Rhythm Nation (song)

**Rhythm Nation** is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, released as the lead single from her s3econd studio album, *Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814* (1989). It was written and produced by Jackson, in collaboration with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Jackson developed the song's concept in response to various tragedies in the media, deciding to pursue a socially conscious theme by using a political standpoint within upbeat dance music. In the United States, it peaked at number one on the *Billboard* Hot 100 and in the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Dance Club Songs charts.

The accompanying music video for "Rhythm Nation" was directed by Dominic Sena and choreographed by Jackson and a then-unknown Anthony Thomas. It served as the final segment in Jackson's long-form *Rhythm Nation 1814* film. It portrays rapid choreography within a "post-apocalyptic" warehouse setting, with Jackson and her dancers adorned in unisex military attire. It was filmed in black-and-white to portray the song's theme of racial harmony. Jackson's record label attempted to persuade her against filming the video, but upon her insistence it became "the most far-reaching single project the company has ever attempted." The video received a MTV Video Music Awards for "Best R&B Video". The *Rhythm Nation 1814* film won the Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video. The video's outfit was inducted into the National Museum of Women in the Arts and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where its hand-written lyrics are also used in the museum's class on female songwriters.

Artists such as Sleigh Bells, Jamie Lidell, and Kylie Minogue have cited the song as an influence, while artists including Lady Gaga, Peter Andre, OK Go, Mickey Avalon, Usher, Keri Hilson, and Britney Spears have referenced its music video. Beyoncé, Cheryl Cole, Rihanna and Ciara have also paid homage to its outfit and choreography within live performances. It has inspired the careers of choreographers such as Darrin Henson and Travis Payne. Actors including Kate Hudson, Michael K. Williams, and Elizabeth Mathis have studied its music video, with its choreography also used in the film *Tron: Legacy*. It has been covered by Pink, Crystal Kay, and Girls' Generation and has also been performed on *Glee*, *The X Factor USA*, and *Britain's Got Talent*.

## Background

Upon recording her second studio album, Jackson was inspired to cover socially conscious issues as a response to various tragedies in the media. Producer Jimmy Jam stated, "Janet came up with the 'Rhythm Nation' concept. A lot of it had to do with watching TV. We're avid TV watchers, and we would watch MTV, then switch over to CNN, and there'd always be something messed-up happening. It was never good news, always bad news." She was particularly saddened by the Stockton playground murders, leading her to record "Livin' in a World (They Didn't Make)." She decided to pursue additional songs with a similar concept, focusing on a political standpoint within energetic dance music. The song's lyrics were written as a montage of racial unity with Jackson's passion for dance, envisioning a colorblind world sharing the same beliefs.

Jackson jokingly considered it a "national anthem for the Nineties", leading her to develop *Rhythm Nation 1814*, titled after the year "The Star-Spangled Banner" was written. She derived its lyrical theme from the diversity amongst society, which she observed to be united by music. Jackson said, "I realized that among my friends, we actually had a distinct 'nation' of our own. We weren't interested in drugs or drinking but social change. We also loved music and loved to dance... that's how *Rhythm Nation 1814* was born." She also likened its concept to the various groups formed among youth, asserting a common identity and bond, saying, "I thought it would be great if we could create our own nation. One that would have a positive message and that everyone would be free to join." Jackson also commented, "I found it so intriguing that everyone united through whatever the link was. And I felt that with most of my friends. Most people think that my closest friends are in the [entertainment] business, and they're not. They're roller-skating rink guards, waitresses, one works for a messenger service. They have minimum-wage paying jobs. And the one thing that we all have in common is music. I know that within our little group, there is a rhythm nation that exists."

## Critical reception

"Rhythm Nation" received positive reviews from critics, garnering praise for its lyrical theme. *Rolling Stone* declared it the album's "essential moment", describing the song as "a headbanging good time." Stephen Holden of *The New York Times* called it a "militantly utopian dance-floor exhortation." Michael Saunders of *The Sun Sentinel* declared it "upbeat funk-pop" which showcased Jackson's "light, breathy voice."

Sputnik Music applauded its "extraordinary" production and chorus, thought to result in "a catchy, smart single which would appease the Jackson haters and delight the fans." *People* specified its "burnin' hunk o' funk guitar riff". *Entertainment Weekly* declared it a "paean to the human spirit", likened to "a chorus line of stormtroopers." Vince Aletti of *Rolling Stone* described the song as a "densely textured, agitated track" propelled by "syncopated yelps" of unity.

## Legacy

"Rhythm Nation" is among Jackson's signature songs, commended for its lyrical theme and innovative production. Jackson commented, "When I first proposed a socially conscious concept, there were voices of doubt. But the more I thought about it, the more committed I became, I no longer had a choice. The creativity took over, "Rhythm Nation" came alive. I saw that a higher power was at work." Jon Pareles declared it "one of the more innovative Top 10 hits of the 1980's", while *Yahoo! Music* called it "revolutionary" and "militaristic." Michael Saunders considered it among Jackson's repertoire of "skillfully packaged pop songs that have made her one of the biggest-selling performers in popdom." Jimmy Jam stated, "Janet has said a million times, "You're not going to change anybody. But if you've got somebody on the fence, and they're at that point when they're either going to go one way or another, then a little nudge in that direction ain't gonna hurt." So that's all you're trying to do. And it's cool to do that. It's cool to do that and have a hit."

*Slant Magazine* ranked it among the best singles of the 1980s, saying, "the music is militant and regimented, with beats that fire like artillery juxtaposed with the typically thin-voiced Janet's unbridled vocal performance." The publication added, "Rhythm Nation" makes its statement without relying on schmaltz; it's no wonder why big brother Mike was envious of it." The song was later ranked number twenty-one on their list of "100 Greatest Dance Songs", praising Jackson's "guarded political optimism into a direct attack on the 1980s' culture of indifference." Richard Croft praised its "powerful" production, declaring, "the beats on this song are probably the most powerful ever to be heard in the history of mankind." Another critique declared it "the best song Janet has ever done", praising its "mission statement" in addition to its "frantic beats, the message, the determined vocal performance, the lyrics and the explosive chorus", adding "There are few moments in pop music as thrilling as the transition of the dance breakdown into the final choruses, complete with Janet going nuts over the ad-libs, as if she was in a trance brought on but just how beyond amazing this song is. And that's not even Cthe incredible video."

## Commercial performance and "Janetmania"

The video premiered worldwide in several TV channels such as MuchMusic and MTV, in several countries. The video premiere on TV made the song very popular and was a marketing strategy copied by Janet's sister Michael Jackson for his "Black or White" music video. The song topped the charts in the US, Canada, UK, Japan, and reached top 10 in Europe and Oceania.

The physical single have sold over 3.6 million copies by September 1990, one year after its release. It sparked the "Janetmania" movement worldwide increasing Jackson's popularity around the globe.

Rhythm Nation have sold 7.1 million worldwide with streaming included by January 2024.

## Tracklist

**Global CD Single**

1. Rhythm Nation (Edit)
2. Rhythm Nation (7" Edit)

**7" Global Single**

1. Rhythm Nation (7" Edit)
2. Rhythm Nation (7" CHR Remix)
3. Rhythm Nation (7" United Mix Edit)
4. Rhythm Nation (7" House Nation Edit)

**Japanese Maxi CD Single**

1. Rhythm Nation
2. Rhythm Nation (7" Edit)
3. Rhythm Nation (12" House Nation)
4. Rhythm Nation (CHR Remix)
5. Rhythm Nation (United Dub)
6. Rhythm Nation (Rhythm Mix)

**British and European 12" Single**

1. Rhythm Nation (12" United Mix)
2. Rhythm Nation (12" United Dub)
3. Rhythm Nation (12" House Nation Mix)
4. Rhythm Nation (12" House Nation Groove Mix)
5. Rhythm Nation (7" Edit)

**Australian and North American 12" Single**

1. Rhythm Nation (CHR Remix)
2. Rhythm Nation (12" United Dub)
3. Rhythm Nation (12" House Nation Groove)
4. Rhythm Nation (7" Edit)
5. Rhythm Nation (7" Edit Instrumental)
6. Rhythm Nation (LP Version)

**European Maxi CD Single**

1. Rhythm Nation (7" Edit)
2. Rhythm Nation (12" United Dub)
3. Rhythm Nation (12" House Nation Mix)
4. Rhythm Nation (CHR Remix)
5. Rhythm Nation (LP Version)