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DESCRIPTION: By the time of this album’s release in fall of 1997 Janet Jackson was already cemented as a true icon of music. Despite this many still couldn’t resist trying to discredit the lane Janet created for herself without her Mega-Star brother. To me, this album changed all of that, and made many who had previously doubted realize that even if you take away the legendary last name the music is every bit as good. The album’s title itself refers to the struggles she faced over coming barriers “velvet ropes” that she felt kept her out of certain spaces artistically as well as inter-personally. It’s is more than a pick me up it is an artist struggling to define themselves until they realize the art they have made has been more than good enough all along.

BEST SONG: I GET LONELY

VK’S STARS ***** 5/5