JANET TO BE HONORED AT 19TH ANNUAL GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS IN LOS ANGELES APRIL 26TH!

Janet will receive the Vanguard Award from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on April 26th at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Janet has been a long-time ally of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. In 1997, the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum applauded her exploration of sexual orientation issues in her top-selling album The Velvet Rope, which also received the award for Outstanding Music Album at the 9th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Janet has also been regocnized for her work around HIV/AIDS activism by AIDS Project Los Angeles and the Human Rights Campaign.

The Vanguard Award is presented to media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Past recipients include Charlize Theron, Antonio Banderas, Eric McCormack, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, and Whoopi Goldberg.

You can purchase tickets to this event by visiting www.glaad.org/mediaawards or call (877) 519-7904

1. "Luv" - An extended automotive metaphor (red lights/headlights imagery, the line: "He hit me with his love") makes this like a bumper-car rink for Janet's vocals, which bounce her constant refrain of "Luv, luv, luv, luv..." all over the place. Vocally, it's hyper like the chorus of Chris Brown's "With You," but musically, it sounds like a Southern-fried sequel to Kanye West's "Good Life." Reid played this one twice and after the second time, there was some murmuring about it being the next single. Commercially, that would make a lot of sense.

2. "Feedback" - The single, duh. It has a house beat, but it's the least house-y of the other 4/4 tracks. Oh yeah, Janet goes there. Also, I can't tell you how wonderful it was to hear Janet sing about her period amongst fine wood office furniture and expensive candles. A moment to remember, for sure.

3. "This Can't Be Good" - Think Aaliyah's "Rock the Boat" with a more punishing beat, and you're halfway there. Another obvious reference point would be Michael Jackson's "Butterflies" and/or Janet's own "Spending Time With You" from Damita Jo. Lyrics are standard falling-in-love-too-deep fare, although the song is put together well: the thwack of the snare contrasts heavily with the layers of cooing vocals. The layers pile and pile so that by the bridge, the song is virtually dizzying. This one's extremely well-produced, but perhaps the least exciting track we were privy to.

4. "Rock With You" - This one was rumored to be a cover of Michael Jackson's classic and/or to feature Michael himself. It's neither. It seems to have some melodic elements snatched from Mike's track, although the chorus is more, "Ooh ooh ooh ooooh oooh oooh" than "I wanna rock with you." Janet's vocals seem a bit detached and robotic, but that's not an insult: they're most reminiscent of Donna Summer's in "I Feel Love" without the operatic flair. This one is pure house music, with an electroboogie bass line borrowed from the '80s. It's bright enough so that it wouldn't sound out of place on one of those Beach House compilations released by Hed Kandi.

5. "Tonight" - Speaking of bright, this one just shines. It's another dance track - more or less housey (although the beat pattern has a slight twist keeping it from being straight four-on-the-floor for most of it). It has the filter-house thing of Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music" going on (the second verse is virtually treble-free), but where that song has a darkish vibe, this one's up up up. Again, Janet seems detached, but that's only during the verses: she breaks out like the sun between clouds during the chorus, belting in her high register that immediately reminded me of "Young Love." The song only gets better as it goes, too: two killer bridges and an amazing breakdown ("Don't leave me alone tonight / Don't leave me tonight") close it out. Epic and brilliant: this is by far my favorite track that we were played.

6. "The Greatest Ex" - A departure for Janet, this one's most akin to OneRepublic's "Apologize." Like "Tonight," there's this epic sensibility, but this time it's applied to the power-ballad template. Timbaland-esque beats skitter around Janet's confession (this definitely seems like the most personal song on the record): "In my heart, I know you'll always be the greatest ex ever." I pointed out to L.A. Reid after that this is the pop smash, the Z100 crossover and he agreed. It's not the best track, but it has tremendous potential to kill at radio. Seriously, if Janet can't get a hit with this one, it isn't her fault; it's the world's.

7. "Discipline" - The baby-making track (though in an interview conducted with Janet today, she told us about "Curtains," which is faster but with a sexy vibe). It's similar in theme to Velvet Rope's "Rope Burn," but not in sound. This is slower and sparser, like a Prince song that's not purple, but black and blue. "I misbehaved / I touched myself even though you told me not to," coos Janet to her "Daddy" before asking him to "take out your frustrations on me." It's heavy stuff, but probably not as dark as it sounds. The snare is made to sound like a whip, which is a pretty brilliant touch.

8. "Rollercoaster" - One of the most bizarre things that Janet's ever done, it wouldn't be surprising if this one ended up being left off the album. It's extremely layered and tough to get your head around: the melody never seems quite right until the bridge and then after, it's more topsy-turvy. Rodney Jerkins produced this one and though it shares virtually no musical ideas with it, it has the same woozy effect as "What About Us?" which he produced for Brandy.

9. "Let Me Know" - A Miami-bass-esque ballad that's somewhat indistinct, but nice all the same. It sounds more like filler than anything else we were played, but it's pleasant enough.

"Luv" - In contention to be the next single, this track sounds like a cross between Chris Brown's "With You" and Cherish's "Do It To It," aka very youth-like. On it, Janet is doing her usual whisper/talking/singing layered vocals over double drums, cooing "Got me caught in a web/I'm a mess."

(sidenote: L.A. Reid shouted J.I. out for typing away our sidekick while listening to this track. We explained to the chairman of Island Def Jam and A&R of the project that it was the new modern tech way of taking notes. Stay with me here, Mr. Reid!)

In addition, we don't think "Luv" should be the next single. Continue readin and you'll find out why.

"Feedback" - Although this track, which is the first single, took some time to grow on folks, the beat - not to mention the video - is pretty insane. This week, "Feedback" jumps 72-38 on the Pop 100 chart.

"This Can't Be Good" - If you ask J.I., we'd say THIS song should be the next single, hands down. Everything from the piano intro to the rolling bassline on "Good" is reminiscent of old Janet i.e. "That's the Way Love Goes" and "Anytime, Any Place," which we love. This track was written by Ne-Yo (kudos!).

"Rock With You" - The intro to this dance track features a robotic-sounding Janet saying the title over once. J.I. thinks this Madonna-esque song will be a favorite in the downtown clubs of N.Y. It features running piano keys, hard drums and layered vocals.

"Tonight" - This club/dance track is super flirty, which we think is a good look for Janet. "Something in the air has got me feeling like I want I tonight," she belts in the chorus. In other parts, Ms. Jackson sings, "Don't want to be alone / I need you to keep me warm... My body's here / I'm soaking wet / I wanna give you something that you won't forget."

"The Greatest Ex" - At first listen, J.I. thought this song, which begins with the sound of a heart pounding, was redolent of The Dream's "Nikki" off his debut. Come to find out, the singer/songwriter penned this one for Janet. Typical Dream riffs are noticeable on the set, including a few repetitions and scattered "eghs." "I loved you and you loved me / I just couldn't see tomorrow," Janet sings over bass drums and slow running piano strokes. J.I. thought Janet's vocal ability sounded the best on this track so far.

"Discipline" - The sexy title-track was one of J.I.'s favorite and should be considered for third single from the album, but that's just our two-cents. On the sultry track, Janet sings, "I touch myself even though you told me not to / I can smell me on your sheets / I can taste you on my skin." Hot yet? There's more. "Now I want you to come punish me / I need some discipline tonight / I've been very bad / Daddy, make me cry." Still not feeling tingly? How about, "Did I make you mad? / Take out your frustrations on me," which leads to the grand finale of Janet's heavy breathing and sexual cooing, a la Intro on "Come Inside." Straight steamy!

"Rollercoaster" - This Darkchild-produced song starts with what appears to be African drums. The beat is big, full of thumping bass line and Swizz Beatz-like adlibs. J.I. thought it appropriately sounded like the noise you hear when inside a bumper car, taking us back to our Ride Playland and Coney Island days. Ahhh, the memories.

"Let Me Know" - This track sounded a little Dream-ish too, although we aren't hating (Team Dream!). We ain't mad at the fact that it sounded like a mix between Robin Thicke's "Wanna Love You" and Lloyd's "Get It Shawty" - two songs that we love.

1. "Love" - This one is a banger. Clever wordplay likens falling in love to getting in a car accident. "I shoulda stopped at the red light/ I'm like a deer in headlights/ He hit me with his love la la la love/ Got me caught in a wreck/ I'm a mess."

2. "Feedback" - This one is the current single. If you haven't seen the video yet. Peep it here.

3. "This Can't Be Good" - This song was written and produced by Ne-Yo. It's a beautiful slow song that features those classic Jackson vocals.

4. "Rock With You" - LA Reid had to put on his tinted glasses when this song came on. It starts with a robotic voice declaring "I want to rock with you." The song is very electronic and will bang in the clubs.

5. "Tonight" - Is another club joint. The hook is, "Something in the air has got me feeling like I want it tonight." "Tonight" is a sexy song that features classic Janet lines like, "My body's here I'm soaking wet, I want to give you something that you won't forget."

6. "The Greatest Ex" - Janet slows it down for this one. It's an ode to an ex-love that will always have a place in your heart.

7. "Discipline" - This song about sexual surrender. "I need some discipline tonight, I've been very bad," Janet coos on this track. She begs for punishment with lines like "Daddy, make me cry" and "Take your frustrations out on me."

8. "Rollercoaster" - This one was produced by Darkchild (who also did "Feedback"). It's simple yet catchy, "You take me up and down with emotion like a roller coaster/ like a ferris wheel."

9. "Let Me Know" - Miss Jackson says "let me know if you want me" while rhyming her attributes. She is flexible, incredible and... (wait for it) edible.

A Passion For Discipline

Sitting across from a roaring fireplace one winter afternoon in Vail, Janet is curled up on a dark leather couch as she discusses the unlikely topic of Discipline, the title of her new album. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling window, long graceful branches of towering trees are heavy with snow. In the distance, a lift carries skiers up an imposing mountain awash in white. Janet's wearing a midnight-black sweat suit, her hair pulled back to the nape of her neck. Her body language is relaxed and her eyes are smiling. She's trim, and also a little hoarse, having just fought off a cold. The whisper-quiet texture of her voice adds to the intimacy of the conversation.

"Discipline has been much on my mind," she says. "It's the idea that unifies the songs on this record. As a concept, and even a lifestyle, discipline goes extremely deep. It can be applied to so much about ourselves. In my case, I see it as one of defining aspects of my character. Discipline was there for me from the start. But it was not until this record that I began to understand its full meaning.

"In putting Discipline out front-- as both the title of the album and title of a song about sexual surrender--I wanted to announce that I was venturing into new creative waters. That meant working with producers like Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins, and Ne-Yo, whose songs spoke to the immediacy of my emotions. Like all my records, this one, whether intentional or not, has autobiographical roots. It's difficult for me to work any other way. I don't feel it, if I don't believe it, I can't sing it.

"So Discipline, as a storyline, begins in my childhood which someone could see as a classic study in discipline. Discipline was part of a family culture that I absorbed. I was born with it.

"I also believe that discipline has given me the confidence to jump out of the nest. When L.A. Reid, Chairman of Island Def Jam, and I discussed co-executive producing this record, we both agreed that the feeling had to be adventuresome and fresh. I was interested in exploring musical scenarios--some exotic, many erotic, but all deeply emotional. I wanted to push the envelope. And I'm glad that 'Discipline,' both as a song and an album, does just that.

"'Feedback,' a Rodney Jerkins production, is a different metaphor that also explores sexual tension. It's a provocative conversation that invites openness in an area where so many of us are closed off. The same could be said for Rodney's "Roller Coaster," a musical ride that reflects that up and downs of romantic/physical agitation and excitement."

When asked how her concept of discipline has changed over the years, Janet reaches for her mug of hot tea, takes a sip and pauses several seconds before replying.

"Well, I guess if I go back to the beginning I see a little girl, 10-years-old, who's appearing on 'Good Times' and sets her own alarm clock to wake up at 5:30 AM in order to be at work by 7. Then I think about a 15-year-old starting to make records. For the next 25 years, she makes an album every two or three years without fail. Going a little deeper, she learns that the music most connected to her heart has a rhythmic and harmonic complexity that requires work. That means hours and hours trying to compose lyrics and melodies that ring true; hours and hours in the studio layering the vocals that contain the different voices she hears inside her head. Then, of course, the months she spends planning and executing world tours, one after another."

And does that artist see discipline as a burden?

"No, I see it as a blessing," Janet is quick to say. "As a child, I took it for granted. That's who I was. As a teenager, I wanted to sing and dance. I realized that required concentration. I wanted to reach people, and I had the good sense to see that couldn't happen if my skills weren't crafted with precision. But as I came to adulthood, I was hard on myself. Discipline is one thing; perfectionism is another. Perfectionism is a kind of punishment. It leads to permanent dissatisfaction and heartbreak. It's wonderful to strive for excellence, but demanding perfection only leads to heartache and frustration. It took me years to learn that difficult lesson. But in finally learning it, I now see discipline in a new light."

The light of the winter sun breaks through the grey sky and floods the room. Janet gets up and finds a copy of "Can't Be Good," a song written and produced for her by Ne-Yo, who also did "Discipline." She slips it into the CD player. The sensuous groove stops the conversation; it's all heavenly harmonies and sweet romantic ambivalence.

"The ambivalence and the discipline are in conflict," says Janet when the song stops. "I can relate to the story. In fact, I can imagine myself in the story. After a long relationship that ends in pain, I turn to my old friend, discipline. I discipline myself not to get involved, not to be vulnerable, not to fall in love. My discipline protects me from any more hurt. My discipline keeps me on track. But here comes someone who's so real and right that, as the song says, 'This can't be good.' So discipline really isn't discipline. It's just self-protection and fear of being hurt. It's resistance. Thankfully, the heat of pure passion melts the resistance. And the result is free-flowing love."

"Listen to 'Letchu Go,'" Janet continues. "It was written and produced by Jermaine. When I read the lyrics by Jermaine and Johnta Austin, I couldn't help but cry. The more I thought about the story, the more I saw how it reveals another aspect of positive discipline, especially as it relates to relationships. The song says that we can't stop trying just because we hit rough times. It's not too late; we can't give up on our fate; we can't let go of that discipline that allows us to work through problems and find a way to the wonders that come with open and honest love.

"The album expresses what I need to express at this moment of my life," she says. "It says that discipline, rather than being a problem, can bring pleasure. Discipline is a key to freedom. Discipline allows me--allows all of us--to focus. And the focus must be on thoughts and feelings that nourish our physical and spiritual lives.

"Funny, but my first big album also had a one-word title--Control. I was naive in thinking that I could control every aspect of my life. The only one who really has control is God. But it took discipline--the discipline of thought, the discipline of action, the discipline of creating music--to make me see that. Finally, discipline has to do with faith. I have faith that a gentle but steady discipline will let me continue to grow as an artist and a woman."

Sitting across from a roaring fireplace on winter afternoon in Vail, Janet is curled up on a dark leather couch as she discusses the unlikely topic of Discipline, the title of her new album. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling window, long graceful branches of towering trees are heavy with snow. In the distance, a lift carries skiers up an imposing mountain awash in white. Janet's wearing a midnight-black sweat suit, her hair pulled back to the nape of her deck. Her body language is relaxed and her eyes are smiling. She's trim, and also a little hoarse, having just fought off a cold. The whisper-quiet texture of her voice adds to the intimacy of the conversation.

"Discipline has been much on my mind," she says. "It's the idea that unifies the songs on this record. As a concept, and even a lifestyle, discipline goes extremely deep. It can be applied to so much about ourselves. In my case, I see it as one of defining aspects of my character. Discipline was there for me from the start. But it was not until this record that I began to understand its full meaning. "In putting Discipline out front-- as both the title of the album and title of a song about sexual surrender--I wanted to announce that I was venturing into new creative waters. That meant working with producers like Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins, and Ne-Yo, whose songs spoke to the immediacy of my emotions. Like all my records, this one, whether intentional or not, has autobiographical roots. It's difficult for me to work any other way. I don't feel it, if I don't believe it, I can't sing it.

"So Discipline, as a storyline, begins in my childhood which someone could see as a classic study in discipline. Discipline was part of a family culture that I absorbed. I was born with it. "I also believe that discipline has given me the confidence to jump out of the nest. When L.A. Reid, Chairman of Island Def Jam, and I discussed co-executive producing this record, we both agreed that the feeling had to adventuresome and fresh. I was interested in exploring musical scenarios-some exotic, many erotic, but all deeply emotional. I wanted to push the envelope. And I'm glad that `Discipline,' both as a song and an album, does just that.

MISSED HER MUCH: Janet Jackson is back on the Hot 100 for the first time since the week of Nov. 11, 2006, when "So Excited" spent its third and final frame on the chart. "Feedback" (Virgin) is a new entry at No. 84. The first single from her upcoming "Discipline" album, "Feedback" is the 39th Janet Jackson song to chart on the Hot 100 and expands her span of hits to 25 years and four weeks, dating back to the December 1982 debut of "Young Love."

If "Feedback" can power its way into the top 10, it will be Jackson's first top 10 hit on the Hot 100 since "Someone to Call My Lover" peaked at No. 3 in September 2001.