“Triumphant,” “Stimulating,” “Powerful”. All of these words and more describe the unbreakable hold that Janet Jackson has on us. We breathed a collective sigh of relief, tempered by excitement, when news broke about her return this past summer. Now, she’s proving that her seven year hiatus was well worth the wait with the release of Unbreakable, the long-awaited album topped the Billboard 200 Chart at #1 on its first week of release, becoming the Queen of Pop’s seventh #1 album. Unbreakable, also represents the fourth consecutive decade in which the music icon has achieved at least one #1 album.
Born from her historic partnership with the revamped BMG, Janet’s latest opus is on her own label, Rhythm Nation. Execs at the seven year-old company are thrilled with Unbreakable, as it is their first number one album in the US. With the lead single, “No Sleeep” sitting at the #1 spot on the Adult R&B Chart for the past seven weeks, the iconic artist has broken her own record on that chart. The reoccurring theme of the number seven is more than just luck; it’s undeniable fate.
Unbreakable arrives atop the chart with 116,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending Oct. 8, according to Nielsen Music. Of that sum, the set sold 109,000 in pure album sales.
The album’s emergence on the 30th anniversary of Janet’s seminal declaration of independence, Control, is perfectly apropos. Ms. Jackson’s longstanding friendship and collaboration with the remarkable production team, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis is unparalleled brilliance. Their reunion has produced a familiar spell of intense infatuation, as Janet’s sensual vocals tame the lush production on Unbreakable.
Undoubtably one of the most influential artists of all time, Janet Jackson has sold over 160 million records worldwide, earning numerous awards and honors, including a nomination for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Her talent stretches far beyond the musical sphere, as she is also a published author, choreographer, businessperson and philanthropist.
Janet’s “UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR,” started on August 31 in Vancouver, British Columbia; it has garnered rave reviews and continues to sell out as dates go on sale. In response to the demand, a third leg of the tour has just been announced, as well as a European leg, keeping Jackson on the road until June of 2016. For a full list of tour dates, go to: http://www.JanetJackson.com.
–Written by Raquelle “Rocki” Harris
