3 Classic Janet Jackson Songs that Have Stood the Test of Time

In the 1970s when the Gary, Indiana-born family band known as The Jackson 5 rose to popularity, they were a phenomenon thanks to songs like “ABC” and “I Want You Back.” Later, the group’s young lead singer Michael Jackson grew up and became a household name. But little did anyone know that the brothers’ little sister Janet would become a pop icon, too.

Here below, we wanted to explore three songs by Janet Jackson that have remained eternal. A trio of tracks that exemplify her talent and allure. Indeed, these are there classic Janet Jackson songs that have stood the test of time.

[RELATED: 3 Soulful Jackson 5 Songs That Remain Timeless]

“That’s the Way Love Goes” from janet. (1993)

Sometimes in a young artist’s life she releases songs that stand up and say, “I’m an adult now, I’m no longer a child.” And this song from her fifth studio album, the self-titled janet., did just that. On it, she celebrated her maturity and indicated she wasn’t just a teenybopper anymore. Indeed, she was a woman and could embrace all that came with it, from romance to taking control of her future. As such, Jackson sings on this amorous track,

Come with me, don’t you worry
I’m gonna make you crazy
I’ll give you the time of your life
I’m gonna take you places
You’ve never been before and
You’ll be so happy that you came
Ooh, I’m gonna take you there, ooh

That’s the way love goes (ooh)
That’s the way love goes
(That’s the way love goes)
That’s the way love goes (desire) (that’s the way)
That’s the way love goes (desire)
(That’s the way, that’s the way love goes)

“Nasty” from Control (1986)

This song, which hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, resembles some of brother Michael’s early hits. Rhythmic and energetic, the song is perfect for dancing. And the music video for the track is iconic for its moves and Janet’s jump into a movie screen to be part of a choreographed production. While the song above was the artist embracing her sexuality, this song was her eschewing all the “nasty boys” who wanted a piece of the attractive singer. Sings Jackson,

Sittin’ in the movie show
Thinkin’ nasty thoughts
Better be a gentleman or you’ll turn me off
That’s right, lemme tell it

Nasty, nasty boys, don’t mean a thing
Oh, you nasty boys
Nasty, nasty boys, don’t ever change, huh
Oh, you nasty boys

“Rhythm Nation” from Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989)

If you want to live in Janet Jackson’s world, then put on the 1989 classic “Rhythm Nation” from the album of the same name. Iconic music meets iconic music video as Jackson presents her idea for people without boundaries, held together by music, not geography. Even 35 years ago, the singer was espousing ideas trying to bring people together—a lesson we could learn today during our divided times. Sings the pop star,

With music by our side to break the color lines
Let’s work together to improve our way of life
Join voices in protest to social injustice
A generation full of courage, come forth with me

People of the world today, are we looking for a better way of life? (Sing!)
We are a part of the rhythm nation
People of the world unite
Strength in numbers, we can get it right, one time (sing it up!)
We are a part of the rhythm nation

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Photo by Jason Kempin/WireImage