September 22, 1989

The high-tech beats assembled by producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are absolutely astonishing – though it never quite lives up to its intentions as a social statement.

September 22, 1989

If "Rhythm Nation" misfires occasionally and runs out of steam toward the end, Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (her producers and co-writers) can be forgiven.

September 24, 1989

The heart of this album's problem is its dry, predictable, uninvolving music.

September 25, 1989

In an attempt to get a wider perspective and at over an hour in length, Janet Jackson has gone overboard and lost control.

September 30, 1989

She’s put to rest any need for comparisons to her older brother Michael. At this point she’s at least his equal and standing tall on her own.

October 5, 1989

She's safe and boring.

October 13, 1989

May be too calculated commercially to get the message across.

October 15, 1989

Jackson's vision may be ephemeral, but her music makes you want to become a charter citizen of the rhythm nation.

October 29, 1989

Has a message and a groove people can get behind unreservedly, while Jackson has established that “Control” was no fluke.

October 30, 1989

The rarest of rarities – a dance-pop concept album that works – “Rhythm Nation” is a seamless mix of social conscience and pure fun.