Celebrating 35 years of Janet Jackson’s classic album ‘Control’, producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have gone behind the scenes for a brand new interview revisiting the project.
The star’s third album, released in 1986, came packed with no less than seven singles, including the hits What Have You Done For Me Lately, Nasty, Control and The Pleasure Principle.
In a brand new clip shared online, the duo share their memories of working with Janet and break down the production process for the groundbreaking LP.
Discussing what a significant shift Jackson’s third album was from her two previous records, they reveal the synthesisers and drum machines they used during the recording, open up on Jackson’s vocal techniques, and offer an insight into the writing process for ‘Control’.
According to the pair, the album’s title and concept was inspired by Janet’s first two records, and the fact that she felt she had no control over what she was doing.
“She realised it was going to be about things she was thinking, as opposed to the first few albums where people handed her music and said, ‘Sing’,” recalls Jam says.
“That’s fine, and she did a good job doing that, but on ‘Control’ we talked about it for a week at least.
“She talked about leaving home and wanting to be on her own, and we started writing ideas down and writing titles down and all that. And she finally said ‘When are we going to go into the studio and start working?’ And we said, ‘Oh, we’re working.’”
Jam adds: “I think she wanted to use music in a way to unite people and inform people but never lost sight that music should also be a place to have fun.”
‘Control’ gave Janet her first in a string of US No. 1 albums and delivered five Top 10 hits, including her first No.1, When I Think of You.
In honour of its anniversary (February 4), fans pushed ‘Control’ to the No. 1 spot on Apple’s Top 40 Pop Album Chart, prompting the star to share a candid clip on social media thanking her followers for their support through the years.
“I was at home just the other day by myself and I began to cry,” she said in the video.
“I was crying because I was so thankful for all that God has blessed me with, all that he has given me and I’m so thankful for him being in my life, and I’m so thankful for all of you being in my life.”
Janet continued: “You’re so special to me and I want to thank all of you for making Control No. 1 once again after 35 years.
“I never, never in a million years, I would never think that this would happen. I really appreciate you and I love you so, so much. Thank you.”
It’s been six years since Janet released her last album ‘Unbreakable’, featuring the singles No Sleeep, Unbreakable and Dammn Baby. Follow-up ‘Black Diamond’ is on our list of albums we can’t wait to hear in 2021.
