20 Y.O.

Untitled

20 Y.O. is the ninth album by American R&B singer Janet Jackson, scheduled for release on September 26, 2006.

Album information

Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Jermaine Dupri are the executive producers of the album, whose title makes reference to her hit 1986 album, Control, since 2006 will be the 20th anniversary of Control's release. According to the producers, the title also refers to "how old [Jackson] feels". Johnta Austin, Kwame, Avila Brothers, Kanye West, Track Starz , LRoc Khia and Nelly are involved in the production of the album.

Jackson decided to change the title of her album from 20 Years Old to 20 Y.O. due to fan suggestion.

"I think her sound need to be like the old Human League records," said producer, Jermaine Dupri. "That's the sound that I want, with the drums right up in your face."

The concept of 20 Y.O. is largely taking the sound of the past and mixing it with the modern-day present. The addition of producer Jermaine Dupri, quotes Jackson as saying, "It's an edge, an attitude, an exciting vibe that's assertive. It's about taking charge. It says, `Here I am. I'm coming on. Musically, I have it. You want it. And I'm giving it to you."

The following is known about the album tracks from various magazines, interviews, producers and Jackson herself:

The track, "With U" is the follow-up to 1986's "Let's Wait Awhile" where the two characters put off the intimancy. "With U" takes place after the act, which results, Jackson explains, in "romantic confusion".

John Mayer is sampled on "Stuck Inside the Groove", a song Jackson calls, "a mantra, a dancing meditation on sensuality."

Afrika Bambaataa is used on "Get It Out Me" a track Janet says exploits the "freak within".

"Love 2 Love" Jackson says, takes her back to her Velvet Rope days.

"Daybreak" is described as an "Escapade"-like track from Rhythm Nation 1814 which takes Jackson back to her youth with her then boyfriend, sneaking out of her parent's house at night and not coming back until daybreak.

"Enjoy" is referred to as "classic Janet." A reminder to live for the day. One lyrics is said to state "I refuse to be stuck in the past." The song "Take Care" talks about "missing that special someone... but realizing that self-pleasure can be a powerful and spiritual release."

The Herbie Hancock song "Rockit" is sampled on the new album, and is rumored to be found on the track rapper Khia's voice is also featured for, "So Excited". Jackson has also revealed that a certain Kraftwerk song will also be sampled, but no information was given as to which song.

• Nelly is the only collaboration on the album that is "etched in stone."

• Dupri confirmed that a duet between Jackson and Mariah Carey will happen for the album. Dupri went onto say that the said duet would be featured on the repackaged version of 20 Y.O.

Exclusive tracks from 20 Y.O. will be premiered to listeners on XM Satellite Radio's "XM Hit List", in September, closer to the album's release, along with exclusive interviews with Janet.

The album will be available for pre-order on iTunes beginning August 28 2006. The single, "So Excited", will be made a free-download with the pre-order purchase of 20 Y.O.

Two versions of the album will be available. The deluxe edition includes "luxurious special packaging" which is said to contain a bonus DVD of Janet rehearsing and recording the album, behind the scenes of photo shoots, as well as picking the winner of the "Design Me" contest. Along with these two versions will be four different "Design Me" covers featuring cover artwork designed by fans.

Album cover

A contest for fans to create an album cover image for 20 Y.O., was announced on July 18, 2006, through Yahoo!. Fans are able to create and submit their own album cover design, with a winner being chosen by Jackson herself. The first million copies of the album will be published with this fan-created cover. The concept of the contest is to create an image that best celebrates Janet's past 20 years. Images that span over 20 years of Jackson's career were made available for download for use in creating the design.[2]

Singles

The album's first single, "Call on Me", was released to radio on June 19.

The choice for the second single has been made and it is "So Excited" and will be premiered on So So Def Radio on Atlanta Radio Station V-103 on Saturday, August 19, 2006. The song will then be available via Janet's Myspace 12AM Sunday, August 20, 2006. "So Excited" contains samples from Herbie Handcock's "Rockit". Khia's vocals will be included in this song.

Confirmed tracks (Not in specific order)

[3]

1. "Call on Me" (Feat. Nelly)
2. "This Body of Mine"
3. "Stuck Inside the Groove"
4. "So Excited"
5. "With U"
6. "Enjoy"
7. "Clap Your Hands"
8. "Love 2 Love"
9. "Daybreak"
10. "Take Care"
11. "Do It to Me"
12. "Get It Out Me"
13. "Show Me"