Janet Jackson – Control

About

Janet Jackson's album Control, released on February 4, 1986, marked a pivotal moment in her career, shifting her from a managed ingenue to a self-directed artist. This third studio album was a declaration of independence, both personally and professionally, as she parted ways with her family's management to collaborate with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The album's sound was a radical departure from her earlier work, incorporating funk, disco, R&B, and pop with innovative production techniques. Control features iconic tracks like "Nasty," "What Have You Done for Me Lately," and "Let's Wait Awhile," showcasing Janet's vocal versatility and personal storytelling. The album topped the US pop and R&B charts, launching Janet into stardom and reshaping the music landscape of the 1980s. It remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its empowering message and influence on contemporary music. Janet's shift towards self-expression inspired many artists, cementing her status as a pop icon.