College Times

Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: Music

Media Credit: CHUANDO & FREY

On the title track of her new Discipline album, over a loop of heavy breathing and Prince-ly slow-grinding synth-funk, Janet Jackson coos, "Take out your frustrations on me."

Well, she didn't need to invite more of that, did she? To her credit, Jackson didn't back down on 2006's 20 Y.O. and she doesn't give any ground thematically on Discipline, named after a detailed account of her S&M fantasy. Of course, she has every right to sing about whatever she wants. But at this point, she's more interested in carrying on that fight than delivering anything new creatively.

It seems like her mind is holding her back more than any sort of leather restraints - and that may be the biggest frustration of all.

For the first half of Discipline, Jackson seems determined to leave all the sexual shock-and-awe talk behind for a more radio-friendly sound. The first single "Feedback," with its robo-vocals and club-ready rhythms, is more flirty than outright sexy. "Luv" grooves along like it could have come from Ciara's album, aside from a few trademark Jackson harmonies. And the midtempo ballad "Can't B Good" could be one of her best.

In her career, Jackson has written about personal struggles, about racism and sexism, about the importance of education and unity and about love. For Discipline, she assembled a dream team of writers, including Ne-Yo and The-Dream.

And yet, Discipline is about the concerns of 14-year-old boys expressed with the same amount of finesse that they would use.

Jackson has some great songs on Discipline and a handful of possible hits, but still somehow leaves you cold. How's that for frustrating?

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools