Top 10 Best Songs of Janet Jackson

In the Netherlands historically her biggest hit and a staple of the Top 2000. Originally a ballad, but transformed into a euphoric house track. It's a tribute to friends who died of AIDS. The melody is melancholic, but the music is festive. That combination of sadness and joy ("I'll see you in heaven") makes it magical. A song of hope and connection that touches everyone.

More than a song, this is a movement. The beat is mechanical and militaristic, driven by a sample of Sly & the Family Stone. The lyrics call for social unity and fighting injustice. The video with the tight choreography in uniforms is iconic. It's powerful, political and danceable at the same time. Janet at the height of her cultural influence.

The title track of the album that changed her life. An autobiographical statement about breaking free from her father and manager. The beat claps and stomps. "I'm in control". You don't just hear it, you feel it. It's funk with a mission. A source of inspiration for anyone who wants to take control of their own life.

The ultimate slow-jam. Here Janet transformed from the tough army girl to a sensual R&B queen. The beat is a sample from James Brown, but slowed down and sultry. Janet's voice is soft and seductive. The song flows beautifully. It's stylish, sexy and timeless. For many her very best song.

"No, my first name ain't baby, it's Janet... Miss Jackson if you're nasty!". One of the most famous one-liners in pop history. The beat is industrial and hard. The song is about intimidation on the street and claiming your space. It's fierce, feminist and incredibly tough. The groove is angular and irresistible.

The single that launched her career as a superstar. The beat is bare, funky and aggressive. Janet settles accounts here with a lazy partner and demands respect. The attitude in this song is legendary. It defined the 'Minneapolis Sound'. The choreography in the video set the standard for all dance videos that followed.

A sunny disco-pop track based on a sample of 'The Glow of Love'. It's airy, flirty and made for the dance floor. The production is smooth and euphoric. Janet sounds confident and sexy. A instant mood booster.

A masterpiece of neo-soul and trip-hop. The sample of Joni Mitchell's 'Big Yellow Taxi' is subtly woven into a relaxed, deep beat. Q-Tip adds a cool rap. The atmosphere is smoky and intimate. Janet almost whispers. The song is about appreciating what you have before it's gone. A stylish, adult track.

Pure pop fun. The beat is bouncy and cheerful, inspired by the atmosphere of street parties and carnival. The song is about escaping the monotony of the work week. The track radiates positivity. The melody is simple and catchy. Janet sounds carefree and light. A feel-good classic from 1989.

A surprising hard rock track, written by Janet herself. The shredding guitars and aggressive drums show a completely different side of her. Janet screams and groans ("Black cat, nine lives"). The song proves that she cannot be put in a box. A tough, energetic song that always provides fireworks live.