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Remember when Janet would release a video and you just had to learn the routine?  "If" is iconic. That beat starts for the dance break and we all know what to do. "Pleasure Principle" is epic.  The last two albums failed commercially to produced any stand out hits. The video for "All Nite(Don't Stop)" was the last time I can remember thinking, "This is hot." Janet's SNL appearance with her performance of "Throb" is still one of the best SNL appearances. "Strawberry Bounce" and "All Nite(Don't Stop)" are also great SNL appearances.

Feedback was a disappointment as a video. I love the track but the visuals are completely lacking to take the song to the next level. What's the deal with the floating milk balls? I don't know either.

So now to help with the release of her new album, Discipline, she is now releasing her second video. Rock With U starts like its a purring cat about to pounce. After Janet first gets off the box the cat just turns out to have a hair ball. The lighting in the opening shot is quite dramatic and creates a great sense of suspense. The doors open is we are led by the camera through a sea of "Paris is Burning" wannabes. I was all about it. Yes I was feeling it. Then she gets off the box and does some basic floor stuff. Who thought that was a good idea? It's not creative. It reminded me of some kids recital dance. The wardrobe is a bad knock off of Project Runway's new winner Christian. What is going on with her weave? It is tragic. It looks like Perez Hilton did her hair. (for the kids: he is not cool but rather a hot mess)

Do a side by side comparison of Britney's "Slave 4 U" and her duet with Madonna "Me Against The Music" with Janet's new video. Why is it cool to use "U" instead of just typing out the word. Then to top it off we are stuck watching another industrial set group of dancers gathering around a pop icon and breathing heavy on her. Can we find some creative folks in L.A. to come up with original concept? No? Take my info and I will gladly help.

There are several well known dancers in the video. None of them pop out as dynamic dancers. There is one dancer who I find to be one of the most annoying male dancers in the industry proving why people shouldn't dance solely to the mirror. Come on! You are dancing for Janet Jackson! Serve the camera and Janet some attitude. Don't stroke your own ego to say, "Did you see me in the new video?" It's all me me me me and it totally shows. It should be all about Janet. The choreography seems basic and repetitive from stuff we have all already seen again and again. I want to be inspired. I want to be challenged. I want videos to make a come back.

There was a time when a video premiere was major news. It shouldn't be a major snooze. Shake up the standards Janet! Push the limits! Just keep your nipple covered.

The new album is amazing. I recommend it to everyone. If her third video doesn't shape up to blow my mind then I don't think I will go to the tour. I'll wait for the DVD. DVD's are great when you want to fast forward

Blog you later!

Hip Hop, janet jackson, music video (all tags)

Full discussion: http://blog.danceruniverse.com/blog/story/2008/3/6/11012/47489