In addition to individual songs, the Library of Congress adds whole albums to the National Recording Registry. This year, albums by Jackson Browne, Jimmy Cliff and Nas were among those inducted.
Also honored was Janet Jackson’s 1989 album Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (that’s a mouthful of a title). As I noted a couple of years ago, I have a huge blindspot when it comes to Janet Jackson, not realizing exactly how major an impact she has had both commercially and creatively. Clearly the Library of Congress doesn’t share my ignorance.
Some quick stats about Rhythm Nation: It was the top-selling album of 1990; it is the only album in history to land seven singles in Billboard’s top five; it is the only album to score #1 his in three different years; Jackson’s Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year was the first ever for a female artist.
The album also found Jackson spanning genres, from her traditional R&B/dance wheelhouse to the rock sound of today’s SOTD, ‘Black Cat.’
I can’t count myself as a fan of Jackson’s music, but by now I’m sufficiently impressed with her achievements.
All the lonely nights, I spend alone
Never around to love me, you’re always gone
Cause you’re hanging out, breaking the rules
Oh, the man has come looking for you
You’re a rebel now, don’t give a damn
Always carrying on with the gang
I’m trying to tell you, boy, it’s a mistake
You won’t realize ’til it’s too late
[Pre-Chorus]
Don’t understand why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you’re telling me lies
[Chorus]
Black cat, nine lives, short days, long nights
Living on the edge, not afraid to die
Heartbeat, real strong but not for long
Better watch your step or you’re gonna die
[Verse 2]
You’re so together, boy but just at a glance
You’ll do anything if given a chance
Scheming, planning lies to get what you need
So full of promises that you never keep
Don’t you tell yourself that it’s okay
Sick and tired of all of your games
And you want me to stay, ah, better change
Makes no sense to me, your crazy ways
[Pre-Chorus]
Don’t understand why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you’re telling me lies
[Bridge]
Not afraid to die
Black cat, black cat
Man, I don’t understand your ways
Living on the edge
[Pre-Chorus]
Don’t understand why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you’re telling me lies
[Chorus]
Black cat, nine lives, short days, long nights
Living on the edge, not afraid to die
Heartbeat, real strong but not for long
Better watch your step or you’re gonna die
Black cat, nine lives, short days, long nights
Living on the edge, not afraid to die
Heartbeat, real strong but not for long
Better watch your step or you’re gonna die
Black cat, living’ on the
Heartbeat, better watch your step
Meet Me In Montauk 
I don’t count myself as a Janet Jackson “fan” either, but some great songs came from this album, most notably the title track, “Miss You Much” and “Escapade.” My favorite song from Janet, however, remains “Nasty.”