The Pleasure Principle (song)
A 1987 single by Janet Jackson from the album Control, notable for its theme of independence, dance-driven production, and an influential solo choreography in its music video.
Overview
"The Pleasure Principle" is a pop and new jack swing–influenced single performed by Janet Jackson from her third studio album, Control. Released in May 1987, the song contrasts emotional honesty with material comfort, with lyrics that reject an empty relationship built on gifts and status.
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Composition and themes
The track blends uptempo pop hooks with rhythm-and-blues sensibilities characteristic of late 1980s urban radio. Lyrically it centres on self-respect and autonomy: the narrator tells a partner that emotional connection matters more than ornaments or lavish promises. The song's direct phrasing and driving beat underline its message of personal agency.
Production and credits
Unlike many songs on Control that were shaped by the production team behind Janet's breakthrough sound, this single is credited to Monte Moir, an associate of Minneapolis funk and R&B circles. Its arrangement favours a stripped-back percussion and synth line that leaves room for rhythmic vocal phrasing and a focus on performance.
Release and commercial performance
Issued as a single in 1987, the song reached the upper reaches of the US pop charts, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was one of several successful singles from Control and is notable for being the album's only single not to enter the Top 10 on that chart.
Music video and choreography
The music video is widely remembered for its choreography: a minimalist set and a solo dance performance that foregrounds Janet Jackson's precision, timing and stage presence. The routine — performed without background dancers — became one of the defining visual moments of her early career and is often cited in discussions of pop choreography from the era.
Legacy and notable facts
- Album: Control (Janet Jackson).
- Genres commonly associated: new jack swing and pop.
- Artist: Janet Jackson.
- Chart highlight: peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Today the song remains part of Janet Jackson's performance repertoire and is referenced in retrospectives of 1980s pop and R&B for its combination of assertive lyrical content and memorable stage choreography.
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.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com The Pleasure Principle (song) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/98638
Sources
- billboard.com : "The Pleasure Principle"