It is one of today's most influential, pivotal pop albums in music history birthing and inspiring the careers of many of today's acts including Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Mýa, Ciara, and the late Aaliyah. All of them have acknowledged Janet as an inspiration.
This woman has inspired generations. ‘Rhythm Nation 1814’ became the first album in history to achieve seven top 5 singles and was the first and only album to accomplish #1 singles over three different calender years. The album was released at a time where she was competing stiffly with the likes of Madonna, Whitney Houston, her former choreographer Paula Abdul, and even her King of Pop brother, Michael Jackson. Speaking of Paula, the album tied second place for having the ‘most #1 singles from one album,’ alongside Ms. Abdul.
The project, crafted from the 1989 studio sessions with longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, is one of the most diverse with its melting pot of genres ranging from pop and rock to R&B and new jack swing. It has won her an endless list of accolades including a Grammy, two MTV Video Music Awards and multiple American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Her ‘Rhythm Nation’ music video undoubtedly has some of the most memorable choreography in pop video history, serving just as much impact on the choreography of contemporary music videos as her brother Michael. The video's iconic military choreography has even been considered one of the most recognizable and imitated routines in pop culture and has won her countless awards.
Those include Director's Award and Best Female Video Artist at the Billboard Music Awards, Best Music Video at the Grammy Awards, Best Choreography in a Video, Best Dance Video and the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards and I can go on.
Ms. Jackson, we salute you!
Hey you guys, thank all of you, and @flytetymejam and @TLSOUNDOFF. Can't believe it has been 25 years already. Love Janet. #RhythmNation25
— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) September 19, 2014
Congratulations @JanetJackson on Rhythm Nation 25th yr anniversary!!! U have inspired many generations! There's only 1 JANET
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) September 18, 2014
Enjoyed reading this. Remember @Beyonce has always acknowledged @JanetJackson as an influence. #strongwomen #respect http://t.co/Yg0ArupNkW
— Jimmy Jam (@flytetymejam) September 19, 2014
Continuing the celebrating of @JanetJackson #RhythmNation25 our friends at @billboard look back track by track. http://t.co/8UZOP9bTNI
— Jimmy Jam (@flytetymejam) September 18, 2014