It’s been nearly 30 years since Janet Jackson established Control. With that 1986 album, and follow-ups Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989) and janet. (1993), Michael Jackson’s kid sister not only forged her own creative identity, but also eventually surpassed her brother as a commercial and cultural force.
The young woman intent on liberating herself and the world is still socially and spiritually conscious, but she has evolved into a more settled, reflective artist. Those aren’t qualities you’d necessarily associate with Jackson, and some of the more contemplative tunes on Unbreakable can seem static. The sleepy After You Fall suggests Jackson’s old hit Again without the melodic vibrancy. Broken Hearts Heal teases us with jazz accents but wears out its crisp, easy groove.
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