Janet: triumphs with Damita Jo

Ebony, May, 2004 by Lynn Norment

JANET Jackson is back with her greatly anticipated CD DAMITA JO (Virgin Records), on which she gives listeners a treasure trove of 22 songs. Among them are the sizzling "Sexhibition," the old-school dance tune "R&B Junkie," and the beautiful, sexy ballad "Thinkin' Bout My Ex," co-written and produced by Babyface.

In addition to working with superproducers Jimmy Jam Harris and Terry Lewis, she collaborated with several hot young producers, including Dallas Austin, who co-wrote and produced "Just a Little While," and Kanye West, who co-wrote and produced "Strawberry Bounce" and "My Baby," on which he also performs. Janet herself co-wrote most of the tunes and throughout the set she showcases all that is good about the dynamic and talented Damita Jo.