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{{Infobox album <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
{{Infobox album
| Name = Unbreakable
| name = Unbreakable
| Type = studio
| type = studio
| Artist = [[Janet Jackson]]
| artist = [[Janet Jackson]]
| Cover = Janet Jackson_-_Unbreakable (Official Album Cover).png
| cover = Janet Jackson_-_Unbreakable (Official Album Cover).png
| Border = yes
| border = yes
| Alt =
| alt =
| Caption =
| released = {{Start date|2015|10|02|mf=y}}
| recorded = 2013–2015
| Released = {{Start date|mf=yes|2015|10|02}}
| Recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| Genre = <!-- Genre(s) cannot be included without reliable source(s) within a "Composition" or "Critical reception" section within article following the album's release to critics. -->
*Flyte Tyme Studios ([[Agoura Hills, California|Agoura Hills]])
| Length = {{duration|m=64|s=37}}
*The Cadillac Castle ([[Century City, Los Angeles|Century City]])
| Label = {{Flatlist |
*MusicTone LLC (Hollywood)
* Rhythm Nation
*TBhits (Grand Hills, Los Angeles)
* [[BMG Rights Management|BMG]]
*MixStar Studios in [[Virginia Beach, Virginia|Virginia Beach]]
}}
| Producer = {{Flatlist |
| genre =
*[[Pop music|Pop]]
* Janet Jackson
*[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
* [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]]
| length = {{duration|m=64|s=37}}
| label = *Rhythm Nation
*[[BMG Rights Management|BMG]]
| producer =
*[[J. Cole]]
*[[Dem Jointz]]
*[[Missy Elliott]]
*Janet Jackson
*[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|James "Jimmy Jam" Harris]]
*[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Terry Lewis]]
*Thomas "Tommy McClendon" Lumpkins
| prev_title = [[Icon: Number Ones]]
| prev_year = 2010
| next_title = [[Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-]]
| next_year = 2022
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Unbreakable
| type = studio
| single1 = [[No Sleeep]]
| single1date = {{start date|2015|06|22}}
| single2 = [[Unbreakable (Janet Jackson song)|Unbreakable]]
| single2date = {{start date|2015|09|29}}
| single3 = [[Dammn Baby]]
| single3date = {{start date|2016|05|04}}
}}
}}
| Chronology = Janet Jackson
| Last album = ''[[Icon: Number Ones]]''<br />(2010)
| This album = '''''Unbreakable'''''<br />(2015)
| Next album =
| Misc = {{Singles
| Name = Unbreakable
| Type = studio
| Single 1 = [[No Sleeep]]
| Single 1 date = June 22, 2015
| Single 2 = [[Unbreakable (Janet Jackson song)|Unbreakable]]
| Single 2 date = September 3, 2015
}}
}}
}}
'''''Unbreakable''''' is the upcoming eleventh studio album by American recording artist [[Janet Jackson]], set to be released on October 2, 2015.<ref name="jj">{{cite web|title=News|url=http://www.janetjackson.com/news/all/oct-2-wide-release-date-set-for-janet-jacksons-unbreakable#.VeghZDJ4RaR|accessdate=September 3, 2015|publisher=JanetJackson.com|date=September 3, 2015}}</ref> It is the first album to released under her independent label Rhythm Nation Records, distributed by [[BMG Rights Management]]. Seven years prior to its development, Jackson parted ways with [[Island Records]] due to dissatisfaction over the company's lack of promotion for her tenth studio album ''[[Discipline (Janet Jackson album)|Discipline]]'' (2008). As a result, speculation arose as to whether she would pursue yet another traditional recording contract with a major label or release future recordings through alternative avenues, such as the [[360 deal]]s offered by [[Live Nation Entertainment]].
'''''Unbreakable''''' is the eleventh [[studio album]] by American singer [[Janet Jackson]]. It was released on October 2, 2015, and is the first album released under her independent label Rhythm Nation, with [[BMG Rights Management]] through a partnership with the singer. Jackson had parted ways with [[Island Records]] in 2008 due to dissatisfaction over the company's lack of promotion for her tenth studio album, ''[[Discipline (Janet Jackson album)|Discipline]]'' (2008). The singer began recording new material with producer [[Rodney Jerkins]] the following year, but eventually abandoned the project. She became busy with film roles and embarked on a worldwide concert tour, and in 2013 announced her third marriage to [[Qatari]] businessman Wissam Al Mana. Two years later in May 2015, Jackson announced that she would embark on the [[Unbreakable World Tour (Janet Jackson tour)|Unbreakable World Tour]] and release ''Unbreakable''.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|author=Andrew Hampp |title=Janet Jackson to Release New Album This Fall Via Rhythm Nation/BMG |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6583268/janet-jackson-new-album-fall-rhythm-nation-bmg |access-date=June 3, 2015 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |agency=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |date=June 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604144404/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6583268/janet-jackson-new-album-fall-rhythm-nation-bmg |archive-date=June 4, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Jackson reunited with songwriting/production duo [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]], their last collaboration being on her ninth studio album ''[[20 Y.O.]]'' (2006). Additional songwriting and production was provided by [[Dem Jointz]], Tommy McClendon and Thomas Lumpkins. Featured artists include rappers [[J. Cole]] and [[Missy Elliott]]. ''Unbreakable''{{'}}s theme reflects various experiences over the course of Jackson's life—including aspects of her childhood and the [[Death of Michael Jackson|death]] of her brother Michael—in addition to socially conscious messages prevalent in her 1989 album ''[[Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814|Rhythm Nation 1814]]''. Its lead single "[[No Sleeep]]" became her 40th entry on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] singles chart, peaking at number 63, as well as her most successful entry on the US [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart, topping the chart for twelve non-consecutive weeks.
The following year, she suffered the unexpected [[Death of Michael Jackson|death]] of her brother [[Michael Jackson]]; she later performed a special tribute to him at the [[2009 MTV Video Music Awards]]. She also ended her seven year relationship with record producer [[Jermaine Dupri]]. [[A&M Records]] and [[Universal Music Enterprises]] subsequently released her second greatest hits compilation, ''[[Number Ones (Janet Jackson album)|Number Ones]]'' (2009). Although she began recording new material with producer [[Rodney Jerkins]], she eventually abandoned the project, still unwilling to specify whether she intended to sign with a major label or release music independently. After starring in feature films ''[[Why Did I Get Married Too?]]'' and ''[[For Colored Girls]]'' in 2010, she embarked on the world concert tour [[Number Ones, Up Close and Personal]] in 2011 to promote her second compilation. In 2013, she indicated she was once again working on a new record. Later that year, she also revealed that she was married to her third husband, [[Qatari]] businessman [[Wissam Al Mana]]. She announced in May, 2015, that she would embark on the [[Unbreakable World Tour (Janet Jackson tour)|Unbreakable World Tour]] and release her eleventh studio album through her newly formed, independent record label as a result of a partnership between herself and BMG.<ref>{{cite news|author= Andrew Hampp|title=Janet Jackson to Release New Album This Fall Via Rhythm Nation/BMG|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6583268/janet-jackson-new-album-fall-rhythm-nation-bmg|accessdate=June 3, 2015|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|agency=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=June 3, 2015}}</ref>


The album debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], becoming Jackson's seventh album to top the chart in the United States. This made her the third act in the history of the chart to have a number one album in each of the last four decades.<ref name=seventh>{{cite magazine |author=Keith Caulfield |title=Janet Jackson Earns Historic Seventh No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6722962/janet-jackson-earns-historic-seventh-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart-unbreakable |magazine=Billboard |date=October 11, 2015 |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101163848/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6722962/janet-jackson-earns-historic-seventh-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart-unbreakable |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> It also peaked within the top 40 of most [[Global music industry market share data|major music markets]]. It received mostly positive reviews from music critics, with some commenting that it reflected her maturation. ''Unbreakable'' was named by several publications as one of the best album releases of 2015. As of April 2016, the album has sold over 253,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7350142/warner-music-ada-global-deal-bmg-catalog-blink-182 |title=Warner Music's Global Deal for BMG's Catalog Sets Up Showdown With RED |last=Christman |first=Ed |date=April 28, 2016 |website=Billboard.com |publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |quote=In the U.S., it already has signed and released such albums as Janet Jackson's Unbreakable, which has scanned 253,000 in the U.S. |access-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516112422/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7350142/warner-music-ada-global-deal-bmg-catalog-blink-182 |archive-date=May 16, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Unbreakable'' reunites Jackson with the songwriting/production duo [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]], who last collaborated with her on her ninth studio album ''[[20 Y.O.]]'' (2006). Songs on the album also include rappers [[J. Cole]] and [[Missy Elliott]] as featured artists. Jackson developed the concept for the album and the production of the supporting world tour simultaneously. Its theme reflects various experiences over the course of her life—including aspects of her childhood and the loss of Michael—in addition to socially conscious messages related to her 1989 album ''[[Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814|Rhythm Nation 1814]]''. It is described an open dialog on "where we stand today as individuals and as the inter-related elements of a planet."<ref name="jj"/> She has promoted the album through social media, frequently using the [[hashtag]] #ConversationsInACafe as well as taglines "I've been listening" and "Let's keep the conversation going." Its lead single, titled "[[No Sleeep]]", was released on June 22, 2015.


==Background==
==Background==
After releasing her tenth studio album ''[[Discipline (Janet Jackson album)|Discipline]]'' in 2008, Jackson parted ways with her 14-month label [[Island Records]]. A spokesperson for the singer added, "[Jackson] will have autonomy over her career, without the restrictions of a label system... Always known to break new ground and set trends, Janet's departure from Island Records makes her one of the first superstar artists to have the individual freedom to promote their work through a variety of avenues such as iTunes, mobile carriers and other diverse and innovative channels."<ref name="Billboard - Janet/label split">{{cite web |first=Mariel |last= Concepcion |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044010/janet-jackson-parts-ways-with-island-def-jam |title=Janet Jackson Parts Ways With Island Def Jam |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=September 22, 2008 |accessdate=September 23, 2008}}</ref> Mariel Concepcion of ''Billboard'' magazine suggested "Jackson would seem to be a natural fit at Live Nation Artists, which is already home to [[Jay-Z]], [[Nickelback]] and [[Shakira]]."<ref name="Billboard - Janet/label split"/>
After releasing her tenth studio album ''[[Discipline (Janet Jackson album)|Discipline]]'' in 2008, Jackson parted ways with her label home of 14 months, [[Island Records]]. A spokesperson for the singer added, "[Jackson] will have autonomy over her career, without the restrictions of a label system... Always known to break new ground and set trends, Jackson's departure from Island Records makes her one of the first superstar artists to have the individual freedom to promote their work through a variety of avenues such as iTunes, mobile carriers and other diverse and innovative channels."<ref name="Billboard - Janet/label split">{{cite magazine |first=Mariel |last=Concepcion |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044010/janet-jackson-parts-ways-with-island-def-jam |title=Janet Jackson Parts Ways With Island Def Jam |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=September 22, 2008 |access-date=September 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606015129/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044010/janet-jackson-parts-ways-with-island-def-jam |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mariel Concepcion of ''Billboard'' magazine suggested "Jackson would seem to be a natural fit at Live Nation Artists, which is already home to [[Jay-Z]], [[Nickelback]] and [[Shakira]]."<ref name="Billboard - Janet/label split"/> The following year, she suffered the unexpected [[Death of Michael Jackson|death]] of her brother [[Michael Jackson]]; she later performed a special tribute to him at the [[2009 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621392/20090913/madonna.jhtml |title=VMAs Kick Off with Madonna and Janet's Tribute to Michael Jackson |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=September 13, 2009 |publisher=MTV News |access-date=September 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922190441/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621392/20090913/madonna.jhtml |archive-date=September 22, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She also ended her seven-year relationship with record producer [[Jermaine Dupri]].<ref name="HB">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Laura |title=Janet Jackson Takes Control |newspaper=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |page=244 |date=October 2009 |issn=0017-7873}}</ref>
The following year, she suffered the unexpected [[Death of Michael Jackson|death]] of her brother [[Michael Jackson]]; she later performed a special tribute to him at the [[2009 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621392/20090913/madonna.jhtml|title=VMAs Kick Off with Madonna and Janet's Tribute to Michael Jackson|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=September 13, 2009|work=MTV News|accessdate=September 14, 2009}}</ref> She also ended her seven year relationship with record producer [[Jermaine Dupri]].<ref name="HB">{{citation|last=Brown|first=Laura|title=Janet Jackson Takes Control|newspaper=[[Harper's Bazaar]]|page=244|date=October 2009|issn=0017-7873}}</ref>


[[A&M Records]] and [[Universal Music Enterprises]] subsequently released her second greatest hits compilation, ''[[Number Ones (Janet Jackson album)|Number Ones]]'' (2009). Although she began recording new material with producer [[Rodney Jerkins]], she eventually abandoned the project, still unwilling to specify whether she intended to sign with a major label or release music independently.<ref>{{cite news|url =http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1624481/janet-jackson-recording-up-tempo-dance-album.jhtml|title = Janet Jackson Trying 'New Things' On Next LP, Rodney Jerkins Says| date = October 22, 2009 |accessdate=February 9, 2014}}</ref> After starring in feature films ''[[Why Did I Get Married Too?]]'' and ''[[For Colored Girls]]'' in 2010, she embarked on the world concert tour [[Number Ones, Up Close and Personal]] in 2011 to promote her second compilation. In 2013, she indicated she was once again working on a new record. Later that year, she also revealed that she was married to her third husband, [[Qatari]] businessman [[Wissam Al Mana]]. She announced in May, 2015, that she would embark on the [[Unbreakable World Tour (Janet Jackson tour)|Unbreakable World Tour]] and release her eleventh studio album through her newly formed, independent record label as a result of a partnership between herself and BMG.<ref>{{cite news|author= Andrew Hampp|title=Janet Jackson to Release New Album This Fall Via Rhythm Nation/BMG|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6583268/janet-jackson-new-album-fall-rhythm-nation-bmg|accessdate=June 3, 2015|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|agency=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=June 3, 2015}}</ref>
As a joint venture with [[EMI]], [[Universal Music Enterprises]] subsequently released her second greatest hits compilation, ''[[Number Ones (Janet Jackson album)|Number Ones]]'' (2009) under [[A&M Records]]. Although she began recording new material with producer [[Rodney Jerkins]], she eventually abandoned the project, still unwilling to specify whether she intended to sign with a major label or release music independently.<ref name="mtv.com">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1624481/janet-jackson-recording-up-tempo-dance-album.jhtml |title=Janet Jackson Trying 'New Things' On Next LP, Rodney Jerkins Says |date=October 22, 2009 |access-date=February 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302051747/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1624481/janet-jackson-recording-up-tempo-dance-album.jhtml |archive-date=March 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> UMe and A&M later released her third compilation ''[[Icon: Number Ones]]'' (2010) as the debut of the ''[[Icon (album series)|Icon]]'' album series, designed to feature "the greatest hits, signature tunes and fan favorites of the most popular artists in music history."<ref name="PR">{{cite news |title=Icon Series Launched by Universal Music Enterprises |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/icon-series-launched-by-universal-music-enterprises-100254019.html |agency=[[PR Newswire]] |place=Universal Music Enterprises |date=August 9, 2010 |access-date=August 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817225346/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/icon-series-launched-by-universal-music-enterprises-100254019.html |archive-date=August 17, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> After starring in feature films ''[[Why Did I Get Married Too?]]'' and ''[[For Colored Girls]]'' in 2010, she embarked on the world concert tour [[Number Ones, Up Close and Personal]] in 2011 to promote her second compilation. In 2013, she indicated she was once again working on a new record. Later that year, she also revealed that she was married to her third husband, [[Qatari]] businessman Wissam Al Mana. She announced in May 2015, that she would embark on the [[Unbreakable World Tour (Janet Jackson tour)|Unbreakable World Tour]] and release her eleventh studio album through her newly formed, independent record label as a result of a partnership between herself and BMG.<ref name="auto"/>


==Recording==
==Recording==
In October 2009, just a month before Jackson released her second compilation album ''[[Number Ones (Janet Jackson album)|Number Ones]]'', American producer [[Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins]] revealed that they were working together on the singer's eleventh studio album:
In October 2009, just a month before Jackson released her second compilation album ''Number Ones'' (2009), American producer [[Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins]] revealed that they were working together on the singer's eleventh studio album:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
Since we've been working I feel like the studio has become a second home for her because with the whole situation with Michael [Jackson] happening, and I feel like right now, emotionally, she can come here and let all her feelings out. [...] You gotta understand, she lost her brother. She was in a relationship for seven years [with Jermaine Dupri] that's over now. There's things that she told me that I didn't even realize. You know, certain [things] like self-esteem that I didn't even realize that she dealt with for years that, you know. She's working on her book and she'll deal with that in her book, but also in songs, certain songs we're dealing with that head on. And sometimes it can be a touchy subject for us to even go into, and I kinda had to persuade her, 'Let's just go, let's talk about that.' And she's been doing it, and she's a pro about it.<ref>{{cite news|url =http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1624481/janet-jackson-recording-up-tempo-dance-album.jhtml|title = Janet Jackson Trying 'New Things' On Next LP, Rodney Jerkins Says| date = October 22, 2009 |accessdate=February 9, 2014}}</ref>
Since we've been working ... I feel like the studio has become a second home for her because with the whole situation with Michael [Jackson] happening, and I feel like right now, emotionally, she can come here and let all her feelings out. [...] You gotta understand, she lost her brother. She was in a relationship for seven years [with Jermaine Dupri] that's over now. There's things that she told me that I didn't even realize. You know, certain [things] like self-esteem that I didn't even realize that she dealt with for years that, you know. ... She's working on her book and she'll deal with that in her book, but also in songs, certain songs we're dealing with that head on. And sometimes it can be a touchy subject for us to even go into, and I kinda had to persuade her, 'Let's just go, let's talk about that.' And she's been doing it, and she's a pro about it.<ref name="mtv.com"/>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


However, in 2010, Jackson revealed she had scrapped the recorded material with Jerkins, with only a track produced by them, "[[Nothing (Janet Jackson song)|Nothing]]", being used as theme for the film ''[[Why Did I Get Married Too?]]''. She claimed it was penned a favor for the producer, for "fun". She also revealed, "There have been a lot of record labels that have asked me to sit down and talk with them, but I don't know if I want to do something completely independent, or go with a major".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/despite-two-new-tracks-janet-jackson-not-working-on-an-album-20100325/|title=Despite Two New Tracks, Janet Jackson "Not Working on an Album"|work=Rolling Stone}}</ref> In August 2011, while touring with her [[Number Ones, Up Close and Personal]] world tour, the singer stated that she would "go back into the studio later this year or early next. I am not sure what I will be doing yet. I like to be inspired by what is going on in my life at that time".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/127784943.html?page=2&c=y|title=Janet is back in control|work=Star Tribune}}</ref> In 2013, she confirmed she was recording a new album and "creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music."<ref>{{cite news|author=Andrew Hampp|title=Janet Jackson Talks 'janet.' 20th Anniversary|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/1562856/janet-jackson-talks-janet-20th-anniversary-new-album-exclusive|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=May 18, 2013|accessdate=February 25, 2013}}</ref>
However, in 2010, Jackson revealed she had scrapped the recorded material with Jerkins. Although she recorded and released "[[Nothing (Janet Jackson song)|Nothing]]" as the theme for the film ''[[Why Did I Get Married Too?]]'', she stated: "There have been a lot of record labels that have asked me to sit down and talk with them, but I don't know if I want to do something completely independent, or go with a major".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/despite-two-new-tracks-janet-jackson-not-working-on-an-album-20100325/ |title=Despite Two New Tracks, Janet Jackson "Not Working on an Album" |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625120453/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/despite-two-new-tracks-janet-jackson-not-working-on-an-album-20100325 |archive-date=June 25, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2011, while touring with her [[Number Ones, Up Close and Personal]] world tour, the singer stated that she would "go back into the studio later this year or early next. I am not sure what I will be doing yet. I like to be inspired by what is going on in my life at that time".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/127784943.html?page=2&c=y |title=Janet is back in control |work=Star Tribune |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301095129/https://www.startribune.com/janet-is-back-in-control/127784943/?c=y&page=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, she confirmed she was recording a new album and "creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music."<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Andrew Hampp |title=Janet Jackson Talks 'janet.' 20th Anniversary |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/1562856/janet-jackson-talks-janet-20th-anniversary-new-album-exclusive |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=May 18, 2013 |access-date=February 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607090802/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/1562856/janet-jackson-talks-janet-20th-anniversary-new-album-exclusive |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>


In August 2014, producer and engineer Ian Cross, who worked on her last three studio albums, confirmed to ''Barefoot Sound'' magazine that he was working on Jackson's new album, stating, "The new album is going to be great. It's a process. There's a lot in store, yet to come", also saying they worked in recording studios in Qatar, Paris and Middle East. He asserted that he and the singer "had a little bit more of a special relationship because we became friends naturally. You meet a lot of people and you become friends with a couple of them, but sometimes there is one person you become really good friends with. She asked me to work on an album with her called ''Discipline'' in 2007 and, again, just do the same thing, produce the vocals. That led to her hiring me full-time to work with her. That's where I'm at now". After Cross' declarations, Jackson herself responded to the rumor, neither confirming nor denying the works, stating: "If there is a new project, you'll hear it from my lips", she tweeted.<ref>{{cite news|author= Erin Strecker|title=Janet Jackson Addresses New Album Report|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6205030/janet-jackson-new-album|work=Billboard|date=May 16, 2015}}</ref> ''Unbreakable'' saw Jackson reunite with long-time producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who did not contribute to her previous project.<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |first=Andy |last=Kellman |url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=discipline-r1313319/review|pure_url=yes}} |title=Discipline – Janet Jackson |publisher=[[Allmusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]] |accessdate=2008-04-30}}</ref>
In August 2014, producer and engineer Ian Cross, who worked on her last three studio albums, confirmed in an interview with [[studio monitor]] manufacturer [[Barefoot Sound]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Mr. Bonzai |title=A Conversation with Producer/Engineer Ian Cross |url=http://barefootsound.com/audio/a-conversation-with-producerengineer-ian-cross |work=Barefoot Sound |date=July 30, 2014 |access-date=March 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327075827/http://barefootsound.com/audio/a-conversation-with-producerengineer-ian-cross/ |archive-date=March 27, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> that he was working on Jackson's new album, stating, "The new album is going to be great. It's a process. There's a lot in store, yet to come", also saying they worked in recording studios in Qatar, Paris, and Middle East. He asserted that he and the singer "had a little bit more of a special relationship because we became friends naturally. You meet a lot of people and you become friends with a couple of them, but sometimes there is one person you become really good friends with. She asked me to work on an album with her called ''Discipline'' in 2007 and, again, just do the same thing, produce the vocals. That led to her hiring me full-time to work with her. That's where I'm at now". After Cross' declarations, Jackson herself responded to the rumor, neither confirming nor denying the works, stating: "If there is a new project, you'll hear it from my lips", she tweeted.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Erin Strecker |title=Janet Jackson Addresses New Album Report |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6205030/janet-jackson-new-album |magazine=Billboard |date=August 1, 2014 |access-date=September 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822115549/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6205030/janet-jackson-new-album |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://thesource.com/2014/08/01/janet-jackson-addresses-new-album/ |title=Janet Jackson Addresses New Album |last1=Boursiquot |first1=Sherley |date=August 1, 2014 |website=[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]] |publisher=The NorthStar Group |access-date=July 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306020428/http://thesource.com/2014/08/01/janet-jackson-addresses-new-album/ |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Barefoot Sound subsequently removed the full text of the Cross interview from their website. ''Unbreakable'' saw Jackson reunite with long-time producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who did not contribute to her previous project.<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |first=Andy |last=Kellman |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/discipline-r1313319/review |title=Discipline – Janet Jackson |publisher=[[Allmusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]] |access-date=April 30, 2008 |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301093333/https://www.allmusic.com/album/discipline-mw0000586364 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Composition==
==Composition==
The album opens with the title track "Unbreakable", a mid-tempo R&B song, which describes Jackson's unyielding devotion to her fans. Ryan Reed of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' said the song "finds Jackson praising her loyal fan base over a groove built on a breezy vocal sample and thumping bass."<ref>{{cite news|author=Ryan Reed|title=Hear Janet Jackson's Soulful New Song, 'Unbreakable'|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-janet-jacksons-soulful-new-song-unbreakable-20150904#ixzz3kmUfSD8b|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=2015-09-04|accessdate=2015-09-04}}</ref> Loren DiBlasi of [[MTV]] referred to the song as "timeless," stating "'Unbreakable' is classic Janet — angelic vocals delivered with timeless R&B style."<ref>{{cite news|author=Loren DiBlasi|title=Janet Jackson Delivers A Timeless R&B Jam With “Unbreakable”|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2261563/janet-jackson-unbreakable|publisher=[[MTV]]|date=2015-09-04|accessdate=2015-09-04}}</ref>


''Unbreakable'' is divided into two sides; the first side is composed mostly by [[dance-pop]] and [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] songs, while the second one is more experimental.<ref name="newsday"/> The album opens with the title track "[[Unbreakable (Janet Jackson song)|Unbreakable]]", a mid-tempo R&B song, which describes Jackson's unyielding devotion to her fans.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Ryan Reed |title=Hear Janet Jackson's Soulful New Song, 'Unbreakable' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-janet-jacksons-soulful-new-song-unbreakable-20150904 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=September 4, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905065031/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-janet-jacksons-soulful-new-song-unbreakable-20150904 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The following track "[[Burnitup!]]" is an [[uptempo]] song with [[electronic music|electronic]] beats, with processed vocal samples and [[House music|house]] drums.<ref name="exclaim">{{cite news |last=Hudson |first=Alex |url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/janet_jackson-burnitup_ft_missy_elliott |title=Janet Jackson "Burnitup!" (ft. Missy Elliott) |work=[[Exclaim!]] |date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=September 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926032725/http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/janet_jackson-burnitup_ft_missy_elliott |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="id">{{cite news |last=Dunn |first=Francesca |url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_us/article/burnitup-janet-jackson-and-missy-elliotts-new-collaboration-is-fire |title='burnitup!' janet jackson and missy elliott's new collaboration is fire |work=[[i-D]] |date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=September 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926224557/https://i-d.vice.com/en_us/article/burnitup-janet-jackson-and-missy-elliotts-new-collaboration-is-fire |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson asks "Mr. DJ" to "turn it up" and the crowd to "dance like no-one's watching", while Elliott raps "Make it work, make it work, make it work".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/09/24/new-music-janet-jackson-missy-elliott-burnitup/ |title=New Music: Janet Jackson feat. Missy Elliott – 'BURNITUP!' |work=[[Rap-Up]] |date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=September 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925105805/http://www.rap-up.com/2015/09/24/new-music-janet-jackson-missy-elliott-burnitup/ |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> "Dammn Baby", the third track, has hints of trap bass and percussion, and bits of previous single "[[I Get Lonely]]" into its breakdown.<ref name="newsday"/><ref name="nytimes"/> In the fourth song "The Great Forever", she is reportedly to sound like her late brother [[Michael Jackson]], and addresses the curiosity about her romantic life. "I don't see why loving someone or what I do seem so radical to you [...] What you think doesn't mean nothing at all / Doesn't change who I am."<ref name="LAT"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Helen |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/janet-jackson-unbreakable-album-review/ |title=Janet Jackson, Unbreakable, review: 'classy, subtle and inventive' |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=October 3, 2015 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004020554/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/janet-jackson-unbreakable-album-review/ |archive-date=October 4, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The next track, "Shoulda Known Better" opens as a ballad, but develops [[Electronic dance music|EDM]] beats for its underpinning.<ref name="wsj"/> During the song, she asks "Why, why, why?", before making a call for social action. "We won't accept excuses. We tolerate no abuses".<ref name="bbcu">{{cite web |last=Savage |first=Mark |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34404314 |title=Janet Jackson: The stories behind the songs |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002234758/http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34404314 |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sixth track, "After You Fall", is a stripped ballad with Jackson's vocals being accompanied by only a piano line.<ref name="LAT"/> The following song "Broken Hearts Heal" is a song with "breezy" vocal harmonies, and a tribute to her brother Michael, reminiscing about a childhood full of singing and laughing together. During the chorus, she sings "Our love ain't no material thing/Inshallah see you in the next life".<ref name="nytimes"/> Eight track "Night" is a [[house music|house]] track which accompanies breathy vocals by Jackson.<ref name="bh"/><ref name="ew"/> The ninth song and lead single from the album, "[[No Sleeep]]", is an [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] song,<ref name="nydaily">{{cite news |author=Philip Caulfield |title=Janet Jackson drops first new single in seven years, 'No Sleeep' |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/janet-jackson-drops-new-single-no-sleeep-article-1.2266612 |work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]] |date=June 22, 2015 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623001921/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/janet-jackson-drops-new-single-no-sleeep-article-1.2266612 |archive-date=June 23, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Meaghan Garvey">{{cite news |author=Meaghan Garvey |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/17544-janet-jackson-no-sleeep/ |title=No Sleeep |work=[[Pitchfork Media]] |date=June 23, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624025439/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/17544-janet-jackson-no-sleeep/ |archive-date=June 24, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> which lyrically finds Jackson crooning about a long-distance romance over "soulful" [[Keyboard instrument|keyboard]]s and programmed [[drum]]s.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Ryan Reed |title=Janet Jackson Promises 'No Sleeep' on Alluring New Single |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/janet-jackson-promises-no-sleeep-on-alluring-new-single-20150622 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=June 22, 2015 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623002012/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/janet-jackson-promises-no-sleeep-on-alluring-new-single-20150622 |archive-date=June 23, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
"No Sleeep" is an [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[quiet storm]] song,<ref name="nydaily">{{cite news|author=Philip Caulfield|title=Janet Jackson drops first new single in seven years, ‘No Sleeep’|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/janet-jackson-drops-new-single-no-sleeep-article-1.2266612|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|date=June 22, 2015|accessdate=June 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Meaghan Garvey">{{citation|author=Meaghan Garvey|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/17544-janet-jackson-no-sleeep/|title=No Sleeep|work=[[Pitchfork Media]]|date=June 23, 2015|accessdate=June 23, 2015}}</ref> which lyrically finds Jackson crooning about a long-distance romance over "soulful" [[Keyboard instrument|keyboard]]s and programmed [[drum]]s.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ryan Reed|title=Janet Jackson Promises 'No Sleeep' on Alluring New Single|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/janet-jackson-promises-no-sleeep-on-alluring-new-single-20150622|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=June 22, 2015|accessdate=June 22, 2015}}</ref> Opening with a sample of pouring rain and distant thunder, the first word heard is "plush", followed by Jackson singing the chorus: "You missing me, I'm missing you, whenever we meet, we ain't gonna get no sleep," in her signature breathy [[soprano]].<ref name="nydaily"/>


Starting the second part, "Dream Maker / Euphoria", the tenth track, is an R&B song with a [[soul music|soul]] sample, and at one point of the song she sings "Wish I could create a perfect place, without jealousy, abuse, or hate".<ref>{{cite news |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/10/unbreakable-janet-jackson-review/408691/ |title=The Unbreakable Optimism of Janet Jackson |work=[[The Atlantic]] |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003153805/http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/10/unbreakable-janet-jackson-review/408691/ |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Eleventh song "2 B Loved" is described lyrically as a "rapturous celebration of the power of love", complete with a "burst of sunshiny pop froth complete with hand claps, [and] a hip-shaking groove".<ref>{{cite news |last=Rodman |first=Sarah |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2015/10/01/album-review-janet-jackson-unbreakable/jSVybnZC7P3HP0Xq1oozQM/story.html |title=Janet Jackson's 'Unbreakable' solid but uneven |work=[[Boston Globe]] |date=October 1, 2015 |access-date=October 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002225351/http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2015/10/01/album-review-janet-jackson-unbreakable/jSVybnZC7P3HP0Xq1oozQM/story.html |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Next track "Take Me Away" has an [[Electronic rock|electro-rock]] arrangement and lyrically looks for escape with a lover.<ref name="LAT"/>
==Release==
The following and thirteenth song "Promise" is an interlude. The fourteenth track, "Lessons Learned", is built over a "plucked" guitar figure, on which Jackson sings about an abusive relationship where the victim keeps that way. At one point of the song Jackson sings "What makes her want to stay?".<ref name="bbcu"/> "Black Eagle", the next song, is a two-part song that sets its mysticism and self-help to modal phrases and quiet finger snaps; she addresses the struggles of today, but goes with "Because every life matters... We all need to do better."<ref name="newsday"/> The sixteenth track "Well Traveled" is [[arena rock]], described as a "[[Bon Jovi]] [[power ballad]]" song. The closing track, "Gon' B Alright", is "twisted" [[psychedelic rock]], and was compared to [[Sly & The Family Stone]] sound.<ref name="newsday"/>
On April 22, 2015, she tweeted, "Letting go doesn't mean you stop", after a fan created a mock Missing Persons poster of Jackson which had begun circulating the internet prompting Jackson to retweet it herself, adding to further speculation of a new album.<ref>{{Citation |url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/649773/janet-jackson-calls-fan-s-mock-missing-person-flyer-too-funny-too-sweet-cue-the-fans-who-want-more-music|title = Janet Jackson Calls Fan's Mock Missing-Person Flyer ''Too Funny, Too Sweet'': Cue the Fans Who Want More Music!| work = E!Online |date = April 22, 2015|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> On May 15, 2015, on her 49th birthday, Jackson announced a new album and world tour and stated "I promised you would hear it from my lips. And now you will. This year, new music, new world tour, a new movement. I've been listening. Let's keep the conversation going."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6568528/janet-jackson-announces-new-album-tour|title=Janet Jackson Announces New Album, Tour|work=Billboard.com|accessdate=February 12, 2015}}</ref> It was later announced that she will release her new album in the fall of 2015 under her own record label, [[Rhythm Nation Records]], distributed by [[BMG Rights Management]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Andrew Hampp|title=Janet Jackson to Release New Album This Fall Via Rhythm Nation/BMG|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6583268/janet-jackson-new-album-fall-rhythm-nation-bmg|accessdate=June 3, 2015|work=Billboard|agency=Prometheus Global Media|date=June 3, 2015}}</ref> The launch of Rhythm Nation marks Jackson as among the few African-American female musicians to establish a record label.<ref>{{cite news|title=Janet Jackson back with new album&nbsp;– and record-breaking new deal with BMG|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/03/janet-jackson-new-album-record-breaking-deal-bmg-rhythm-nation|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=June 3, 2015|accessdate=June 5, 2015}}</ref> In June, she released the album's first single, "No Sleeep". That same month, she teased a track titled "Love", which was later re-titled "Unbreakable". The song is about how important her fans were to her.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/17/janet-jackson-new-song|title=Janet Jackson teases new song: Listen|work=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com}}</ref> On August 20, 2015, she released a preview of a new song "The Great Forever", while also confirming the title of her eleventh studio album as ''Unbreakable'',<ref>{{cite web|author=Jeremy Gordon|title=Janet Jackson Titles New Album, Previews "The Great Forever"|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/60867-janet-jackson-titles-new-album-previews-the-great-forever/|publisher=[[Pitchfork Media]]|date=August 20, 2015|accessdate=August 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Joe Lynch|title=Janet Jackson Teases Upbeat New Song 'The Great Forever,' Confirms Album Title|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6670966/janet-jackson-great-forever-unbreakable-new-album|work=Billboard|date=August 20, 2015|accessdate=August 20, 2015}}</ref> and is set to release on October 2, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Albin|first1=Matt|title=Yo Gotti 'The Art Of Hustle', Jadakiss 'Top 5 Dead or Alive', & Janet Jackson 'Unbreakable' Get Release Dates|url=http://www.fashionably-early.com/2015/08/24/yo-gotti-the-art-of-hustle-jadakiss-top-5-dead-or-alive-janet-jackson-unbreakable-get-release-dates/|website=Fashionably-Early.com|accessdate=August 25, 2015}}</ref>


==Singles==
==Singles==
The album's first single, titled "[[No Sleeep]]", was released on June 22, 2015. In early June, Jimmy Jam tweeted, "Early morning #Plush #NoSL333P #ConversationsInACafe", along with a picture of sheet music in a darkened studio. Fans quickly found out the titles "No SL333P" and "Plush" in the picture.<ref>{{cite news|author=Mike Wass|title=Jimmy Jam Hints At Janet Jackson’s New Single Being Called "No SL333P" (Or "Plush") In A Cryptic Tweet|url=http://www.idolator.com/7596026/janet-jacksons-new-single-plush-no-sl333p-jimmy-jam-tweet|work=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|date=June 8, 2015|accessdate=June 22, 2015}}</ref> Later, it was leaked a snippet of the song, followed by a countdown on her official website which revealed the song on June 22, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Music: Janet Jackson&nbsp;– ‘No Sleeep’ [Snippet]|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/06/21/new-music-janet-jackson-no-sleeep-snippet/|work=[[Rap-Up]]|date=June 21, 2015|accessdate=June 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name="officialchart">{{cite news|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/janet-jackson-unveils-new-single-no-sleeep-listen__9887/|title=Janet Jackson unveils new single No Sleeep&nbsp;– listen |author=Liv Moss|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|date=June 22, 2015|accessdate=June 22, 2015}}</ref> The album version of the song features additional verses from American rapper [[J. Cole]]. It was released to radio airplay and made available for digital download on July 23, 2015.<ref name="Remix: Exclusive">{{cite news|author=Melinda Newman|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6641089/janet-jackson-no-sleeep-remix-j-cole|title=Janet Jackson & J. Cole Team Up for 'No Sleeep' Remix: Exclusive|work=''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''|date=July 22, 2015|accessdate=July 23, 2015}}</ref> Jackson's solo version of the single debuted on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] at number 67, marking her 40th entry on the chart. The album version featuring J. Cole enabled it to re-enter the Hot 100 with a new peak position at number 63, while also topping the [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart.
The album's [[lead single]], titled "No Sleeep", was released on June 22, 2015. In early June, Jimmy Jam tweeted, "Early morning #Plush #NoSL333P #ConversationsInACafe", along with a picture of sheet music in a darkened studio. Fans quickly found out the titles "No SL333P" and "Plush" in the picture.<ref>{{cite news |author=Mike Wass |title=Jimmy Jam Hints at Janet Jackson's New Single Being Called "No SL333P" (Or "Plush") In A Cryptic Tweet |url=http://www.idolator.com/7596026/janet-jacksons-new-single-plush-no-sl333p-jimmy-jam-tweet |work=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]] |date=June 8, 2015 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301095132/https://www.idolator.com/7596026/janet-jacksons-new-single-plush-no-sl333p-jimmy-jam-tweet |url-status=live }}</ref> Later, a snippet of the song was leaked, followed by a countdown on her official website which revealed the song on June 22, 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=New Music: Janet Jackson&nbsp;– 'No Sleeep' [Snippet] |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/06/21/new-music-janet-jackson-no-sleeep-snippet/ |work=[[Rap-Up]] |date=June 21, 2015 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233544/http://www.rap-up.com/2015/06/21/new-music-janet-jackson-no-sleeep-snippet/ |archive-date=June 21, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="officialchart">{{cite news |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/janet-jackson-unveils-new-single-no-sleeep-listen__9887/ |title=Janet Jackson unveils new single No Sleeep&nbsp;– listen |author=Liv Moss |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |date=June 22, 2015 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623022233/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/janet-jackson-unveils-new-single-no-sleeep-listen__9887/ |archive-date=June 23, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The album version of the song features additional verses from American rapper [[J. Cole]]. It was released to radio airplay and made available for digital download on July 23, 2015.<ref name="Remix: Exclusive">{{cite magazine |author=Melinda Newman |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6641089/janet-jackson-no-sleeep-remix-j-cole |title=Janet Jackson & J. Cole Team Up for 'No Sleeep' Remix: Exclusive |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=July 22, 2015 |access-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725195132/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6641089/janet-jackson-no-sleeep-remix-j-cole |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson's solo version of the single debuted on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] at number 67, marking her 40th entry on the chart. The album version featuring J. Cole enabled it to re-enter the Hot 100 with a new peak position at number 63, while also topping the US [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart.
The music video for the third single, titled "Dammn Baby", was released May 4, 2016 on YouTube and her official Facebook page. The song debuted on the US [[Adult R&B Songs]] chart at number 20.


==Release and promotion==
==Promotion==
On April 22, 2015, she tweeted, "Letting go doesn't mean you stop", after a fan created a mock Missing Persons poster of Jackson which had begun circulating the internet prompting Jackson to retweet it herself, adding to further speculation of a new album.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/649773/janet-jackson-calls-fan-s-mock-missing-person-flyer-too-funny-too-sweet-cue-the-fans-who-want-more-music |title=Janet Jackson Calls Fan's Mock Missing-Person Flyer ''Too Funny, Too Sweet'': Cue the Fans Who Want More Music! |publisher=E! |date=April 22, 2015 |access-date=April 24, 2015 |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301095149/https://www.eonline.com/news/649773/janet-jackson-calls-fan-s-mock-missing-person-flyer-too-funny-too-sweet-cue-the-fans-who-want-more-music |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 16, 2015, on her 49th birthday, Jackson announced a new album and world tour and stated "I promised you would hear it from my lips. And now you will. This year, new music, new world tour, a new movement. I've been listening. Let's keep the conversation going."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6568528/janet-jackson-announces-new-album-tour |title=Janet Jackson Announces New Album, Tour |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516215713/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6568528/janet-jackson-announces-new-album-tour |archive-date=May 16, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was later announced that she will release her new album in the fall of 2015 under her own record label, Rhythm Nation, distributed by [[BMG Rights Management]].<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Andrew Hampp |title=Janet Jackson to Release New Album This Fall Via Rhythm Nation/BMG |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6583268/janet-jackson-new-album-fall-rhythm-nation-bmg |access-date=June 3, 2015 |magazine=Billboard |agency=Prometheus Global Media |date=June 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604144404/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6583268/janet-jackson-new-album-fall-rhythm-nation-bmg |archive-date=June 4, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The launch of Rhythm Nation marks Jackson as among the few African-American female musicians to establish a record label.<ref>{{cite news |title=Janet Jackson back with new album&nbsp;– and record-breaking new deal with BMG |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/03/janet-jackson-new-album-record-breaking-deal-bmg-rhythm-nation |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=June 3, 2015 |access-date=June 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605095725/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/03/janet-jackson-new-album-record-breaking-deal-bmg-rhythm-nation |archive-date=June 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June, she released the album's first single, "No Sleeep". That same month, she teased a track titled "Love", which was later re-titled "Unbreakable". The song is about how important her fans were to her.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/17/janet-jackson-new-song |title=Janet Jackson teases new song: Listen |work=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com |access-date=September 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904112515/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/17/janet-jackson-new-song |archive-date=September 4, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 20, 2015, she released a preview of a new song "The Great Forever", while also confirming the title of her eleventh studio album as ''Unbreakable'',<ref>{{cite web |author=Jeremy Gordon |title=Janet Jackson Titles New Album, Previews "The Great Forever" |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/60867-janet-jackson-titles-new-album-previews-the-great-forever/ |work=[[Pitchfork Media]] |date=August 20, 2015 |access-date=August 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822181329/http://pitchfork.com/news/60867-janet-jackson-titles-new-album-previews-the-great-forever/ |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |author=Joe Lynch |title=Janet Jackson Teases Upbeat New Song 'The Great Forever,' Confirms Album Title |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6670966/janet-jackson-great-forever-unbreakable-new-album |magazine=Billboard |date=August 20, 2015 |access-date=August 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822180038/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6670966/janet-jackson-great-forever-unbreakable-new-album |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> and is set to release on October 2, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Albin |first1=Matt |title=Yo Gotti 'The Art of Hustle', Jadakiss 'Top 5 Dead or Alive', & Janet Jackson 'Unbreakable' Get Release Dates |url=http://www.fashionably-early.com/2015/08/24/yo-gotti-the-art-of-hustle-jadakiss-top-5-dead-or-alive-janet-jackson-unbreakable-get-release-dates/ |website=Fashionably-Early.com |date=August 25, 2015 |access-date=August 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924010626/http://www.fashionably-early.com/2015/08/24/yo-gotti-the-art-of-hustle-jadakiss-top-5-dead-or-alive-janet-jackson-unbreakable-get-release-dates/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
To further promote the album, Jackson embarked on the accompanying [[Unbreakable World Tour (Janet Jackson tour)|Unbreakable World Tour]] in August 2015.<ref name="website">{{cite web|url=http://www.janetjackson.com/news/all/janet-unbreakable-world-tour#.VX7v_flVikq|title=With the whole lining up, North America to be 1st continent on Janet Jackson's "Unbreakable World Tour"|date=June 15, 2015|accessdate=June 15, 2015|publisher=Janet Jackson.com}}</ref> Pre-sale tickets were made available exclusively to [[American Express]] and [[Citibank]] cardholders prior to general admission tickets going on sale on June 22, 2015.<ref name="Forbes">{{cite news|author= Jesse Lawrence|title=With 'Unbreakable' Presale Underway, Janet Jackson Tickets Nearing $200 Average on Resale Market|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/jesselawrence/2015/06/18/with-unbreakable-presale-underway-janet-jackson-tickets-nearing-200-average-on-resale-market/|work=[[Forbes]]|date=June 18, 2015|accessdate= June 25, 2015}}</ref> Jackson's forthcoming album was also made available for pre-order, along with vinyl copies of the album's lead single "No Sleeep".<ref>{{cite news|author=Andrew Hampp|title=Janet Jackson Announces 'Unbreakable World Tour'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6598120/janet-jackson-announces-unbreakable-world-tour|accessdate=June 26, 2015|work=Billboard|date=June 15, 2015}}</ref> On September 19, she will be performing at the [[iHeartRadio Music Festival]] at the [[MGM Grand Garden Arena]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Mesfin Fekadu|title=Kanye West, the Who, Janet Jackson, Sam Smith set for iHeartRadio Music Festival in September|url=http://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2015/07/30/kanye-sam-smith-the-who-set-for-iheartradio-music-festival|work=[[U.S. News & World Report]]|date=July 30, 2015|accessdate=July 30, 2015}}</ref>


She has promoted the album through social media, frequently using the [[hashtag]] #ConversationsInACafe as well as taglines "I've been listening" and "Let's keep the conversation going." To further promote the album, Jackson embarked on the accompanying [[Unbreakable World Tour (Janet Jackson tour)|Unbreakable World Tour]] in August 2015.<ref name="website">{{cite web |url=http://www.janetjackson.com/news/all/janet-unbreakable-world-tour#.VX7v_flVikq |title=With the whole lining up, North America to be 1st continent on Janet Jackson's "Unbreakable World Tour" |date=June 15, 2015 |access-date=June 15, 2015 |publisher=Janet Jackson.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328164716/http://www.janetjackson.com/news/all/janet-unbreakable-world-tour#.VX7v_flVikq |archive-date=March 28, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Pre-sale tickets were made available exclusively to [[American Express]] and [[Citibank]] cardholders prior to general admission tickets going on sale on June 22, 2015.<ref name="Forbes">{{cite news |author=Jesse Lawrence |title=With 'Unbreakable' Presale Underway, Janet Jackson Tickets Nearing $200 Average on Resale Market |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jesselawrence/2015/06/18/with-unbreakable-presale-underway-janet-jackson-tickets-nearing-200-average-on-resale-market/ |work=[[Forbes]] |date=June 18, 2015 |access-date=June 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626101716/http://www.forbes.com/sites/jesselawrence/2015/06/18/with-unbreakable-presale-underway-janet-jackson-tickets-nearing-200-average-on-resale-market/ |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jackson's forthcoming album was also made available for pre-order, along with vinyl copies of the album's lead single "No Sleeep".<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Andrew Hampp |title=Janet Jackson Announces 'Unbreakable World Tour' |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6598120/janet-jackson-announces-unbreakable-world-tour |access-date=June 26, 2015 |magazine=Billboard |date=June 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617003819/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6598120/janet-jackson-announces-unbreakable-world-tour |archive-date=June 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 19, 2015, Jackson was set to perform at the [[iHeartRadio Music Festival]] at the [[MGM Grand Garden Arena]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Mesfin Fekadu |title=Kanye West, the Who, Janet Jackson, Sam Smith set for iHeartRadio Music Festival in September |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2015/07/30/kanye-sam-smith-the-who-set-for-iheartradio-music-festival |work=[[U.S. News & World Report]] |date=July 30, 2015 |access-date=July 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816145505/http://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2015/07/30/kanye-sam-smith-the-who-set-for-iheartradio-music-festival |archive-date=August 16, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, on September 18, her rep confirmed she had withdrawn from the festival.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Weiner |first1=Natalie |title=Janet Jackson Cancels iHeartRadio Festival Performance |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/6700436/janet-jackson-the-who-cancel-iheartradio-festival-performances |access-date=September 18, 2015 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |agency=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |date=September 18, 2015 |location=United States |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920164031/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/6700436/janet-jackson-the-who-cancel-iheartradio-festival-performances |archive-date=September 20, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Track listing==
Due to Jackson's pregnancy, the Unbreakable World Tour resulted in postponement until September 2017; re-branded the [[State of the World Tour]], with a new setlist and costumes.

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
| ADM = 7.0/10<ref name="adm">{{cite web|title=Unbreakable by Janet Jackson reviews {{!}} Any Decent Music|url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/7554/Janet-Jackson-Unbreakable.aspx|website=www.anydecentmusic.com|access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516102905/http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/7554/Janet-Jackson-Unbreakable.aspx|archive-date=May 16, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| MC = 75/100<ref name="metacritic"/>
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="allmusic"/>
| rev2 = ''[[The A.V. Club]]''
| rev2Score = B<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avclub.com/review/janet-jackson-sounds-confident-and-control-unbreak-225973 |title=Unbreakable· Janet Jackson· Music Review· The A.V. Club |work=avclub.com |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=October 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151217182734/http://www.avclub.com/review/janet-jackson-sounds-confident-and-control-unbreak-225973 |archive-date=December 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''
| rev3Score = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/kot/sc-music-janet-jackson-unbreakable-review-ent-1002-20151002-column.html |title=Janet Jackson 'Unbreakable' review: Jackson makes a low-key return. – Chicago Tribune |author=Chicago Tribune |date=October 2, 2015 |work=chicagotribune.com |access-date=October 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104221615/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/kot/sc-music-janet-jackson-unbreakable-review-ent-1002-20151002-column.html |archive-date=January 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev4 = [[Consequence of Sound]]
| rev4Score = B+<ref>{{cite web |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/10/album-review-janet-jackson-unbreakable/ |title=Janet Jackson – Unbreakable – Album Reviews – Consequence of Sound |work=Consequence of Sound |date=October 8, 2015 |access-date=October 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213030716/http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/10/album-review-janet-jackson-unbreakable/ |archive-date=December 13, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
| rev5Score = B+<ref name="ew"/>
| rev6 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
| rev6Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/01/janet-jackson-unbreakable-review-sunny-serenity-on-reflective-11th-album |title=Janet Jackson: Unbreakable review – sunny serenity on reflective 11th album |author=Alex Macpherson |work=the Guardian |date=October 2015 |access-date=October 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003125052/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/01/janet-jackson-unbreakable-review-sunny-serenity-on-reflective-11th-album |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''
| rev7Score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}<ref name="LAT"/>
| rev8 = ''[[Pitchfork Media|Pitchfork]]''
| rev8Score = 8.0/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21060-unbreakable/ |title=Janet Jackson |work=Pitchfork |access-date=October 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614040609/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21060-unbreakable/ |archive-date=June 14, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[Slant Magazine]]''
| rev9Score = {{rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/janet-jackson-unbreakable |title=Janet Jackson: Unbreakable – Album Review – Slant Magazine |author=Eric Henderson |date=October 5, 2015 |work=Slant Magazine |access-date=October 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622181358/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/janet-jackson-unbreakable |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| rev10Score = 8/10<ref name="spin"/>
}}
''Unbreakable'' received positive reviews. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[weighted mean]] rating out of 100 to reviews from music critics, the album received an average score of 75, which indicates "generally favorable reviews" based on 22 critics.<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |title=Reviews for Unbreakable |url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/unbreakable/janet-jackson |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325044014/http://www.metacritic.com/music/unbreakable/janet-jackson |archive-date=March 25, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jim Fusilli of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' complimented Jackson's vocals, as well as her efforts to craft a contemporary but familiar sound to add to her diverse catalog. He notes that she and her primary producers, Jam and Lewis, "explore a satisfying range of musical styles plucked from across the span of pop history" including [[funk]], [[electronic dance music]] and [[Soul music|soul]].<ref name="wsj">{{cite news |author=Jim Fusilli |title='Unbreakable' by Janet Jackson Review |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/unbreakable-by-janet-jackson-review-1443563988 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=September 29, 2015 |access-date=September 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930214922/http://www.wsj.com/articles/unbreakable-by-janet-jackson-review-1443563988 |archive-date=September 30, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Jed Gottlieb of the ''[[Boston Herald]]'', "[u]nlike her peers, Jackson doesn't fear slow-burn R&B. This kind of [[quiet storm]] soul shows up again and again, on the big ballad 'Well Traveled' and the lead single 'No Sleeep'."<ref name="bh">{{cite news |author=Jed Gottlieb |title=Janet Jackson back in control on 'Unbreakable' |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/2015/10/janet_jackson_back_in_control_on_unbreakable |work=[[Boston Herald]] |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003135855/http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/2015/10/janet_jackson_back_in_control_on_unbreakable |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Writing for ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', Kyle Anderson called the album "her most sonically diverse set since 1997's quirky, hypersexual ''[[The Velvet Rope]]''" adding that "the most thrilling aspect of ''Unbreakable'' is her willingness to experiment."<ref name="ew">{{cite magazine |author=Kyle Anderson |title=Unbreakable by Janet Jackson: EW review |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/10/01/unbreakable-janet-jackson-ew-review |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=October 1, 2015 |access-date=October 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002070718/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/10/01/unbreakable-janet-jackson-ew-review |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Jon Pareles]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' commented that Jackson depicts a far more subdued persona in comparison to the explicit nature of her previous albums. He states that "[f]or most of 'Unbreakable,' she plays big sister—someone who's happily in love, willing to offer advice and wishing for a better world. It's a benign role but a modest one, reinforced by the music."<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news |author=[[Jon Pareles]] |title=Review: Janet Jackson's 'Unbreakable' Focuses on Love Outside the Bedroom |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/01/arts/music/review-janet-jacksons-unbreakable-focuses-on-love-outside-the-bedroom.html?_r=0 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 30, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004021244/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/01/arts/music/review-janet-jacksons-unbreakable-focuses-on-love-outside-the-bedroom.html?_r=0 |archive-date=October 4, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Newsday]]'''s Glenn Gamboa wrote that ''Unbreakable'' reflects her maturation, stating that after a tumultuous period in her career following the [[Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy]], "Jackson finally seems like herself again—actually an even wiser version of herself."<ref name="newsday">{{cite news |author=Glenn Gamboa |title=Janet Jackson's 'Unbreakable' review: A comeback on her own terms |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/janet-jackson-s-unbreakable-review-a-comeback-on-her-own-terms-1.10909367 |work=[[Newsday]] |date=October 1, 2015 |access-date=October 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002190836/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/janet-jackson-s-unbreakable-review-a-comeback-on-her-own-terms-1.10909367 |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In her review for ''[[USA Today]]'', Elysa Gardner wrote: "The young woman intent on liberating herself and the world is still socially and spiritually conscious, but she has evolved into a more settled, reflective artist&nbsp;... With ''Unbreakable'', Jackson, already a proven survivor—of both her family's well-publicized struggles and decades of changing trends in pop music and culture—gives us no reason to doubt that people will keep watching, and listening."<ref>{{cite news |author=Elysa Gardner |title=Album of the week: Janet Jackson turns reflective on 'Unbreakable' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/10/01/album-of-the-week-janet-jackson-unbreakable/73025824/ |work=[[USA Today]] |date=October 1, 2015 |access-date=October 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004014700/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/10/01/album-of-the-week-janet-jackson-unbreakable/73025824/ |archive-date=October 4, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mikael Wood of ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that the album is a collection of "grand-scaled but meticulously detailed songs" that include a mix of balladry, R&B, rock and EDM.<ref name="LAT">{{cite news |author=Mikael Wood |title=Review Janet Jackson's new 'Unbreakable' includes a tender tribute to Michael |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-janet-jackson-unbreakable-album-review-20150930-story.html |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=October 1, 2015 |access-date=October 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003021534/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-janet-jackson-unbreakable-album-review-20150930-story.html |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Wood comments that although "the music makes for delicious ear candy, Jackson isn't content to leave it at that. She also has messages to deliver[.]"<ref name="LAT"/> Writing for ''[[The Guardian]]'', Alex Macpherson remarked: "Unbreakable’s highlights are low-key moments of reflection and nostalgia: the hypnotic sway of Promise, the languorous dread of Lessons Learned and After You Fall, a skeletal piano lullaby that seems composed for Jackson’s late brother Michael, and on which she once again demonstrates the emotional range of her voice."<ref>{{cite news |author=Alex Macpherson |title=Janet Jackson: Unbreakable review – sunny serenity on reflective 11th album |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/01/janet-jackson-unbreakable-review-sunny-serenity-on-reflective-11th-album |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=October 1, 2015 |access-date=October 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003125052/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/01/janet-jackson-unbreakable-review-sunny-serenity-on-reflective-11th-album |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rebecca Haithcoat of ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' rated ''Unbreakable'' 8/10, stating that "it proves Janet can still surprise us. Who would've ever envisioned her slipping on a pair of boots and cowboy-cut Wranglers to sing 'Lessons Learned,' a country-tinged ballad about co-dependency? Or that she and the boys would've gone full ''Nashville'' and let a steel guitar cry and a little twang curl the edges of her voice on 'Well Traveled' (and that the whole thing would work!)?"<ref name="spin">{{cite news |author=Rebecca Haithcoat |title=Review: Janet Jackson's Making Sexier Music Than Ever on 'Unbreakable' |url=http://www.spin.com/2015/10/review-janet-jackson-unbreakable/ |work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003154713/http://www.spin.com/2015/10/review-janet-jackson-unbreakable/ |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Andy Kellman of [[AllMusic]] gave the album 3.5/5 stars, complimenting Jackson's diversity of sound while referencing her own catalog and familial influences. He remarked: "No one but Jackson can directly reference previous triumphs, address her audience, and yet move forward quite like this."<ref name="allmusic">{{cite news |author=Andy Kellman |title=AllMusic Review by Andy Kellman |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/unbreakable-mw0002873678 |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005005810/http://www.allmusic.com/album/unbreakable-mw0002873678 |archive-date=October 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Accolades===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! Publication
! Country
! Accolade
! Year
!align="center"| Rank
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Exclaim!]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.albumoftheyear.org/list/468-exclaims-top-10-soul-and-rb-albums-of-2015/ |work=Ian Danzig |title=Top 10 Soul and R&B Albums of 2015 |date=December 15, 2015 |access-date=December 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212174949/http://www.albumoftheyear.org/list/468-exclaims-top-10-soul-and-rb-albums-of-2015/ |archive-date=December 12, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| align="center" rowspan="1"|[[Canada]]
| Top 10 Soul and R&B Albums of 2015
| rowspan="15" align="center" |2015
|align="center"| 10
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[The Guardian]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/ng-interactive/2015/dec/02/best-albums-of-2015 |work=News Corp Australia Network |title=The best albums of 2015 |date=December 6, 2015 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420071109/https://www.theguardian.com/music/ng-interactive/2015/dec/02/best-albums-of-2015 |archive-date=April 20, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| align="center"|[[United Kingdom]]
| Best Albums of 2015
|align="center"| 37
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/gallery/best-albums-2015/2403198_11-janet-jackson-unbreakable |work=EW Staff |title=The 40 Best Albums of 2015 |date=December 9, 2015 |access-date=December 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212163601/http://www.ew.com/gallery/best-albums-2015/2403198_11-janet-jackson-unbreakable |archive-date=December 12, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| align="center" rowspan="12"|[[United States]]
| The 40 Best Albums of 2015
|align="center"| 11
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Slant Magazine]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-albums-of-2015/P3 |work=Slant Staff |title=The 25 Best Albums of 2015 |date=December 10, 2015 |access-date=December 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211224344/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-albums-of-2015/P3 |archive-date=December 11, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| The 25 Best Albums of 2015
|align="center"| 13
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Newsday]]''<ref>{{cite web |author=Glenn Gamboa |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/best-albums-of-2015-1.10156232 |work=[[Newsday]] |title=Best albums of 2015 |date=December 14, 2015 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305052342/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/best-albums-of-2015-1.10156232 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Best albums of 2015
|align="center"| 9
|-
!scope="row"| [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Allan Raible |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/50-best-albums-2015/story?id=35846208 |publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |title=50 Best Albums of 2015 |date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305040023/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/50-best-albums-2015/story?id=35846208 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 50 Best Albums of 2015
|align="center"| 49
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spin.com/featured/the-50-best-albums-of-2015/ |work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |title=The 50 Best Albums of 2015 |date=December 15, 2015 |access-date=December 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218045554/http://www.spin.com/featured/the-50-best-albums-of-2015/ |archive-date=December 18, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| The 50 Best Albums of 2015
|align="center"| 50
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Pitchfork Media]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9764-the-50-best-albums-of-2015/2/ |work=Pitchfork Media |title=The 50 Best Albums of 2015 |date=December 16, 2015 |access-date=December 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218152929/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9764-the-50-best-albums-of-2015/2/ |archive-date=December 18, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| The 50 Best Albums of 2015
|align="center"| 36
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Rolling Stone]]''<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/20-best-r-b-albums-of-2015-20151216/janet-jackson-unbreakable-20151214 |magazine=Rolling Stone |title=20 Best R&B Albums of 2015 |date=December 16, 2015 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005101352/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/20-best-r-b-albums-of-2015-20151216/janet-jackson-unbreakable-20151214 |archive-date=October 5, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 20 Best R&B Albums of 2015
|align="center"| 8
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[People (magazine)|People]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20968563_20973584_30426945,00.html |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |title=Best Albums 2015 |date=December 21, 2015 |access-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222091704/http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20968563_20973584_30426945,00.html |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Best Albums 2015
|align="center"| 8
|-
!scope="row"|[[About.com]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://top40.about.com/od/2014bestmusic/ss/Top-20-Pop-Albums-of-2015.htm#step15 |work=About.com |title=Top 20 Pop Albums of 2015 |date=December 29, 2015 |access-date=January 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201234536/http://top40.about.com/od/2014bestmusic/ss/Top-20-Pop-Albums-of-2015.htm#step15 |archive-date=February 1, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|Top 20 Pop Albums of 2015
|align="center"| 6
|-
!scope="row"|[[BET]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/8vahj1/the-best-rb-albums-of-2015/9bnlk1 |title=The Best R&B Albums of 2015 |website=BET |access-date=January 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101112903/http://www.bet.com/music/photos/2015/12/best-r-b-albums-of-2015.html#!101315-b-real-Achievement-Unbreakable-Janet-Jackson-1 |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|The Best R&B Albums of 2015
|align="center"| *
|-
!scope="row"|''[[Los Angeles Times]]''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-ca-ms-best-pop-music-kennedy-20151213-story.html |title=2015's must-hear albums include Janet Jackson's 'Unbreakable,' Ty Dolla Sign's 'Free TC' |website=Los Angeles Times |last=Gerrick D. Kennedy |date=December 11, 2015 |access-date=January 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111182535/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-ca-ms-best-pop-music-kennedy-20151213-story.html |archive-date=January 11, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|2015's Must-hear Albums
|align="center"| *
|-
!scope="row"|''[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/a50922/best-albums-2015/ |title=The 15 Best Albums of 2015 |date=December 16, 2015 |website=Cosmopolitan |last=Eliza Thompson |access-date=January 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101012216/http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/a50922/best-albums-2015/ |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|Top 15 Best Albums of 2015
|align="center"| 6
|}

==Commercial performance==
''Unbreakable'' debuted at number one on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart in the week ending October 8, 2015.<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine |title=Janet Jackson Earns Historic Seventh No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6722962/janet-jackson-earns-historic-seventh-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart-unbreakable |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101163848/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6722962/janet-jackson-earns-historic-seventh-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart-unbreakable |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The album sold 116,000 [[album-equivalent unit]]s in its first week, which included streaming and individual digital song sales. Of that sum, the album sold 109,000 in pure sales.<ref name=":2" /> This became Jackson's seventh number one album on that chart and also made her the third act to amass a number one album in each of the last four decades. The album also debuted at number one in the US Independent Albums Chart.<ref name=":2" /> In its second week, the album dropped to number eight on the chart, earning an additional 30,000 units, which represented a drop of 74 percent in album sales.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Selena Gomez Scores Her Second No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6731005/selena-gomez-scores-her-second-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart-revival |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618133717/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6731005/selena-gomez-scores-her-second-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart-revival |archive-date=June 18, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Of that sum, 27,911 were in pure album sales.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Game, Future & Drake |url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.35927/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-game-future-drake |website=HipHopDX |date=October 19, 2015 |access-date=October 19, 2015 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020142340/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.35927/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-game-future-drake |archive-date=October 20, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> As of April 28, 2016, the album has sold 384,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news%26id%3D334877%26title%3DAFTER-THE-BACKLASH%253A-JANET-JACKSONS-MILLENNIAL-WORK-RECONSIDERED-%2528PART-2%2529 |title=After the Backlash: Janet Jackson's Millennial Work Reconsidered (Part 2) |access-date=February 28, 2023 |archive-date=February 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228180011/https://hitsdailydouble.com/news%26id%3D334877%26title%3DAFTER-THE-BACKLASH%3A-JANET-JACKSONS-MILLENNIAL-WORK-RECONSIDERED-%28PART-2%29 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7350142/warner-music-ada-global-deal-bmg-catalog-blink-182 |title=Warner Music's Global Deal for BMG's Catalog Sets Up Showdown With RED |last=Christman |first=Ed |magazine=Billboard |date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=May 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502105154/http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7350142/warner-music-ada-global-deal-bmg-catalog-blink-182 |archive-date=May 2, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> In Canada the album also debuted at number one, with sales of 4,300 units.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author=Paul Tuch |title=JANET JACKSON SCORES FIRST NO. 1 ALBUM IN 14 YEARS |url=https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/67270545/Canadian%20Newsletters/2015/nielsen_music_canadian_update_Oct12_2015.pdf |date=October 12, 2015 |publisher=[[Nielsen SoundScan]] |access-date=October 13, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061951/https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/67270545/Canadian%20Newsletters/2015/nielsen_music_canadian_update_Oct12_2015.pdf|archive-date = March 4, 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref> It became Jackson's second chart-topping album in Canada in the Soundscan era since ''[[All for You (Janet Jackson album)|All for You]]'' debuted atop the charts in 2001.<ref name=":0"/>

In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number eleven on the [[UK Albums Chart]], which represents her highest debut in that country since 2001 when ''[[All for You (Janet Jackson album)|All for You]]'' debuted at number two.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Janet Jackson Makes Comeback on British Charts; Squeeze & Clutch Score Career Bests ~ VVN Music |url=http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2015/10/janet-jackson-makes-comeback-on-british.html |website=www.vintagevinylnews.com |access-date=October 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014210310/http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2015/10/janet-jackson-makes-comeback-on-british.html |archive-date=October 14, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Her previous albums had missed the top 20 with ''[[Damita Jo (album)|Damita Jo]]'' peaking at number 32, and ''[[20 Y.O.]]'' and ''[[Discipline (Janet Jackson album)|Discipline]]'' both debuting at number 63.<ref name=":1" />

==Track listing==
All tracks were written and produced by [[Janet Jackson]], [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|James Harris III]], and [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Terry Lewis]] (the latter two being credited as ''Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis'' for production roles).
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = ''Unbreakable'' {{nobold|&nbsp;– Standard edition}}<ref name="WW Release"/>
| headline = ''Unbreakable'' {{nobold|– Standard edition}}<ref name="WW Release"/>
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| writing_credits = yes
| total_length = {{duration|m=64|s=37}}
| total_length = {{duration|m=64|s=37}}
| title_width = 30%
| writing_width = 40%
| extra_width = 30%


| title1 = [[Unbreakable (Janet Jackson song)|Unbreakable]]
| title1 = [[Unbreakable (Janet Jackson song)|Unbreakable]]
| writer1 = {{Flatlist |
| writer1 = {{Flatlist |
* [[Janet Jackson]]
* [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|James Harris III]]
* [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis|Terry Lewis]]
* Thomas Lumpkins
* Thomas Lumpkins
}}
}}
| extra1 = {{Flatlist |
| extra1 = {{Flatlist |
*[[Dem Jointz]]
*Jackson
*Tommy McClendon
*[[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]]
}}
}}
| length1 = 3:38
| length1 = 3:38


| title2 = BURNITUP!
| title2 = [[Burnitup!]]
| note2 = featuring [[Missy Elliott]]
| note2 = featuring [[Missy Elliott]]
| writer2 = {{Flatlist |
| writer2 = {{Flatlist |
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
* [[Dem Jointz|Dwayne Abernathy]]
* [[Dem Jointz|Dwayne Abernathy]]
* [[Missy Elliott|Melissa Elliott]]
* [[Missy Elliott|Melissa Elliott]]
}}
}}
| extra2 =
| extra2 = {{Flatlist |
*Jointz
*Elliott
}}
| length2 = 4:09
| length2 = 4:09


| title3 = Dammn Baby
| title3 = [[Dammn Baby]]
| writer3 = {{Flatlist |
| writer3 = {{Flatlist |
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
* Abernathy
* Abernathy
}}
}}
| extra3 =
| extra3 = {{Flatlist |
*Jointz
}}
| length3 = 3:55
| length3 = 3:55


| title4 = The Great Forever
| title4 = The Great Forever
| writer4 = {{Flatlist |
| writer4 =
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
}}
| extra4 =
| extra4 =
| length4 = 4:18
| length4 = 4:18


| title5 = Shoulda Known Better
| title5 = Shoulda Known Better
| writer5 = {{Flatlist |
| writer5 =
| extra5 = {{Flatlist |
* Jackson
*Jointz
* Harris III
* Lewis
}}
}}
| extra5 =
| length5 = 4:45
| length5 = 4:45


| title6 = After You Fall
| title6 = After You Fall
| writer6 = {{Flatlist |
| writer6 =
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
}}
| extra6 =
| extra6 =
| length6 = 4:48
| length6 = 4:48


| title7 = Broken Hearts Heal
| title7 = Broken Hearts Heal
| writer7 = {{Flatlist |
| writer7 =
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
}}
| extra7 =
| extra7 =
| length7 = 3:42
| length7 = 3:42
Line 149: Line 252:
| title8 = Night
| title8 = Night
| writer8 = {{Flatlist |
| writer8 = {{Flatlist |
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
* Lumpkins
* Lumpkins
* [[Michaela Shiloh|Michaela Renee Shiloh]]
* [[Michaela Shiloh|Michaela Renee Shiloh]]
}}
}}
| extra8 =
| extra8 = {{Flatlist |
*McClendon
}}
| length8 = 4:14
| length8 = 4:14


Line 161: Line 263:
| note9 = featuring [[J. Cole]]
| note9 = featuring [[J. Cole]]
| writer9 = {{Flatlist |
| writer9 = {{Flatlist |
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
* [[J. Cole|Jermaine Cole]]
* [[J. Cole|Jermaine Cole]]
}}
}}
| extra9 = {{Flatlist |
| extra9 = {{Flatlist |
*Cole
*Jackson
*Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
}}
}}
| length9 = 4:20
| length9 = 4:20
Line 174: Line 272:
| title10 = Dream Maker / Euphoria
| title10 = Dream Maker / Euphoria
| writer10 = {{Flatlist |
| writer10 = {{Flatlist |
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
* Lumpkins
* Lumpkins
}}
}}
| extra10 =
| extra10 = {{Flatlist |
*McClendon
}}
| length10 = 2:46
| length10 = 2:46


| title11 = 2 B Loved
| title11 = 2 B Loved
| writer11 = {{Flatlist |
| writer11 = {{Flatlist |
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
* Lumpkins
* Lumpkins
* Abernathy
* Abernathy
}}
}}
| extra11 =
| extra11 = {{Flatlist |
*Jointz
}}
| length11 = 2:55
| length11 = 2:55


| title12 = Take Me Away
| title12 = Take Me Away
| writer12 = {{Flatlist |
| writer12 =
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
}}
| extra12 =
| extra12 =
| length12 = 4:18
| length12 = 4:18


| title13 = Promise
| title13 = Promise
| writer13 = {{Flatlist |
| writer13 =
| extra13 =
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
}}
| extra13 =
| length13 = 0:57
| length13 = 0:57


| title14 = Lessons Learned
| title14 = Lessons Learned
| writer14 = {{Flatlist |
| writer14 =
| extra14 =
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
}}
| extra14 =
| length14 = 4:23
| length14 = 4:23


| title15 = Black Eagle
| title15 = Black Eagle
| writer15 = {{Flatlist |
| writer15 =
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
}}
| extra15 =
| extra15 =
| length15 = 3:17
| length15 = 3:17


| title16 = Well Traveled
| title16 = Well Traveled
| writer16 = {{Flatlist |
| writer16 =
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
}}
| extra16 =
| extra16 =
| length16 = 4:18
| length16 = 4:18


| title17 = Gon B Alright
| title17 = Gon' B Alright
| writer17 = {{Flatlist |
| writer17 = {{Flatlist |
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
* Lumpkins
* Lumpkins
}}
}}
| extra17 =
| extra17 = {{Flatlist |
*McClendon
}}
| length17 = 3:54
| length17 = 3:54
}}
}}


{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = ''Unbreakable'' {{nobold|&nbsp;[[iTunes Store]] bonus tracks}}<ref name="WW Release"/>
| headline = ''Unbreakable'' {{nobold|– Digital edition}}<ref name="WW Release"/>
| collapsed = yes
| writing_credits = yes
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = {{duration|m=71|s=02}}
| total_length = {{duration|m=71|s=02}}
| title_width = 30%
| writing_width = 40%
| extra_width = 30%


| title18 = No Sleeep
| title18 = No Sleeep
| writer18 = {{Flatlist |
| writer18 =
| extra18 =
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
}}
| extra18 = {{Flatlist |
*Jackson
*Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
}}
| length18 = 3:26
| length18 = 3:26


Line 271: Line 340:
| note19 = AFSHeeN Remix featuring J. Cole
| note19 = AFSHeeN Remix featuring J. Cole
| writer19 = {{Flatlist |
| writer19 = {{Flatlist |
* Jackson
* Harris III
* Lewis
* Cole
* Cole
}}
| extra19 = &nbsp; <!-- hard space to force the column to display -->
| length19 = 2:59
}}

{{Track listing
| headline = ''Unbreakable'' {{nobold|– [[Target Corporation|Target]], [[HMV]] & Australian edition}}<ref name="WW Release"/>
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = {{duration|m=|s=}}
| title_width = 30%
| writing_width = 40%
| extra_width = 30%

| title18 = Promise of You
| writer18 =
| extra18 =
| length18 = 4:30

| title19 = Love U 4 Life
| writer19 = {{Flatlist |
* Lumpkins
}}
}}
| extra19 = {{Flatlist |
| extra19 = {{Flatlist |
*McClendon
*Jackson
*Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
}}
}}
| length19 = 2:59
| length19 = 2:42
}}
}}
<br>
{{Track listing
| headline = ''Unbreakable'' {{nobold|– Japanese edition}}<ref name="WW Release"/>
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = {{duration|m=|s=}}
| title_width = 30%
| writing_width = 40%
| extra_width = 30%

| title20 = No Sleeep (PKCZ Remix)
| writer20 = &nbsp; <!-- hard space to force the column to display -->
| extra20 = &nbsp; <!-- hard space to force the column to display -->
| length20 = 3:23
}}

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2015)
! scope="col"| Peak<br>position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|11|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|rowheader=true|access-date=October 10, 2015}}
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Urban Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue%201337.pdf |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20151013130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20151014-0000/Issue%201337.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-10-13 |title=ARIA Urban Albums Chart – Week Commencing 12th October 2015 |publisher=[[ARIA Charts]]. [[Australian Web Archive]] |page=19 |access-date=December 10, 2015 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
| 2
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|20|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|rowheader=true|access-date=October 9, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|18|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|rowheader=true|access-date=October 9, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|1|artist=Janet Jackson|rowheader=true|access-date=October 13, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|Czech|30|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|date=201542|rowheader=true|access-date=October 20, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|12|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|rowheader=true|access-date=October 9, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|France|28|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|rowheader=true|access-date=October 15, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|34|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|id=283237|rowheader=true|access-date=December 10, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|Ireland|27|year=2015|week=41|rowheader=true|access-date=October 9, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|IrelandIndependent|6|year=2015|week=41|rowheader=true|access-date=December 10, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|Italy|26|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|rowheader=true|access-date=October 9, 2015}}
|-
! scope="row"| Japanese Albums ([[Oricon Albums Chart|Oricon]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/85328/products/1143221/1/ |script-title=ja:アンブレイカブル {{!}} JANET(ジャネット・ジャクソン) |trans-title=Unbreakable {{!}} Janet (Janet Jackson) |language=ja |publisher=[[Oricon]] |access-date=December 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210040726/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/85328/products/1143221/1/ |archive-date=December 10, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 18
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|21|date=20151015|rowheader=true|access-date=October 10, 2015}}
|-
! scope="row"| South Korean International Albums ([[Gaon Album Chart|Gaon]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?termGbn=week&hitYear=2015&targetTime=46&nationGbn=E&year_time= |title=2015년 46주차 Album Chart - 국외 |language=ko |publisher=[[Gaon Chart|Gaon]] |access-date=February 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403151234/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?termGbn=week&hitYear=2015&targetTime=46&nationGbn=E |archive-date=April 3, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 19
|-
{{album chart|Spain|36|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|rowheader=true|access-date=October 18, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|Sweden|46|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|rowheader=true|access-date=October 11, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|28|artist=Janet Jackson|album=Unbreakable|rowheader=true|access-date=October 14, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|UK2|11|date=20151015|rowheader=true|access-date=October 9, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|UKIndependent|2|date=20151015|rowheader=true|access-date=December 10, 2015}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|1|rowheader=true|artist=Janet Jackson}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardIndependent|1|rowheader=true|artist=Janet Jackson}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|1|rowheader=true|artist=Janet Jackson}}
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2015)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/top-billboard-200-albums |title=Top Billboard 200 Albums: Year End 2015 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720003315/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/top-billboard-200-albums |archive-date=July 20, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 159
|-
! scope="row"| US Independent Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/independent-albums |title=Independent Albums: Year End 2015 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224014935/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/independent-albums |archive-date=December 24, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 5
|-
! scope="row"| US Top R&B Albums <ref>{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/r-and-b-albums |title=Archived copy |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802204855/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/r-and-b-albums |archive-date=August 2, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 7
|-
! scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: Year End 2015 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527023846/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |archive-date=May 27, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 20
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2016)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| US Independent Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/independent-albums |title=Independent Albums – Year-End 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212035956/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/independent-albums |archive-date=December 12, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 19
|-
! scope="row"| US Top R&B Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/r-and-b-albums |title=Top R&B Albums – Year-End 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717223844/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/r-and-b-albums |archive-date=July 17, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 19
|-
! scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018045309/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2016/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |archive-date=October 18, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 43
|}
{{col-end}}


==Release history==
==Release history==
Line 293: Line 489:
! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|References}}
! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Worldwide
! scope="row" rowspan="2"| Worldwide<!--.[[WP:WHATPLACE]], Please list all out individually in the table. -->
| October 2, 2015
| October 2, 2015
| {{Flatlist |
| {{Flatlist |
Line 300: Line 496:
* [[Gramophone record|LP]]
* [[Gramophone record|LP]]
}}
}}
| {{Flatlist |
| rowspan="2"|{{Flatlist |
*Rhythm Nation
*Rhythm Nation
*[[BMG Rights Management|BMG]]
*[[BMG Rights Management|BMG]]
}}
}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="WW Release">All citations concerning the worldwide release of ''Unbreakable'':
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="WW Release">All citations concerning the release of ''Unbreakable'':
* {{cite web|title=Janet Jackson The Ultimate Experience {{!}} Shop the Janet Jackson Official Store|url=http://janetjackson.shop.musictoday.com/Product.aspx?cp=71675_71686&pc=JX05COMBO|website={{noitalic|[[Janet Jackson]] Official Website}}|publisher=Rhythm Nation ([[BMG Rights Management]])|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bIZmkJYp|archivedate=September 4, 2015|location=United States|date=October 2, 2015}}
* {{cite web|title=Janet Jackson The Ultimate Experience {{!}} Shop the Janet Jackson Official Store|url=http://janetjackson.shop.musictoday.com/Product.aspx?cp=71675_71686&pc=JX05COMBO|website=[[Janet Jackson]] Official Website|publisher=Rhythm Nation ([[BMG Rights Management]])|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6bIZmkJYp?url=http://janetjackson.shop.musictoday.com/Product.aspx?cp=71675_71686&pc=JX05COMBO|archive-date=September 4, 2015|location=United States|date=October 2, 2015|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite web|title=Janet Jackson - ''Unbreakable'' - Amazon.com Music|url=http://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Janet-Jackson/dp/B014DL1AVO/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1VPNW6PHH7DFB0PHQPBW|website={{noitalic|[[Amazon.com]]}}|publisher=aaaaaa|location=United States|date=October 2, 2015}}
* {{cite web |title=Janet Jackson ''Unbreakable'' Amazon.com Music |url=https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Janet-Jackson/dp/B014DL1AVO/ |website=[[Amazon.com]] |publisher=Amazon |location=United States |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816025511/https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Janet-Jackson/dp/B014DL1AVO |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web|title=iTunes - Music - ''Unbreakable'' by Janet Jackson|url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/unbreakable/id1035518237|website={{noitalic|[[iTunes Store]]}}|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|location=Japan|date=October 2, 2015|language=Japanese}}
* {{cite web |title=iTunes Music ''Unbreakable'' by Janet Jackson |url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/unbreakable/id1035518237 |website=[[iTunes Store]] |publisher=[[Apple Inc.]] |location=Japan |date=October 2, 2015 |language=ja |access-date=September 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005133335/https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/unbreakable/id1035518237 |archive-date=October 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web|title=iTunes - Music - ''Unbreakable'' by Janet Jackson|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/unbreakable/id1036798267|website={{noitalic|[[iTunes Store]]}}|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|location=United Kingdom|date=October 2, 2015}}
* {{cite web |title=iTunes Music ''Unbreakable'' by Janet Jackson |url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/unbreakable/id1036798267 |website=[[iTunes Store]] |publisher=[[Apple Inc.]] |location=United Kingdom |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005130519/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/unbreakable/id1036798267 |archive-date=October 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web|title=iTunes - Music - ''Unbreakable'' by Janet Jackson|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unbreakable/id1034128199|website={{noitalic|[[iTunes Store]]}}|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|location=United States|date=October 2, 2015}}</ref>
* {{cite web |title=iTunes Music ''Unbreakable'' by Janet Jackson |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unbreakable/id1034128199 |website=[[iTunes Store]] |publisher=[[Apple Inc.]] |location=United States |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001132741/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unbreakable/id1034128199 |archive-date=October 1, 2015 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |title=Janet Jackson – ''Unbreakable'' – Target Exclusive |url=http://m.target.com/p/janet-jackson-unbreakable-target-exclusive/-/A-49166966 |website=[[Target.com]] |publisher=[[Target Corporation]] |location=United States |date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=September 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052713/http://m.target.com/p/janet-jackson-unbreakable-target-exclusive/-/A-49166966 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| April 1, 2016
| [[Gatefold#LP covers|Gatefold]]
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web |title=Janet Jacksons Unbreakable Available April 1 On Double Gatefold Vinyl |url=http://www.janetjackson.com/news/all/janet-jacksons-unbreakable-available-april-1-on-double-gatefold-vinyl#.VvqADdIrIdW |website=[[Janet Jackson]] Official Website |publisher=Rhythm Nation ([[BMG Rights Management]]) |location=United States |date=April 1, 2016 |access-date=March 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404050214/http://www.janetjackson.com/news/all/janet-jacksons-unbreakable-available-april-1-on-double-gatefold-vinyl#.VvqADdIrIdW |archive-date=April 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}
|}

==See also==
*[[List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2015|List of ''Billboard'' 200 number-one albums of 2015]]
*[[List of Billboard number-one R&B/hip-hop albums of 2015|List of ''Billboard'' number-one R&B/hip-hop albums of 2015]]
*[[List of number-one albums of 2015 (Canada)]]


==References==
==References==
Line 316: Line 522:


{{Janet Jackson}}
{{Janet Jackson}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2015 albums]]
[[Category:2015 albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]]
[[Category:BMG albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Missy Elliott]]
[[Category:English-language albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by J. Cole]]
[[Category:BMG Rights Management albums]]
[[Category:Janet Jackson albums]]
[[Category:Janet Jackson albums]]
[[Category:Upcoming albums]]

Latest revision as of 02:11, 13 July 2024

Unbreakable
Studio album by
ReleasedOctober 2, 2015 (2015-10-02)
Recorded2013–2015
Studio
Genre
Length64:37
Label
  • Rhythm Nation
  • BMG
Producer
Janet Jackson chronology
Icon: Number Ones
(2010)
Unbreakable
(2015)
Japanese Singles Collection -Greatest Hits-
(2022)
Singles from Unbreakable
  1. "No Sleeep"
    Released: June 22, 2015 (2015-06-22)
  2. "Unbreakable"
    Released: September 29, 2015 (2015-09-29)
  3. "Dammn Baby"
    Released: May 4, 2016 (2016-05-04)

Unbreakable is the eleventh studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. It was released on October 2, 2015, and is the first album released under her independent label Rhythm Nation, with BMG Rights Management through a partnership with the singer. Jackson had parted ways with Island Records in 2008 due to dissatisfaction over the company's lack of promotion for her tenth studio album, Discipline (2008). The singer began recording new material with producer Rodney Jerkins the following year, but eventually abandoned the project. She became busy with film roles and embarked on a worldwide concert tour, and in 2013 announced her third marriage to Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana. Two years later in May 2015, Jackson announced that she would embark on the Unbreakable World Tour and release Unbreakable.[1]

Jackson reunited with songwriting/production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, their last collaboration being on her ninth studio album 20 Y.O. (2006). Additional songwriting and production was provided by Dem Jointz, Tommy McClendon and Thomas Lumpkins. Featured artists include rappers J. Cole and Missy Elliott. Unbreakable's theme reflects various experiences over the course of Jackson's life—including aspects of her childhood and the death of her brother Michael—in addition to socially conscious messages prevalent in her 1989 album Rhythm Nation 1814. Its lead single "No Sleeep" became her 40th entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, peaking at number 63, as well as her most successful entry on the US Adult R&B Songs chart, topping the chart for twelve non-consecutive weeks.

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming Jackson's seventh album to top the chart in the United States. This made her the third act in the history of the chart to have a number one album in each of the last four decades.[2] It also peaked within the top 40 of most major music markets. It received mostly positive reviews from music critics, with some commenting that it reflected her maturation. Unbreakable was named by several publications as one of the best album releases of 2015. As of April 2016, the album has sold over 253,000 copies in the United States.[3]

Background

[edit]

After releasing her tenth studio album Discipline in 2008, Jackson parted ways with her label home of 14 months, Island Records. A spokesperson for the singer added, "[Jackson] will have autonomy over her career, without the restrictions of a label system... Always known to break new ground and set trends, Jackson's departure from Island Records makes her one of the first superstar artists to have the individual freedom to promote their work through a variety of avenues such as iTunes, mobile carriers and other diverse and innovative channels."[4] Mariel Concepcion of Billboard magazine suggested "Jackson would seem to be a natural fit at Live Nation Artists, which is already home to Jay-Z, Nickelback and Shakira."[4] The following year, she suffered the unexpected death of her brother Michael Jackson; she later performed a special tribute to him at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.[5] She also ended her seven-year relationship with record producer Jermaine Dupri.[6]

As a joint venture with EMI, Universal Music Enterprises subsequently released her second greatest hits compilation, Number Ones (2009) under A&M Records. Although she began recording new material with producer Rodney Jerkins, she eventually abandoned the project, still unwilling to specify whether she intended to sign with a major label or release music independently.[7] UMe and A&M later released her third compilation Icon: Number Ones (2010) as the debut of the Icon album series, designed to feature "the greatest hits, signature tunes and fan favorites of the most popular artists in music history."[8] After starring in feature films Why Did I Get Married Too? and For Colored Girls in 2010, she embarked on the world concert tour Number Ones, Up Close and Personal in 2011 to promote her second compilation. In 2013, she indicated she was once again working on a new record. Later that year, she also revealed that she was married to her third husband, Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana. She announced in May 2015, that she would embark on the Unbreakable World Tour and release her eleventh studio album through her newly formed, independent record label as a result of a partnership between herself and BMG.[1]

Recording

[edit]

In October 2009, just a month before Jackson released her second compilation album Number Ones (2009), American producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins revealed that they were working together on the singer's eleventh studio album:

Since we've been working ... I feel like the studio has become a second home for her because with the whole situation with Michael [Jackson] happening, and I feel like right now, emotionally, she can come here and let all her feelings out. [...] You gotta understand, she lost her brother. She was in a relationship for seven years [with Jermaine Dupri] that's over now. There's things that she told me that I didn't even realize. You know, certain [things] like self-esteem that I didn't even realize that she dealt with for years that, you know. ... She's working on her book and she'll deal with that in her book, but also in songs, certain songs we're dealing with that head on. And sometimes it can be a touchy subject for us to even go into, and I kinda had to persuade her, 'Let's just go, let's talk about that.' And she's been doing it, and she's a pro about it.[7]

However, in 2010, Jackson revealed she had scrapped the recorded material with Jerkins. Although she recorded and released "Nothing" as the theme for the film Why Did I Get Married Too?, she stated: "There have been a lot of record labels that have asked me to sit down and talk with them, but I don't know if I want to do something completely independent, or go with a major".[9] In August 2011, while touring with her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal world tour, the singer stated that she would "go back into the studio later this year or early next. I am not sure what I will be doing yet. I like to be inspired by what is going on in my life at that time".[10] In 2013, she confirmed she was recording a new album and "creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music."[11]

In August 2014, producer and engineer Ian Cross, who worked on her last three studio albums, confirmed in an interview with studio monitor manufacturer Barefoot Sound[12] that he was working on Jackson's new album, stating, "The new album is going to be great. It's a process. There's a lot in store, yet to come", also saying they worked in recording studios in Qatar, Paris, and Middle East. He asserted that he and the singer "had a little bit more of a special relationship because we became friends naturally. You meet a lot of people and you become friends with a couple of them, but sometimes there is one person you become really good friends with. She asked me to work on an album with her called Discipline in 2007 and, again, just do the same thing, produce the vocals. That led to her hiring me full-time to work with her. That's where I'm at now". After Cross' declarations, Jackson herself responded to the rumor, neither confirming nor denying the works, stating: "If there is a new project, you'll hear it from my lips", she tweeted.[13][14] Barefoot Sound subsequently removed the full text of the Cross interview from their website. Unbreakable saw Jackson reunite with long-time producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who did not contribute to her previous project.[15]

Composition

[edit]

Unbreakable is divided into two sides; the first side is composed mostly by dance-pop and R&B songs, while the second one is more experimental.[16] The album opens with the title track "Unbreakable", a mid-tempo R&B song, which describes Jackson's unyielding devotion to her fans.[17] The following track "Burnitup!" is an uptempo song with electronic beats, with processed vocal samples and house drums.[18][19] Jackson asks "Mr. DJ" to "turn it up" and the crowd to "dance like no-one's watching", while Elliott raps "Make it work, make it work, make it work".[20] "Dammn Baby", the third track, has hints of trap bass and percussion, and bits of previous single "I Get Lonely" into its breakdown.[16][21] In the fourth song "The Great Forever", she is reportedly to sound like her late brother Michael Jackson, and addresses the curiosity about her romantic life. "I don't see why loving someone or what I do seem so radical to you [...] What you think doesn't mean nothing at all / Doesn't change who I am."[22][23] The next track, "Shoulda Known Better" opens as a ballad, but develops EDM beats for its underpinning.[24] During the song, she asks "Why, why, why?", before making a call for social action. "We won't accept excuses. We tolerate no abuses".[25] Sixth track, "After You Fall", is a stripped ballad with Jackson's vocals being accompanied by only a piano line.[22] The following song "Broken Hearts Heal" is a song with "breezy" vocal harmonies, and a tribute to her brother Michael, reminiscing about a childhood full of singing and laughing together. During the chorus, she sings "Our love ain't no material thing/Inshallah see you in the next life".[21] Eight track "Night" is a house track which accompanies breathy vocals by Jackson.[26][27] The ninth song and lead single from the album, "No Sleeep", is an R&B song,[28][29] which lyrically finds Jackson crooning about a long-distance romance over "soulful" keyboards and programmed drums.[30]

Starting the second part, "Dream Maker / Euphoria", the tenth track, is an R&B song with a soul sample, and at one point of the song she sings "Wish I could create a perfect place, without jealousy, abuse, or hate".[31] Eleventh song "2 B Loved" is described lyrically as a "rapturous celebration of the power of love", complete with a "burst of sunshiny pop froth complete with hand claps, [and] a hip-shaking groove".[32] Next track "Take Me Away" has an electro-rock arrangement and lyrically looks for escape with a lover.[22] The following and thirteenth song "Promise" is an interlude. The fourteenth track, "Lessons Learned", is built over a "plucked" guitar figure, on which Jackson sings about an abusive relationship where the victim keeps that way. At one point of the song Jackson sings "What makes her want to stay?".[25] "Black Eagle", the next song, is a two-part song that sets its mysticism and self-help to modal phrases and quiet finger snaps; she addresses the struggles of today, but goes with "Because every life matters... We all need to do better."[16] The sixteenth track "Well Traveled" is arena rock, described as a "Bon Jovi power ballad" song. The closing track, "Gon' B Alright", is "twisted" psychedelic rock, and was compared to Sly & The Family Stone sound.[16]

Singles

[edit]

The album's lead single, titled "No Sleeep", was released on June 22, 2015. In early June, Jimmy Jam tweeted, "Early morning #Plush #NoSL333P #ConversationsInACafe", along with a picture of sheet music in a darkened studio. Fans quickly found out the titles "No SL333P" and "Plush" in the picture.[33] Later, a snippet of the song was leaked, followed by a countdown on her official website which revealed the song on June 22, 2015.[34][35] The album version of the song features additional verses from American rapper J. Cole. It was released to radio airplay and made available for digital download on July 23, 2015.[36] Jackson's solo version of the single debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 67, marking her 40th entry on the chart. The album version featuring J. Cole enabled it to re-enter the Hot 100 with a new peak position at number 63, while also topping the US Adult R&B Songs chart. The music video for the third single, titled "Dammn Baby", was released May 4, 2016 on YouTube and her official Facebook page. The song debuted on the US Adult R&B Songs chart at number 20.

Release and promotion

[edit]

On April 22, 2015, she tweeted, "Letting go doesn't mean you stop", after a fan created a mock Missing Persons poster of Jackson which had begun circulating the internet prompting Jackson to retweet it herself, adding to further speculation of a new album.[37] On May 16, 2015, on her 49th birthday, Jackson announced a new album and world tour and stated "I promised you would hear it from my lips. And now you will. This year, new music, new world tour, a new movement. I've been listening. Let's keep the conversation going."[38] It was later announced that she will release her new album in the fall of 2015 under her own record label, Rhythm Nation, distributed by BMG Rights Management.[39] The launch of Rhythm Nation marks Jackson as among the few African-American female musicians to establish a record label.[40] In June, she released the album's first single, "No Sleeep". That same month, she teased a track titled "Love", which was later re-titled "Unbreakable". The song is about how important her fans were to her.[41] On August 20, 2015, she released a preview of a new song "The Great Forever", while also confirming the title of her eleventh studio album as Unbreakable,[42][43] and is set to release on October 2, 2015.[44]

She has promoted the album through social media, frequently using the hashtag #ConversationsInACafe as well as taglines "I've been listening" and "Let's keep the conversation going." To further promote the album, Jackson embarked on the accompanying Unbreakable World Tour in August 2015.[45] Pre-sale tickets were made available exclusively to American Express and Citibank cardholders prior to general admission tickets going on sale on June 22, 2015.[46] Jackson's forthcoming album was also made available for pre-order, along with vinyl copies of the album's lead single "No Sleeep".[47] On September 19, 2015, Jackson was set to perform at the iHeartRadio Music Festival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.[48] However, on September 18, her rep confirmed she had withdrawn from the festival.[49] Due to Jackson's pregnancy, the Unbreakable World Tour resulted in postponement until September 2017; re-branded the State of the World Tour, with a new setlist and costumes.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?7.0/10[50]
Metacritic75/100[51]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[52]
The A.V. ClubB[53]
Chicago Tribune[54]
Consequence of SoundB+[55]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[27]
The Guardian[56]
Los Angeles Times[22]
Pitchfork8.0/10[57]
Slant Magazine[58]
Spin8/10[59]

Unbreakable received positive reviews. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 to reviews from music critics, the album received an average score of 75, which indicates "generally favorable reviews" based on 22 critics.[51] Jim Fusilli of The Wall Street Journal complimented Jackson's vocals, as well as her efforts to craft a contemporary but familiar sound to add to her diverse catalog. He notes that she and her primary producers, Jam and Lewis, "explore a satisfying range of musical styles plucked from across the span of pop history" including funk, electronic dance music and soul.[24] According to Jed Gottlieb of the Boston Herald, "[u]nlike her peers, Jackson doesn't fear slow-burn R&B. This kind of quiet storm soul shows up again and again, on the big ballad 'Well Traveled' and the lead single 'No Sleeep'."[26] Writing for Entertainment Weekly, Kyle Anderson called the album "her most sonically diverse set since 1997's quirky, hypersexual The Velvet Rope" adding that "the most thrilling aspect of Unbreakable is her willingness to experiment."[27] Jon Pareles of The New York Times commented that Jackson depicts a far more subdued persona in comparison to the explicit nature of her previous albums. He states that "[f]or most of 'Unbreakable,' she plays big sister—someone who's happily in love, willing to offer advice and wishing for a better world. It's a benign role but a modest one, reinforced by the music."[21] Newsday's Glenn Gamboa wrote that Unbreakable reflects her maturation, stating that after a tumultuous period in her career following the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy, "Jackson finally seems like herself again—actually an even wiser version of herself."[16]

In her review for USA Today, Elysa Gardner wrote: "The young woman intent on liberating herself and the world is still socially and spiritually conscious, but she has evolved into a more settled, reflective artist ... With Unbreakable, Jackson, already a proven survivor—of both her family's well-publicized struggles and decades of changing trends in pop music and culture—gives us no reason to doubt that people will keep watching, and listening."[60] Mikael Wood of Los Angeles Times wrote that the album is a collection of "grand-scaled but meticulously detailed songs" that include a mix of balladry, R&B, rock and EDM.[22] Wood comments that although "the music makes for delicious ear candy, Jackson isn't content to leave it at that. She also has messages to deliver[.]"[22] Writing for The Guardian, Alex Macpherson remarked: "Unbreakable’s highlights are low-key moments of reflection and nostalgia: the hypnotic sway of Promise, the languorous dread of Lessons Learned and After You Fall, a skeletal piano lullaby that seems composed for Jackson’s late brother Michael, and on which she once again demonstrates the emotional range of her voice."[61] Rebecca Haithcoat of Spin rated Unbreakable 8/10, stating that "it proves Janet can still surprise us. Who would've ever envisioned her slipping on a pair of boots and cowboy-cut Wranglers to sing 'Lessons Learned,' a country-tinged ballad about co-dependency? Or that she and the boys would've gone full Nashville and let a steel guitar cry and a little twang curl the edges of her voice on 'Well Traveled' (and that the whole thing would work!)?"[59] Andy Kellman of AllMusic gave the album 3.5/5 stars, complimenting Jackson's diversity of sound while referencing her own catalog and familial influences. He remarked: "No one but Jackson can directly reference previous triumphs, address her audience, and yet move forward quite like this."[52]

Accolades

[edit]
Publication Country Accolade Year Rank
Exclaim![62] Canada Top 10 Soul and R&B Albums of 2015 2015 10
The Guardian[63] United Kingdom Best Albums of 2015 37
Entertainment Weekly[64] United States The 40 Best Albums of 2015 11
Slant Magazine[65] The 25 Best Albums of 2015 13
Newsday[66] Best albums of 2015 9
ABC News[67] 50 Best Albums of 2015 49
Spin[68] The 50 Best Albums of 2015 50
Pitchfork Media[69] The 50 Best Albums of 2015 36
Rolling Stone[70] 20 Best R&B Albums of 2015 8
People[71] Best Albums 2015 8
About.com[72] Top 20 Pop Albums of 2015 6
BET[73] The Best R&B Albums of 2015 *
Los Angeles Times[74] 2015's Must-hear Albums *
Cosmopolitan[75] Top 15 Best Albums of 2015 6

Commercial performance

[edit]

Unbreakable debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart in the week ending October 8, 2015.[76] The album sold 116,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, which included streaming and individual digital song sales. Of that sum, the album sold 109,000 in pure sales.[76] This became Jackson's seventh number one album on that chart and also made her the third act to amass a number one album in each of the last four decades. The album also debuted at number one in the US Independent Albums Chart.[76] In its second week, the album dropped to number eight on the chart, earning an additional 30,000 units, which represented a drop of 74 percent in album sales.[77] Of that sum, 27,911 were in pure album sales.[78] As of April 28, 2016, the album has sold 384,000 copies in the United States.[79][80] In Canada the album also debuted at number one, with sales of 4,300 units.[81] It became Jackson's second chart-topping album in Canada in the Soundscan era since All for You debuted atop the charts in 2001.[81]

In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number eleven on the UK Albums Chart, which represents her highest debut in that country since 2001 when All for You debuted at number two.[82] Her previous albums had missed the top 20 with Damita Jo peaking at number 32, and 20 Y.O. and Discipline both debuting at number 63.[82]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks were written and produced by Janet Jackson, James Harris III, and Terry Lewis (the latter two being credited as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for production roles).

Unbreakable – Standard edition[83]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Unbreakable"
  • Thomas Lumpkins
3:38
2."Burnitup!" (featuring Missy Elliott)
  • Jointz
  • Elliott
4:09
3."Dammn Baby"
  • Abernathy
  • Jointz
3:55
4."The Great Forever"  4:18
5."Shoulda Known Better" 
  • Jointz
4:45
6."After You Fall"  4:48
7."Broken Hearts Heal"  3:42
8."Night"
  • McClendon
4:14
9."No Sleeep" (featuring J. Cole)
  • Cole
4:20
10."Dream Maker / Euphoria"
  • Lumpkins
  • McClendon
2:46
11."2 B Loved"
  • Lumpkins
  • Abernathy
  • Jointz
2:55
12."Take Me Away"  4:18
13."Promise"  0:57
14."Lessons Learned"  4:23
15."Black Eagle"  3:17
16."Well Traveled"  4:18
17."Gon' B Alright"
  • Lumpkins
  • McClendon
3:54
Total length:64:37
Unbreakable – Digital edition[83]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
18."No Sleeep"  3:26
19."No Sleeep" (AFSHeeN Remix featuring J. Cole)
  • Cole
 2:59
Total length:71:02
Unbreakable Target, HMV & Australian edition[83]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
18."Promise of You"  4:30
19."Love U 4 Life"
  • Lumpkins
  • McClendon
2:42


Unbreakable – Japanese edition[83]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
20."No Sleeep (PKCZ Remix)"  3:23

Charts

[edit]

Release history

[edit]
List of release dates, showing region, format(s), label, and references
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Worldwide October 2, 2015
  • Rhythm Nation
  • BMG
[83]
April 1, 2016 Gatefold [114]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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