One of the traditions in my parents' house was stuffing the stockings at Christmas with smaller gifts. CDs, movies, books...something to keep us kids busy while our parents attempted to stay asleep for just a few more minutes. In 1997, I ran downstairs to discover The Velvet Rope sitting in my stocking. Having been a Janet fan since Control, I instantly popped it into my over-sized portable CD player and listened.It was the one Christmas where my parents actually were able to sleep in.At the time when I was an impressionable and naive 15 year old, I didn't understand everything that was going on and after the one listen, I put it aside and went back to the safer Janet; the known Janet. It wasn't until a few years later, after hearing repeats of some of Janet's songs that I realized how many great songs came from that album. The Velvet Rope marks Janet's pinnacle achievement. It was her masterpiece, a culmination of everything that came before. Things hinted at and talked around where instead thrust into the open air. It's a startling CD and a very honest one. Ten years later, I still find myself popping the CD in and never-not even once-hitting skip. From the moment the piercing electric violin strikes the first shiver-inducing note to the final song that provides a glimpse of happiness, The Velvet Rope has capitvated me, over and over. With later albums on the lightweight and airy side, I turn to The Velvet Rope to find Janet at a time in her life where her music was sexy, dark and personal. I love this album and if you haven't listened to it, check it out.
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