The Pleasure Principle (song)
The Pleasure Principle is a 1987 song by Janet Jackson, written by Monte Moir. It appeared on the album Control.
History
The Pleasure Principle was written by Monte Moir and produced by him.
In October 1985, the song was recorded at Flyte Tyme Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The song is an "independent women" anthem and is about a love affair on the rocks.
At the 1988 Soul Train Music Awards, the song was nominated for Best Single by a Female Artist.
Upon its release on May 12, 1987, as the album's sixth single, the dance-pop-R&B-synthpop track only reached number 14 in the United States, ending Jackson's streak of six consecutive Top 5 hits. However, the song became her fifth number one hit in Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and her third number one hit in Hot Dance Club Play.
In the United Kingdom, the song was released on 29 June 1987, achieving only moderate success there. A few weeks before its release, the song reached #24 in the UK charts and remained in the charts for only 5 weeks in total.
Famed fashion photographer David LaChapelle shot the single's cover image.
The song Fast Girls appeared on the B-side of the single.
Jackson has previously sung the song on her Rhythm Nation 1814 Tour, janet. Tour, The Velvet Rope Tour, Rock Witchu Tour and the Number Ones: Up Close and Personal Tour. On the janet. Tour and the All for You Tour, Jackson did not sing the song.
Music video
The music video was directed by Dominic Sena and shot in New York City. Jackson dances solo and shows many dance choreographies and sings about "pleasure principle". Jackson also incorporates chairs and microphone stands into the dance choreography in the music video. At the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards, the song won the award in the category "Best Choreography" and was nominated in the category "Best Female Video".
During the MTV Icon 2001, tribute was paid to Jackson by musician Mýa. Mýa danced the choreography from the music video, including the famous mirror scene. On April 27, 2007, the music video for the song was released on the iTunes Store.
