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Janet Jackson sets the mood for 20 Y.O. with a spoken intro: "I've covered a lot in my 20 years and I've uncovered a lot in my 20 years / I want to keep it light / I don't want to be serious / I want to have fun." True to her words, it's a lighthearted, old-school electro-funk-leaning disc that celebrates Jackson's reign as a pop queen since 1986's Control confirmed that Michael's baby sis was all grown up. After her embarrassingly overblown "wardrobe malfunction" during the 2004 Super Bowl, Jackson's star wattage dimmed, as she was eclipsed by ascending stars Beyoncé and comeback kid Mariah Carey. The media-savvy Janet reclaimed the spotlight in advance of 20 Y.O.'s release by baring her newly slimmed and toned body in a racy spread for Maxim. Yet the lingering question remains: Does the album stand on its own merit? Well, yes and no. On the downside, Jackson won't wow too many fans with the nursery rhyme-like single "Call on Me," featuring Nelly, or the Prince-inspired "Love 2 Love," another breathy sex song. And oddly enough, on many songs Jackson sounds like she's struggling with a head cold -- or perhaps her deepening vocals reflect her true age of 40. Dig a little deeper, however, to uncover some genuine gems, including "This Body," a simmering, rock-and-crunk-tinged jam, and "So Excited," a percolating club jam worked around a sample of Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" and featuring naughty female rapper Khia ("My Neck, My Back"). Perhaps the disc's most celebratory track is the Jackson 5-reminiscent "Enjoy," a sun-kissed groove accented by children singing that finds Janet in fine spirits and vocals. Although 20 Y.O. may not be a career-defining album, it's a testament to Miss Jackson's staying power. She sounds more self-assured than on 2004's overproduced Damita Jo and back in control of her creativity.
CONDITON: New
TRACK LISTING
1. 20 (Intro)
2. So Excited
3. Show Me
4. Get It out Me
5. Do It 2 Me
6. This Body
7. 20, Pt. 2 (Interlude)
8. With U
9. Call on Me
10. 20, Pt. 3 (Interlude)
11. Daybreak
12. Enjoy
13. 20, Pt. 4 (Interlude)
14. Take Care
15. Love 2 Love
16. 20, Pt. 5 (Outro
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