancing the night away to this song on an Air Force base in Champaign, Illinois, however, I am quickly reminded that is was almost two decades ago when I look at my own, now 19-year-old daughter, Erica.
Nasty (1986)
Maybe it’s me (and it probably is – with my fresh self) but this high-energy song by Jackson, not to mention the incredibly hot, gyrating Jackson video that accompanied this song, is enough to … oh well, you get the point.
At any rate, my personal feelings aside, this song reached No. 3 on the Hot 100, No.2 on the R&B; chart and No. 1 on the U.S. Dance chart – giving Jackson an incredible trifecta.
Rhythm Nation (1989)
This is the first song on the list from Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 album, and another unquestionable hit from the youngest Jackson of them all. The song – and album – earned Jackson global acclaim as a certified recording genius and lifted her from the shadows of her older – and more famous – brother, Michael.
Rhythm Nation garnered Jackson the No. 2 spot on the Hot 100 and the No. 1 spot on both, the R&B; and Dance charts.
Control (1986)
This song from the album of the same name was another unequivocal hit reaching the No. 5 spot on the Hot 100 and the No. 1 positions again, on both, the U.S. R&B; and Dance charts.
Alright (1990)
Here we go again with another Rhythm Nation hit. “Alright” reached the No. 4 spot on the Hot 100, the No. 2 spot on the R&B; charts and No. 1 on the U.S. Dance charts. This upbeat song remains one of my very favorite ever recorded by Jackson and one of the best dance songs ever.
Miss You Much (1989)
I won’t say much about this song except that everyone in the country must have loved it as much as I did. The song went on to reach the number one spot on three U.S. charts (Hot 100, R&B; and Dance).
Escapade (1990)
Speaking of No. 1’s, this song duplicated the feat of “Miss You Much” by reaching the top spot across the board. Maybe it’s me, but looking back, I realize just how special – and historic – Jackson’s career has been.
Let’s Wait Awhile (1987)
I really enjoyed this song although no man really wants to hear, “Let’s wait awhile.” Sad attempt at humor aside, this song went on to reach the No. 2 spot on the Hot 100 and the No. 1 spot on the R&B; charts.
That’s The Way Love Goes (1993)
This is the first and only song on the list not from either, “Control” or “Rhythm Nation.” Incredibly, this song, which came from her self-titled 1993 album, also reached the No. 1 position on all three charts and reinforced Jackson’s greatness.
What Have You Done For Me Lately (1986)
This song, from Jackson’s “Control” album was another hit that reached the top five in all three categories (No. 4 Hot 100, No. 2 Dance, No. 1 R&B;) and helped Jackson to set the stage for her following mega-hit album, “Rhythm Nation.”
