Damita Jo (Clean Version) (2004)

Damita Jo is Janet's middle name, and this album is the middle-the core essence, of who she is. The theme in each song is like a subject heading in Janet's diary. "DJ" is sprinkled with spoken word passages that are completely welcome here-they enhance the varying moods J is communicating, one by one. The opening spoken passage, "Looking for Love", is so pretty, one wishes it would have been transformed into a song, and continued. Let's get into the real songs. Then ya better go out and get them. -"Damita Jo" Horns and beat make it worthy of being crowned the new "one of those jams you play at sports games" songs. -"Exhibition" Races like a motorcycle down the highway. Could be regarded as a testament to the fact that love is incomplete if not experienced by all 5 senses. -"Strawberry Bounce" Bass thuds like a b-ball on concrete. Bells ring like Tinker, signaling Janet's impish, playful spirit. Even though she whispers, her desires are loud and clear. -"My Baby" Guitar strums a gentle rhythm. Jarring, undercutting organ embodies J's spiritual ties to unconditional love, how it's felt with every fiber of your being. Song is just like the closing line, "So good, so good, so good." -"Spending Time with You" Laidback, '70's vibe. Easily a sister song to J's earlier gem, the B-Side "And On and On". -"Island Life" Steps up the stairway to heaven with its carefree effervescence. As the song progresses, it takes you higher, and leaves you floating. -"All Nite" Ensnares you with its hectic, back and forth cuts between the music and vocals. This is one groove you won't be able to get out of your head. -"R&B Junkie" bounces, riding on its disco bass. Guaranteed to be a repeat request for DJ's very soon. -"I Want You" For when you're torn between your head and your heart. J knows her true love's identity, and is unafraid to show it. Elegant piano hammers home her sincerity. -"Like You Don't Love Me" Smooth groove belies the bumpy road in J's love life, and the break in the bass is the break in logic-why can't Janet's man fully appreciate her? J's mood may be of exasperation, but she's fully willing to accept a sincere 'apology'...-"Thinkin''Bout My Ex" finds J's unable to function. Listing off every reason her former romance may have failed, meshing those thoughts with all of the ways her life has been affected by the breakup. Emotional growth realized when J decides she cannot sub a new love for her true one. -"Truly" If ever a love song could try to sum it all, here's the one. Its lyrics are sure to be copied into many a future greeting card. Simplicity of the music contrasts the complexity of the feelings stated. -"SloLove" Don't let the breezy music fool you. J knows what she what she wants, and how to get it. This girl's got plans, and her sights are set on her dream man. He WILL be hers...-"Just a Little While" explodes with fresh energy. A true fan-pleaser, it'll have you shouting along with every syllable. Can you handle this much fun(k) at once? Now you know what you have to do. Buy Damita Jo-your curiosity's gotten the better of you. Janet's having fun on this one, and you should too.
 
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