A limited edition vinyl re-issue of Janet Jackson’s key entries in her A&M, Virgin Records, UMe and Universal Music catalogue has been timed with her current residency schedule at Park MGM which are slated to end in August.
Janet Jackson is one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era. Her music has won her six GRAMMY® Awards, two Emmy Nominations, a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for an Academy Award along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She has received accolades as an actress as well including the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award. Janet is a published author, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist and one of the biggest-selling artists in popular music history. With sales of over 180 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. Her music and artistry has opened doors through which other top artists have followed, many acknowledging her impact on their musical perceptions.
The reissue series commenced in full with the wide release of Janet’s iconic, mega-platinum-selling third album Control on single vinyl in two different color options: black and translucent red. This was the first time Control, which is certified more than 10 million copies sold worldwide, has been reissued on vinyl since the album’s initial release in 1986.
Four other reissues have been timed to coincide with the second run of Jackson’s Metamorphosis Las Vegas Residency on July 26. First, the impending 30th anniversary of September 1989’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (12x platinum worldwide) will be properly recognized with a first-time 2LP standard-black upgrade that restores interludes and unedited tracks missing from the original vinyl release. It will also be available in a striking, limited-edition silver color variant. Next, May 1993’s janet. re-emerges July 26 on 2LP standard-black and limited-edition clear vinyl. This is the first-ever U.S. vinyl release for janet. (14x platinum worldwide) and, in addition to its many hit singles, the reissue includes “Whoops Now,” which was previously made available only as a hidden bonus track on CD and digital versions of the album.
This in-depth reissue series, with all albums produced and written in collaboration with longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, reinforces Janet Jackson’s legacy as a singular visionary creative artist. The scope of the sonic character evident all throughout these six albums serves to showcase her inherent instinct for fusing together a variety of musical styles, including rhythm and blues, funk, pop, soul, disco, and modern synthesized percussion all into one original mélange of sound that continues to be enjoyed by millions of fans the world over.
Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas are the newest luxury destinations on the Las Vegas Strip, offering an intimate resort experience on a grand scale. It features 2,700 guest rooms and suites; and the Las Vegas extension of Sydell’s NoMad features 293 well-appointed guest rooms and suites. It has been the home of Janet’s residency since May this year with an entertainment destination offering 5,200-seats that has hosted the likes of Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Aerosmith and other top entertainers.
Metamorphosis blazed into Las Vegas with fire, lights, technology, new dynamic dance numbers and energy unmatched, nearly 40 years after she made her first appearance with her brothers in the city. What’s being hailed as a show that is, “everything thoroughly Janet,” (THR), she not only delivers her endless hits but brings back fan favorites, and Billboard took notice saying, “what takes this show to the 2.0 level is the integration of choice album cuts like ‘Trust a Try,’ ‘China Love’ and ‘Moist.’ ” The LA Times also declared, ” ‘Metamorphosis’ is neither a revival nor a creative reset — it’s a celebration of a pop icon who’s finally getting the due she deserves.” Alongside Jackson are her dancers, tight band and singers who kept the sold-out audiences on their feet for the nearly 100-minute show that encapsulated her record-breaking career. Fans also celebrated the return of one of their favorite Janet alter egos, “Strawberry,” in a series of show-stopping songs including a sexually charged dance number to “I Get So Lonely” and the special tribute to her Rhythm Nation album that brought the house down.
The energetic crowds for both nights included celebrity fans Queen Latifah, Gabrielle Union, Eve, Carrie Ann Inaba, Yvette Nicole Brown, Hailee Steinfeld, Jackson’s longtime producer Jimmy Jam, Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie, Questlove and Lil Kim. Immediately following the opening night show, Jackson was joined by her fans, friends and family at the show’s official opening night after party at On The Record, Park MGM’s speakeasy and club.
Metamorphosis was conceived by Janet and her team, developing the staging and production numbers as well as the spectacular high-tech video and visual components. It peels back the layers of the immensely private life of Janet Jackson, sharing her transformation from a young girl with issues of self-esteem to global icon. The centerpiece of this all new thought-provoking show, is Janet herself, captivating the audience through the senses with electrifying visuals, explosive dance numbers, chart-topping hits and fan favorite deep cuts. The show also features a special 30-year anniversary celebration of her ground-breaking album ‘Rhythm Nation.’
Fans will follow her path to self-love, empowerment, motherhood and activism, amidst the challenges faced along her personal journey. She encourages her audiences to find their own light within themselves through her Metamorphosis.
Janet continues to gear up for what promises to be a busy year ahead. Not only was she recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s vaunted Class of 2019, but her Las Vegas Residency adds a third series of 18 performances in August. She also made her debut at the Glastonbury Festival 2019 and appeared at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
She has long proven herself to be a liberated and noteworthy artist, one who ultimately emerged as a global superstar and a model for independent women everywhere. Her catalogue finds many hot, nasty grooves interlaced with much rhythm and grace, all of which continue to be well-worthy of aural revisitation on high-grade vinyl.
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Cover Image: Lev Radin / Video: Solaiman Fazel