Janet Jackson (album)

Janet Jackson is the self-titled debut album by American recording artist Janet Jackson, released on September 21, 1982 by A&M Records. Jackson's career as a recording artist was established by her father and manager Joseph Jackson, who arranged her recording contract with A&M Records.

The album's musical content contains bubblegum pop mixed with elements of disco and funk. Songwriters Angela Winbush and René Moore contributed to much of the album's lyrics. Moore and Winbush share production credits with and Foster Sylvers, Jerry Weaver, and Bobby Watson. Janet Jackson debuted at number six on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and its single "Young Love" peaked at number six on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Background

Prior to her recording contract with A&M Records, Janet Jackson was best known as a television actress; most notable for her role as Penny on the series Good Times and Charlene on Diff'rent Strokes. Janet didn't want any of her family members to participate in the making of the album. She wanted it to be her own project, judged by its own merits. She sang part of the song "The Magic is Working" on the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes to promote it. The cover photo of Janet was taken in the swimming pool of the Jackson family's home.

Reception

Stephen Thomas Erlewine with Allmusic gave it two out of five stars, saying "On her eponymous debut album, Janet Jackson demonstrates no distinctive musical personality of her...
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