Unbreakable (Janet Jackson album)

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

Unbreakable
Studio album by
Janet Jackson
ReleasedOctober 2, 2015 (2015-10-02)
Recorded2013–2015
Studio
Genre
Length64:37
Label
  • Rhythm Nation
  • BMG
Producer
Janet Jackson chronology
Icon: Number Ones
(2010) 		Unbreakable
(2015) 		Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-
(2022)
Singles from Unbreakable
  1. "No Sleeep"
    Released: June 22, 2015 (2015-06-22)
  2. "Unbreakable"
    Released: September 29, 2015 (2015-09-29)
  3. "Dammn Baby"
    Released: May 4, 2016 (2016-05-04)

Unbreakable is the eleventh studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. It was released on October 2, 2015, and is the first album released under her independent label Rhythm Nation, with BMG Rights Management through a partnership with the singer. Jackson had parted ways with Island Records in 2008 due to dissatisfaction over the company's lack of promotion for her tenth studio album, Discipline (2008). The singer began recording new material with producer Rodney Jerkins the following year, but eventually abandoned the project. She became busy with film roles and embarked on a worldwide concert tour, and in 2013 announced her third marriage to Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana. Two years later in May 2015, Jackson announced that she would embark on the Unbreakable World Tour and release Unbreakable.[1]

Jackson reunited with songwriting/production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, their last collaboration being on her ninth studio album 20 Y.O. (2006). Additional songwriting and production was provided by Dem Jointz, Tommy McClendon and Thomas Lumpkins. Featured artists include rappers J. Cole and Missy Elliott. Unbreakable's theme reflects various experiences over the course of Jackson's life—including aspects of her childhood and the death of her brother Michael—in addition to socially conscious messages prevalent in her 1989 album Rhythm Nation 1814. Its lead single "No Sleeep" became her 40th entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, peaking at number 63, as well as her most successful entry on the US Adult R&B Songs chart, topping the chart for twelve non-consecutive weeks.

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming Jackson's seventh album to top the chart in the United States. This made her the third act in the history of the chart to have a number one album in each of the last four decades.[2] It also peaked within the top 40 of most major music markets. It received mostly positive reviews from music critics, with some commenting that it reflected her maturation. Unbreakable was named by several publications as one of the best album releases of 2015. As of April 2016, the album has sold over 253,000 copies in the United States.[3]

Background[edit]

After releasing her tenth studio album Discipline in 2008, Jackson parted ways with her label home of 14 months, Island Records. A spokesperson for the singer added, "[Jackson] will have autonomy over her career, without the restrictions of a label system... Always known to break new ground and set trends, Jackson's departure from Island Records makes her one of the first superstar artists to have the individual freedom to promote their work through a variety of avenues such as iTunes, mobile carriers and other diverse and innovative channels."[4] Mariel Concepcion of Billboard magazine suggested "Jackson would seem to be a natural fit at Live Nation Artists, which is already home to Jay-Z, Nickelback and Shakira."[4] The following year, she suffered the unexpected death of her brother Michael Jackson; she later performed a special tribute to him at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.[5] She also ended her seven-year relationship with record producer Jermaine Dupri.[6]

As a joint venture with EMI, Universal Music Enterprises subsequently released her second greatest hits compilation, Number Ones (2009) under A&M Records. Although she began recording new material with producer Rodney Jerkins, she eventually abandoned the project, still unwilling to specify whether she intended to sign with a major label or release music independently.[7] UMe and A&M later released her third compilation Icon: Number Ones (2010) as the debut of the Icon album series, designed to feature "the greatest hits, signature tunes and fan favorites of the most popular artists in music history."[8] After starring in feature films Why Did I Get Married Too? and For Colored Girls in 2010, she embarked on the world concert tour Number Ones, Up Close and Personal in 2011 to promote her second compilation. In 2013, she indicated she was once again working on a new record. Later that year, she also revealed that she was married to her third husband, Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana. She announced in May 2015, that she would embark on the Unbreakable World Tour and release her eleventh studio album through her newly formed, independent record label as a result of a partnership between herself and BMG.[1]

Recording[edit]

In October 2009, just a month before Jackson released her second compilation album Number Ones (2009), American producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins revealed that they were working together on the singer's eleventh studio album:

Since we've been working ... I feel like the studio has become a second home for her because with the whole situation with Michael [Jackson] happening, and I feel like right now, emotionally, she can come here and let all her feelings out. [...] You gotta understand, she lost her brother. She was in a relationship for seven years [with Jermaine Dupri] that's over now. There's things that she told me that I didn't even realize. You know, certain [things] like self-esteem that I didn't even realize that she dealt with for years that, you know. ... She's working on her book and she'll deal with that in her book, but also in songs, certain songs we're dealing with that head on. And sometimes it can be a touchy subject for us to even go into, and I kinda had to persuade her, 'Let's just go, let's talk about that.' And she's been doing it, and she's a pro about it.[7]

However, in 2010, Jackson revealed she had scrapped the recorded material with Jerkins. Although she recorded and released "Nothing" as the theme for the film Why Did I Get Married Too?, she stated: "There have been a lot of record labels that have asked me to sit down and talk with them, but I don't know if I want to do something completely independent, or go with a major".[9] In August 2011, while touring with her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal world tour, the singer stated that she would "go back into the studio later this year or early next. I am not sure what I will be doing yet. I like to be inspired by what is going on in my life at that time".[10] In 2013, she confirmed she was recording a new album and "creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music."[11]

In August 2014, producer and engineer Ian Cross, who worked on her last three studio albums, confirmed in an interview with studio monitor manufacturer Barefoot Sound[12] that he was working on Jackson's new album, stating, "The new album is going to be great. It's a process. There's a lot in store, yet to come", also saying they worked in recording studios in Qatar, Paris, and Middle East. He asserted that he and the singer "had a little bit more of a special relationship because we became friends naturally. You meet a lot of people and you become friends with a couple of them, but sometimes there is one person you become really good friends with. She asked me to work on an album with her called Discipline in 2007 and, again, just do the same thing, produce the vocals. That led to her hiring me full-time to work with her. That's where I'm at now". After Cross' declarations, Jackson herself responded to the rumor, neither confirming nor denying the works, stating: "If there is a new project, you'll hear it from my lips", she tweeted.[13][14] Barefoot Sound subsequently removed the full text of the Cross interview from their website. Unbreakable saw Jackson reunite with long-time producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who did not contribute to her previous project.[15]

Composition[edit]

Unbreakable is divided into two sides; the first side is composed mostly by dance-pop and R&B songs, while the second one is more experimental.[16] The album opens with the title track "Unbreakable", a mid-tempo R&B song, which describes Jackson's unyielding devotion to her fans.[17] The following track "Burnitup!" is an uptempo song with electronic beats, with processed vocal samples and house drums.[18][19] Jackson asks "Mr. DJ" to "turn it up" and the crowd to "dance like no-one's watching", while Elliott raps "Make it work, make it work, make it work".[20] "Dammn Baby", the third track, has hints of trap bass and percussion, and bits of previous single "I Get Lonely" into its breakdown.[16][21] In the fourth song "The Great Forever", she is reportedly to sound like her late brother Michael Jackson, and addresses the curiosity about her romantic life. "I don't see why loving someone or what I do seem so radical to you [...] What you think doesn't mean nothing at all / Doesn't change who I am."[22][23] The next track, "Shoulda Known Better" opens as a ballad, but develops EDM beats for its underpinning.[24] During the song, she asks "Why, why, why?", before making a call for social action. "We won't accept excuses. We tolerate no abuses".[25] Sixth track, "After You Fall", is a stripped ballad with Jackson's vocals being accompanied by only a piano line.[22] The following song "Broken Hearts Heal" is a song with "breezy" vocal harmonies, and a tribute to her brother Michael, reminiscing about a childhood full of singing and laughing together. During the chorus, she sings "Our love ain't no material thing/Inshallah see you in the next life".[21] Eight track "Night" is a house track which accompanies breathy vocals by Jackson.[26][27] The ninth song and lead single from the album, "No Sleeep", is an R&B song,[28][29] which lyrically finds Jackson crooning about a long-distance romance over "soulful" keyboards and programmed drums.[30]

Starting the second part, "Dream Maker / Euphoria", the tenth track, is an R&B song with a soul sample, and at one point of the song she sings "Wish I could create a perfect place, without jealousy, abuse, or hate".[31] Eleventh song "2 B Loved" is described lyrically as a "rapturous celebration of the power of love", complete with a "burst of sunshiny pop froth complete with hand claps, [and] a hip-shaking groove".[32] Next track "Take Me Away" has an electro-rock arrangement and lyrically looks for escape with a lover.[22] The following and thirteenth song "Promise" is an interlude. The fourteenth track, "Lessons Learned", is built over a "plucked" guitar figure, on which Jackson sings about an abusive relationship where the victim keeps that way. At one point of the song Jackson sings "What makes her want to stay?".[25] "Black Eagle", the next song, is a two-part song that sets its mysticism and self-help to modal phrases and quiet finger snaps; she addresses the struggles of today, but goes with "Because every life matters... We all need to do better."[16] The sixteenth track "Well Traveled" is arena rock, described as a "Bon Jovi power ballad" song. The closing track, "Gon' B Alright", is "twisted" psychedelic rock, and was compared to Sly & The Family Stone sound.[16]

Singles[edit]

The album's lead single, titled "No Sleeep", was released on June 22, 2015. In early June, Jimmy Jam tweeted, "Early morning #Plush #NoSL333P #ConversationsInACafe", along with a picture of sheet music in a darkened studio. Fans quickly found out the titles "No SL333P" and "Plush" in the picture.[33] Later, a snippet of the song was leaked, followed by a countdown on her official website which revealed the song on June 22, 2015.[34][35] The album version of the song features additional verses from American rapper J. Cole. It was released to radio airplay and made available for digital download on July 23, 2015.[36] Jackson's solo version of the single debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 67, marking her 40th entry on the chart. The album version featuring J. Cole enabled it to re-enter the Hot 100 with a new peak position at number 63, while also topping the US Adult R&B Songs chart. The music video for the third single, titled "Dammn Baby", was released May 4, 2016 on YouTube and her official Facebook page. The song debuted on the US Adult R&B Songs chart at number 20.

Release and promotion[edit]

On April 22, 2015, she tweeted, "Letting go doesn't mean you stop", after a fan created a mock Missing Persons poster of Jackson which had begun circulating the internet prompting Jackson to retweet it herself, adding to further speculation of a new album.[37] On May 16, 2015, on her 49th birthday, Jackson announced a new album and world tour and stated "I promised you would hear it from my lips. And now you will. This year, new music, new world tour, a new movement. I've been listening. Let's keep the conversation going."[38] It was later announced that she will release her new album in the fall of 2015 under her own record label, Rhythm Nation, distributed by BMG Rights Management.[39] The launch of Rhythm Nation marks Jackson as among the few African-American female musicians to establish a record label.[40] In June, she released the album's first single, "No Sleeep". That same month, she teased a track titled "Love", which was later re-titled "Unbreakable". The song is about how important her fans were to her.[41] On August 20, 2015, she released a preview of a new song "The Great Forever", while also confirming the title of her eleventh studio album as Unbreakable,[42][43] and is set to release on October 2, 2015.[44]

She has promoted the album through social media, frequently using the hashtag #ConversationsInACafe as well as taglines "I've been listening" and "Let's keep the conversation going." To further promote the album, Jackson embarked on the accompanying Unbreakable World Tour in August 2015.[45] Pre-sale tickets were made available exclusively to American Express and Citibank cardholders prior to general admission tickets going on sale on June 22, 2015.[46] Jackson's forthcoming album was also made available for pre-order, along with vinyl copies of the album's lead single "No Sleeep".[47] On September 19, 2015, Jackson was set to perform at the iHeartRadio Music Festival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.[48] However, on September 18, her rep confirmed she had withdrawn from the festival.[49] Due to Jackson's pregnancy, the Unbreakable World Tour resulted in postponement until September 2017; re-branded the State of the World Tour, with a new setlist and costumes.

Critical reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?7.0/10[50]
Metacritic75/100[51]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[52]
The A.V. ClubB[53]
Chicago Tribune[54]
Consequence of SoundB+[55]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[27]
The Guardian[56]
Los Angeles Times[22]
Pitchfork8.0/10[57]
Slant Magazine[58]
Spin8/10[59]

Unbreakable received positive reviews. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 to reviews from music critics, the album received an average score of 75, which indicates "generally favorable reviews" based on 22 critics.[51] Jim Fusilli of The Wall Street Journal complimented Jackson's vocals, as well as her efforts to craft a contemporary but familiar sound to add to her diverse catalog. He notes that she and her primary producers, Jam and Lewis, "explore a satisfying range of musical styles plucked from across the span of pop history" including funk, electronic dance music and soul.[24] According to Jed Gottlieb of the Boston Herald, "[u]nlike her peers, Jackson doesn't fear slow-burn R&B. This kind of quiet storm soul shows up again and again, on the big ballad 'Well Traveled' and the lead single 'No Sleeep'."[26] Writing for Entertainment Weekly, Kyle Anderson called the album "her most sonically diverse set since 1997's quirky, hypersexual The Velvet Rope" adding that "the most thrilling aspect of Unbreakable is her willingness to experiment."[27] Jon Pareles of The New York Times commented that Jackson depicts a far more subdued persona in comparison to the explicit nature of her previous albums. He states that "[f]or most of 'Unbreakable,' she plays big sister—someone who's happily in love, willing to offer advice and wishing for a better world. It's a benign role but a modest one, reinforced by the music."[21] Newsday's Glenn Gamboa wrote that Unbreakable reflects her maturation, stating that after a tumultuous period in her career following the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy, "Jackson finally seems like herself again—actually an even wiser version of herself."[16]

In her review for USA Today, Elysa Gardner wrote: "The young woman intent on liberating herself and the world is still socially and spiritually conscious, but she has evolved into a more settled, reflective artist ... With Unbreakable, Jackson, already a proven survivor—of both her family's well-publicized struggles and decades of changing trends in pop music and culture—gives us no reason to doubt that people will keep watching, and listening."[60] Mikael Wood of Los Angeles Times wrote that the album is a collection of "grand-scaled but meticulously detailed songs" that include a mix of balladry, R&B, rock and EDM.[22] Wood comments that although "the music makes for delicious ear candy, Jackson isn't content to leave it at that. She also has messages to deliver[.]"[22] Writing for The Guardian, Alex Macpherson remarked: "Unbreakable’s highlights are low-key moments of reflection and nostalgia: the hypnotic sway of Promise, the languorous dread of Lessons Learned and After You Fall, a skeletal piano lullaby that seems composed for Jackson’s late brother Michael, and on which she once again demonstrates the emotional range of her voice."[61] Rebecca Haithcoat of Spin rated Unbreakable 8/10, stating that "it proves Janet can still surprise us. Who would've ever envisioned her slipping on a pair of boots and cowboy-cut Wranglers to sing 'Lessons Learned,' a country-tinged ballad about co-dependency? Or that she and the boys would've gone full Nashville and let a steel guitar cry and a little twang curl the edges of her voice on 'Well Traveled' (and that the whole thing would work!)?"[59] Andy Kellman of AllMusic gave the album 3.5/5 stars, complimenting Jackson's diversity of sound while referencing her own catalog and familial influences. He remarked: "No one but Jackson can directly reference previous triumphs, address her audience, and yet move forward quite like this."[52]

Accolades[edit]

Publication Country Accolade Year Rank
Exclaim![62] Canada Top 10 Soul and R&B Albums of 2015 2015 10
The Guardian[63] United Kingdom Best Albums of 2015 37
Entertainment Weekly[64] United States The 40 Best Albums of 2015 11
Slant Magazine[65] The 25 Best Albums of 2015 13
Newsday[66] Best albums of 2015 9
ABC News[67] 50 Best Albums of 2015 49
Spin[68] The 50 Best Albums of 2015 50
Pitchfork Media[69] The 50 Best Albums of 2015 36
Rolling Stone[70] 20 Best R&B Albums of 2015 8
People[71] Best Albums 2015 8
About.com[72] Top 20 Pop Albums of 2015 6
BET[73] The Best R&B Albums of 2015 *
Los Angeles Times[74] 2015's Must-hear Albums *
Cosmopolitan[75] Top 15 Best Albums of 2015 6

Commercial performance[edit]

Unbreakable debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart in the week ending October 8, 2015.[76] The album sold 116,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, which included streaming and individual digital song sales. Of that sum, the album sold 109,000 in pure sales.[76] This became Jackson's seventh number one album on that chart and also made her the third act to amass a number one album in each of the last four decades. The album also debuted at number one in the US Independent Albums Chart.[76] In its second week, the album dropped to number eight on the chart, earning an additional 30,000 units, which represented a drop of 74 percent in album sales.[77] Of that sum, 27,911 were in pure album sales.[78] As of April 28, 2016, the album has sold 384,000 copies in the United States.[79][80] In Canada the album also debuted at number one, with sales of 4,300 units.[81] It became Jackson's second chart-topping album in Canada in the Soundscan era since All for You debuted atop the charts in 2001.[81]

In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number eleven on the UK Albums Chart, which represents her highest debut in that country since 2001 when All for You debuted at number two.[82] Her previous albums had missed the top 20 with Damita Jo peaking at number 32, and 20 Y.O. and Discipline both debuting at number 63.[82]

Track listing[edit]

All tracks were written and produced by Janet Jackson, James Harris III, and Terry Lewis (the latter two being credited as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for production roles).

Unbreakable – Standard edition[83]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Unbreakable"
  • Thomas Lumpkins
3:38
2."Burnitup!" (featuring Missy Elliott)
  • Jointz
  • Elliott
4:09
3."Dammn Baby"
  • Abernathy
  • Jointz
3:55
4."The Great Forever"  4:18
5."Shoulda Known Better" 
  • Jointz
4:45
6."After You Fall"  4:48
7."Broken Hearts Heal"  3:42
8."Night"
  • McClendon
4:14
9."No Sleeep" (featuring J. Cole)
  • Cole
4:20
10."Dream Maker / Euphoria"
  • Lumpkins
  • McClendon
2:46
11."2 B Loved"
  • Lumpkins
  • Abernathy
  • Jointz
2:55
12."Take Me Away"  4:18
13."Promise"  0:57
14."Lessons Learned"  4:23
15."Black Eagle"  3:17
16."Well Traveled"  4:18
17."Gon' B Alright"
  • Lumpkins
  • McClendon
3:54
Total length:64:37
Unbreakable – Digital edition[83]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
18."No Sleeep"  3:26
19."No Sleeep" (AFSHeeN Remix featuring J. Cole)
  • Cole
 2:59
Total length:71:02
Unbreakable – Target, HMV & Australian edition[83]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
18."Promise of You"  4:30
19."Love U 4 Life"
  • Lumpkins
  • McClendon
2:42


Unbreakable – Japanese edition[83]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
20."No Sleeep (PKCZ Remix)"  3:23

Charts[edit]

Release history[edit]

List of release dates, showing region, format(s), label, and references
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Worldwide October 2, 2015
  • Rhythm Nation
  • BMG
 [83]
April 1, 2016 Gatefold [114]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Andrew Hampp (June 3, 2015). "Janet Jackson to Release New Album This Fall Via Rhythm Nation/BMG". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 4, 2015. Retrieved June 3, 2015. {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  2. ^ Keith Caulfield (October 11, 2015). "Janet Jackson Earns Historic Seventh No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 1, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  3. ^ Christman, Ed (April 28, 2016). "Warner Music's Global Deal for BMG's Catalog Sets Up Showdown With RED". Billboard.com. Billboard. Archived from the original on May 16, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2018. In the U.S., it already has signed and released such albums as Janet Jackson's Unbreakable, which has scanned 253,000 in the U.S.
  4. ^ a b Concepcion, Mariel (September 22, 2008). "Janet Jackson Parts Ways With Island Def Jam". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 6, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
  5. ^ Kaufman, Gil (September 13, 2009). "VMAs Kick Off with Madonna and Janet's Tribute to Michael Jackson". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 22, 2009. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  6. ^ Brown, Laura (October 2009). "Janet Jackson Takes Control". Harper's Bazaar. p. 244. ISSN 0017-7873.
  7. ^ a b "Janet Jackson Trying 'New Things' On Next LP, Rodney Jerkins Says". October 22, 2009. Archived from the original on March 2, 2014. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  8. ^ "Icon Series Launched by Universal Music Enterprises". Universal Music Enterprises. PR Newswire. August 9, 2010. Archived from the original on August 17, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
  9. ^ "Despite Two New Tracks, Janet Jackson "Not Working on an Album"". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 25, 2017. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
  10. ^ "Janet is back in control". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on March 1, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  11. ^ Andrew Hampp (May 18, 2013). "Janet Jackson Talks 'janet.' 20th Anniversary". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  12. ^ Mr. Bonzai (July 30, 2014). "A Conversation with Producer/Engineer Ian Cross". Barefoot Sound. Archived from the original on March 27, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  13. ^ Erin Strecker (August 1, 2014). "Janet Jackson Addresses New Album Report". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 22, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  14. ^ Boursiquot, Sherley (August 1, 2014). "Janet Jackson Addresses New Album". The Source. The NorthStar Group. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  15. ^ Kellman, Andy. "Discipline – Janet Jackson". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on March 1, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2008.
  16. ^ a b c d e Glenn Gamboa (October 1, 2015). "Janet Jackson's 'Unbreakable' review: A comeback on her own terms". Newsday. Archived from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  17. ^ Ryan Reed (September 4, 2015). "Hear Janet Jackson's Soulful New Song, 'Unbreakable'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved September 4, 2015.
  18. ^ Hudson, Alex (September 25, 2015). "Janet Jackson "Burnitup!" (ft. Missy Elliott)". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2015.
  19. ^ Dunn, Francesca (September 25, 2015). "'burnitup!' janet jackson and missy elliott's new collaboration is fire". i-D. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved September 26, 2015.
  20. ^ "New Music: Janet Jackson feat. Missy Elliott – 'BURNITUP!'". Rap-Up. September 25, 2015. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2015.
  21. ^ a b c Jon Pareles (September 30, 2015). "Review: Janet Jackson's 'Unbreakable' Focuses on Love Outside the Bedroom". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  22. ^ a b c d e f Mikael Wood (October 1, 2015). "Review Janet Jackson's new 'Unbreakable' includes a tender tribute to Michael". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 3, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  23. ^ Brown, Helen (October 2, 2015). "Janet Jackson, Unbreakable, review: 'classy, subtle and inventive'". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
  24. ^ a b Jim Fusilli (September 29, 2015). "'Unbreakable' by Janet Jackson Review". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on September 30, 2015. Retrieved September 29, 2015.
  25. ^ a b Savage, Mark (October 2, 2015). "Janet Jackson: The stories behind the songs". BBC. Archived from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  26. ^ a b Jed Gottlieb (October 2, 2015). "Janet Jackson back in control on 'Unbreakable'". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on October 3, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  27. ^ a b c Kyle Anderson (October 1, 2015). "Unbreakable by Janet Jackson: EW review". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  28. ^ Philip Caulfield (June 22, 2015). "Janet Jackson drops first new single in seven years, 'No Sleeep'". Daily News. Archived from the original on June 23, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  29. ^ Meaghan Garvey (June 23, 2015). "No Sleeep". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on June 24, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  30. ^ Ryan Reed (June 22, 2015). "Janet Jackson Promises 'No Sleeep' on Alluring New Single". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 23, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  31. ^ Kornhaber, Spencer (October 2, 2015). "The Unbreakable Optimism of Janet Jackson". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on October 3, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  32. ^ Rodman, Sarah (October 1, 2015). "Janet Jackson's 'Unbreakable' solid but uneven". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
  33. ^ Mike Wass (June 8, 2015). "Jimmy Jam Hints at Janet Jackson's New Single Being Called "No SL333P" (Or "Plush") In A Cryptic Tweet". Idolator. Archived from the original on March 1, 2023. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  34. ^ "New Music: Janet Jackson – 'No Sleeep' [Snippet]". Rap-Up. June 21, 2015. Archived from the original on June 21, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  35. ^ Liv Moss (June 22, 2015). "Janet Jackson unveils new single No Sleeep – listen". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on June 23, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  36. ^ Melinda Newman (July 22, 2015). "Janet Jackson & J. Cole Team Up for 'No Sleeep' Remix: Exclusive". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  37. ^ "Janet Jackson Calls Fan's Mock Missing-Person Flyer Too Funny, Too Sweet: Cue the Fans Who Want More Music!". E!. April 22, 2015. Archived from the original on March 1, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  38. ^ "Janet Jackson Announces New Album, Tour". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 16, 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  39. ^ Andrew Hampp (June 3, 2015). "Janet Jackson to Release New Album This Fall Via Rhythm Nation/BMG". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 4, 2015. Retrieved June 3, 2015. {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  40. ^ "Janet Jackson back with new album – and record-breaking new deal with BMG". The Guardian. June 3, 2015. Archived from the original on June 5, 2015. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  41. ^ "Janet Jackson teases new song: Listen". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  42. ^ Jeremy Gordon (August 20, 2015). "Janet Jackson Titles New Album, Previews "The Great Forever"". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on August 22, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  43. ^ Joe Lynch (August 20, 2015). "Janet Jackson Teases Upbeat New Song 'The Great Forever,' Confirms Album Title". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 22, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  44. ^ Albin, Matt (August 25, 2015). "Yo Gotti 'The Art of Hustle', Jadakiss 'Top 5 Dead or Alive', & Janet Jackson 'Unbreakable' Get Release Dates". Fashionably-Early.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  45. ^ "With the whole lining up, North America to be 1st continent on Janet Jackson's "Unbreakable World Tour"". Janet Jackson.com. June 15, 2015. Archived from the original on March 28, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  46. ^ Jesse Lawrence (June 18, 2015). "With 'Unbreakable' Presale Underway, Janet Jackson Tickets Nearing $200 Average on Resale Market". Forbes. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  47. ^ Andrew Hampp (June 15, 2015). "Janet Jackson Announces 'Unbreakable World Tour'". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 17, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  48. ^ Mesfin Fekadu (July 30, 2015). "Kanye West, the Who, Janet Jackson, Sam Smith set for iHeartRadio Music Festival in September". U.S. News & World Report. Archived from the original on August 16, 2015. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  49. ^ Weiner, Natalie (September 18, 2015). "Janet Jackson Cancels iHeartRadio Festival Performance". Billboard. United States. Archived from the original on September 20, 2015. Retrieved September 18, 2015. {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  50. ^ "Unbreakable by Janet Jackson reviews | Any Decent Music". www.anydecentmusic.com. Archived from the original on May 16, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  51. ^ a b "Reviews for Unbreakable". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 25, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  52. ^ a b Andy Kellman (October 2, 2015). "AllMusic Review by Andy Kellman". AllMusic. Archived from the original on October 5, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  53. ^ "Unbreakable· Janet Jackson· Music Review· The A.V. Club". avclub.com. October 2, 2015. Archived from the original on December 17, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  54. ^ Chicago Tribune (October 2, 2015). "Janet Jackson 'Unbreakable' review: Jackson makes a low-key return. – Chicago Tribune". chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on January 4, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  55. ^ "Janet Jackson – Unbreakable – Album Reviews – Consequence of Sound". Consequence of Sound. October 8, 2015. Archived from the original on December 13, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  56. ^ Alex Macpherson (October 2015). "Janet Jackson: Unbreakable review – sunny serenity on reflective 11th album". the Guardian. Archived from the original on October 3, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  57. ^ "Janet Jackson". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on June 14, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  58. ^ Eric Henderson (October 5, 2015). "Janet Jackson: Unbreakable – Album Review – Slant Magazine". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on June 22, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  59. ^ a b Rebecca Haithcoat (October 2, 2015). "Review: Janet Jackson's Making Sexier Music Than Ever on 'Unbreakable'". Spin. Archived from the original on October 3, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  60. ^ Elysa Gardner (October 1, 2015). "Album of the week: Janet Jackson turns reflective on 'Unbreakable'". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  61. ^ Alex Macpherson (October 1, 2015). "Janet Jackson: Unbreakable review – sunny serenity on reflective 11th album". The Guardian. Archived from the original on October 3, 2015. Retrieved October 1, 2015.
  62. ^ "Top 10 Soul and R&B Albums of 2015". Ian Danzig. December 15, 2015. Archived from the original on December 12, 2015. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  63. ^ "The best albums of 2015". News Corp Australia Network. December 6, 2015. Archived from the original on April 20, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  64. ^ "The 40 Best Albums of 2015". EW Staff. December 9, 2015. Archived from the original on December 12, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  65. ^ "The 25 Best Albums of 2015". Slant Staff. December 10, 2015. Archived from the original on December 11, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  66. ^ Glenn Gamboa (December 14, 2015). "Best albums of 2015". Newsday. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  67. ^ Allan Raible (December 22, 2015). "50 Best Albums of 2015". ABC News. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  68. ^ "The 50 Best Albums of 2015". Spin. December 15, 2015. Archived from the original on December 18, 2015. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  69. ^ "The 50 Best Albums of 2015". Pitchfork Media. December 16, 2015. Archived from the original on December 18, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2015.
  70. ^ "20 Best R&B Albums of 2015". Rolling Stone. December 16, 2015. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
  71. ^ "Best Albums 2015". People. December 21, 2015. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  72. ^ "Top 20 Pop Albums of 2015". About.com. December 29, 2015. Archived from the original on February 1, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  73. ^ "The Best R&B Albums of 2015". BET. Archived from the original on January 1, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  74. ^ Gerrick D. Kennedy (December 11, 2015). "2015's must-hear albums include Janet Jackson's 'Unbreakable,' Ty Dolla Sign's 'Free TC'". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 11, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  75. ^ Eliza Thompson (December 16, 2015). "The 15 Best Albums of 2015". Cosmopolitan. Archived from the original on January 1, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  76. ^ a b c "Janet Jackson Earns Historic Seventh No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 1, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  77. ^ "Selena Gomez Scores Her Second No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 18, 2016. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
  78. ^ "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Game, Future & Drake". HipHopDX. October 19, 2015. Archived from the original on October 20, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
  79. ^ "After the Backlash: Janet Jackson's Millennial Work Reconsidered (Part 2)". Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  80. ^ Christman, Ed (April 28, 2016). "Warner Music's Global Deal for BMG's Catalog Sets Up Showdown With RED". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 2, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2016.
  81. ^ a b Paul Tuch (October 12, 2015). "JANET JACKSON SCORES FIRST NO. 1 ALBUM IN 14 YEARS" (PDF). Nielsen SoundScan. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  82. ^ a b "Janet Jackson Makes Comeback on British Charts; Squeeze & Clutch Score Career Bests ~ VVN Music". www.vintagevinylnews.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  83. ^ a b c d e All citations concerning the release of Unbreakable:
  84. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Janet Jackson – Unbreakable". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  85. ^ "ARIA Urban Albums Chart – Week Commencing 12th October 2015" (PDF). ARIA Charts. Australian Web Archive. p. 19. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 13, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  86. ^ "Ultratop.be – Janet Jackson – Unbreakable" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
  87. ^ "Ultratop.be – Janet Jackson – Unbreakable" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
  88. ^ "Janet Jackson Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
  89. ^ "Czech Albums – Top 100". ČNS IFPI. Note: On the chart page, select 42.Týden 2015 on the field besides the words "CZ – ALBUMS – TOP 100" to retrieve the correct chart. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  90. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Janet Jackson – Unbreakable" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
  91. ^ "Lescharts.com – Janet Jackson – Unbreakable". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 15, 2015.
  92. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Janet Jackson – Unbreakable" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  93. ^ "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 41, 2015". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
  94. ^ "GFK Chart-Track – Independent Albums: Week 41, 2015". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  95. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Janet Jackson – Unbreakable". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
  96. ^ アンブレイカブル | JANET(ジャネット・ジャクソン) [Unbreakable | Janet (Janet Jackson)] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  97. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  98. ^ "2015년 46주차 Album Chart - 국외" (in Korean). Gaon. Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
  99. ^ "Spanishcharts.com – Janet Jackson – Unbreakable". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 18, 2015.
  100. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Janet Jackson – Unbreakable". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  101. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Janet Jackson – Unbreakable". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  102. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
  103. ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  104. ^ "Janet Jackson Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
  105. ^ "Janet Jackson Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard.
  106. ^ "Janet Jackson Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.
  107. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums: Year End 2015". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 20, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  108. ^ "Independent Albums: Year End 2015". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 24, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  109. ^ "Archived copy". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved July 13, 2017.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  110. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: Year End 2015". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 27, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  111. ^ "Independent Albums – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 12, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  112. ^ "Top R&B Albums – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 17, 2017. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  113. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 18, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  114. ^ "Janet Jacksons Unbreakable Available April 1 On Double Gatefold Vinyl". Janet Jackson Official Website. United States: Rhythm Nation (BMG Rights Management). April 1, 2016. Archived from the original on April 4, 2016. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Unbreakable_(Janet_Jackson_album)&oldid=1200410454"