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Title: OK at best...
Review: After listing to Janet's latest CD, I can't help but wonder if she's in a terrible rut. Her releases have always seemed to focus on a theme, whether it be independence ("Control"), unity ("Rhythm Nation"), love ("Janet"), or acceptance ("The Velvet Rope"). Things seemed to start going downhill with 2001's "All For You." Maybe it was the focus on the sample, maybe it was the weak vocals and omnipresent giggles, but it was seriously lacking the punch of her prior releases. With "Damita Jo," there are a few decent tracks to be found - "All Nite" (Don't Stop)," which reminds me of the Black Eyed Peas' "Hey Mama", "I Want You," an instant classic that might fit well into an old jukebox, and "My Baby," which features a slick cameo by Kayne West. Overall, though, it seems like Janet's focusing on the "shock and awe" value - she's no stranger to pushing buttons, but there's a difference between being coy and being downright explicit.
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