Picks and Pans Review: The Essential Janet Jackson

By CHUCK ARNOLD, RALPH NOVAK, JESSICA HERNDON

UPDATED 10/02/2006 at 01:00 AM EDT • Originally published 10/02/2006 at 01:00 AM EDT

CONTROL (1986) A fierce and funky declaration of independence from Michael's little sis.

RHYTHM NATION 1814 (1989) Big beats, big hooks, big messages. Plus a record seven Top 5 singles.

JANET. (1993) From "That's the Way Love Goes" to "Any Time, Any Place," her best—and sexiest—work.

THE VELVET ROPE (1997) Janet gets deep with her most introspective set.