Music Review: Janet Jackson "Rhythm Nation"

Janet Jackson

Rhythm Nation

Album: Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814

Year: 1989

        Janet Jackson calls for action against prejudice and inequality in the progressive “Rhythm Nation."

          A bell tolls and latent synths start the single. The synths begin to twist, questioning what’s going on and eventually swell, leading to defiance, as the drums and bass push forward.  A rebellious tone is set.

   She believes people are bonded through music. It doesn’t matter what the performer looks like, people enjoy the song. She hopes people share the same attitude regarding others. Changing decades of stereotypes can’t be changed by one person. It’s going to take millions of people standing up. They can vote out the Congressman who called a non-profit a racist organization or refuse to support fast-food chains that have an appreciation days against gay people. They are shouting and yelling their views, drowning out those who don’t agree. People have to realize they do have power to end hate. (“With music by our side/To break the color lines/Let's work together/To improve our way of life/Join voices in protest/To social injustice/A generation full of courage/Come forth with me,”)

        In the chorus, she asks if people want things to be different. Regardless of color, sexual orientation, etc. people want basic rights. It can only happen if a lot of people choose do so. Millions of people can’t be ignored or silenced for long. (“People of the world today/Are we looking for a better way of life/We are a part of the rhythm nation/People of the world unite/Strength in numbers we can get it right/One time/We are a part of the rhythm nation.”)

        Every day, a person's humanity is doubted. Sometimes people do not understand the other side as they determine as the type of rape that’s legitimate. People should look out for each other, either by telling a friend about a job interview or giving an extra twenty to help with a bill. In the years to come, the laws that were passed which chip away at abortion or prevent regulations of firearms, will have consequences. People have to stop accepting the status quo and fighting back. (“This is the test/No struggle no progress/Lend a hand to help/Your brother do his best/Things are getting worse/We have to make them better/It's time to give a damn/Let's work together come on.”)

        The chorus is sung twice.

        In the bridge, Jackson repeats “bass” while the rebellious drum and bass get an extended solo. In between, she says “nasty,” referencing her hit of the same name. Finally, several people sing “rhythm nation” a couple times while she says “sing it for the children, sing it if you want a better way of life.”

       The bridge is repeated again.

          The chorus is sung twice.

         The latter half of the bridge (“rhythm nation (sing it for the children)”  is sung to end the single.

           Jackson’s aggressive, scorching vocals are driving, taking hard rights and stopping fast on the thin ice of the topic. She’s isn’t going to let anyone to tell her shut up and sit down. She’s going to speak up for those who are afraid.

   As for the events cited in the verses, all occurred in 2012. Congressman Tim Huelskamp (R-Kansas) called Planned Parenthood a racist organization. The fast food chain is Chick-Fil-A whose appreciation day last year supported COO Dan T. Cathy’s views against same-sex marriage. Congressman Todd Akin said that if “it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways of shutting it down” on KVI-TV in the summer. Despite the year the single was released, the social issues touched upon in the impassioned “Rhythm Nation” are dominating the news more so now.  

          The powerful  “Rhythm Nation” has a common sense message that needs to be heard in any generation, not only for the children of the 80s.