Discipline (CD - 2008)

After more than a decade with Virgin Records, superstar Janet Jackson moved to the Island label for 2008's DISCIPLINE, an album squarely aimed at restoring the singer's former R&B/pop glory. While the record's title clearly echoes 1986's CONTROL, its sound is wholly 21st century, with Jackson and Def Jam's Antonio "L.A." Reid overseeing of-the-moment producers such as Rodney Jerkins and Ne-Yo, along with Janet's beau, Jermaine Dupri.

The most striking element of DISCIPLINE is its electro sheen, which prominently appears on the album's lead single "Rock With U." Not to be confused with her brother Michael's like-minded hit from 1979's OFF THE WALL, the song is a dreamy dance-floor-oriented number that makes plenty of room for Janet's breathy coo. Other standout tracks include the sassy, Vocoder-tinged "Feedback" and the synth-heavy "Luv," both of which are also custom-made for the club. Easily one of Jackson's most immediately engaging outings, DISCIPLINE is sure to delight longtime fans, and may win over listeners who haven't followed her career since her late-`80s/early-`90s heyday. minimize