The 20 Best Janet Jackson Songs of All Time

Spanning four decades of sonic reinvention — from assertive funk to sultry R&B ballads and politically charged anthems — these tracks represent some of pop's most enduring moments. Which one gets your vote?

1

Rhythm Nation

A politically charged funk anthem from her 1989 album, featuring military choreography and a call for social unity.

1000pts

2

If

A bold, industrial-tinged R&B track from 1993 with provocative lyrics and an iconic music video performance.

835pts

3

Again

A tender ballad written for the Poetic Justice soundtrack in 1993, earning her an Academy Award nomination.

800pts

4

Control

The declaration-of-independence title track from her 1986 album, marking her creative and personal rebirth.

800pts

5

Black Cat

A hard-rock-infused power ballad from 1990 that topped both the pop and rock charts simultaneously.

762pts

6

Miss You Much

Her first number-one hit of the late 1980s, an irresistible pop-funk track from the Rhythm Nation 1814 era.

734pts

7

Any Time, Any Place

A slow, sensual R&B ballad from 1993 that became a wedding and late-night radio staple.

659pts

8

That's the Way Love Goes

A smooth R&B slow jam that topped the charts for eight consecutive weeks in 1993, winning a Grammy for Best R&B Song.

659pts

9

All for You

A funky, breezy tribute to the 1970s that topped the charts in 2001 and anchored her platinum comeback album.

571pts

10

Scream

An explosive 1995 protest duet with brother Michael Jackson, at the time the most expensive music video ever made.

467pts

11

Got 'Til It's Gone

A smoky, sample-driven 1997 single featuring Q-Tip, sampling Joni Mitchell and celebrating African beauty.

467pts

12

Together Again

A euphoric tribute to loved ones lost, which became her second Billboard Hot 100 number one in 1997.

467pts

13

New Agenda

A 1993 Michael Jackson duet addressing racism and antisemitism with rare directness for a pop single.

343pts

14

What Have You Done for Me Lately

The breakthrough 1986 hit that launched her independence era, showcasing her new assertive style.

343pts

15

Nasty

A defiant 1986 anthem about setting personal boundaries, defining her empowered image on the Control album.

343pts

16

Someone to Call My Lover

A bright, upbeat 2001 pop hit built on a sample of America's Ventura Highway, resonating with summer listeners.

343pts

17

Feedback

A fiery 2008 comeback single reclaiming her space in pop culture with club-ready beats and fierce confidence.

343pts

18

Go Deep

A dancehall-inflected club track from The Velvet Rope (1997) that became a fan favourite for its groove.

343pts

19

Escapade

A carefree pop-funk bop from 1990 inviting a lover on an adventure, reaching number one on the Hot 100.

190pts

20

When I Think of You

Her first number-one hit and the lead single from Control, a joyful pop-funk celebration of new love.

190pts