Better-known as an actress at the time (she had played Penny on the sitcom Good Times), Janet Jackson was only 16 when she released her debut album. That infectious, youthful energy comes through both in her bubbly voice and the bouncy R&B-pop tunes. Several songs—including the kinetic opener, "Say You Do", and horn-driven single "Young Love"—were written and produced by soul vets Angela Winbush and René Moore, who provide a sleekly elegant, early '80s dance-floor vibe.
- 2001
- Whitney Houston
- Paula Abdul
- Jody Watley
- Karyn White