Jackson sums up two decades of mediocre music

"I've talked about a lot things ... I've covered a lot in my 20 years," says Janet, on the opening interlude, "Intro (20)." "But I want to keep things light, I want to have fun." And so begins 20 Years Old, a nod to Jackson's 20 years in the biz since her debut album "Control" came out. \nWith the first several tracks, Janet infuses the same heavy dance beats and bump-and-grind style of her Rhythm Nation days. These "me" songs consist of Janet commanding someone to do the dirty, sexy deeds she's never been afraid to talk about. There's "Show Me" and "Do it 2 Me." After hearing any of those, and the fun "So Excited," one can't help but wonder why they weren't used as the album's first single, instead of the mid-tempo "Call on Me" featuring Nelly. \nNever heard it? No surprise. It's been pretty much absent from the airwaves and was overshadowed by the likes of Fergie, Nelly Furtado and Beyoncé all summer. After her last album, Damita Jo, tanked due to the overblown Superbowl fiasco, Janet's just itching for a comeback. \nThe first several tracks are vivacious, but about halfway through, the album slows down. Instead of being the life of the party, she sounds more content to be just another guest sitting in the corner, tapping her foot with the music. Janet whispers her way through many of these songs, telling her boyfriend she'd like to escape to a private room to do some snuggling and eventually, well, you know. She sings so softly it's hard to recognize that some of the more adult lyrics are actually a bit childish. "I get sensitive when you work/It feels so good when it hurts," she sings on "Take Care." On "Enjoy," we're told to "Just enjoy the simple things/Enjoy the day life brings." That's sweet, Janet, but I'm pretty sure I've seen that embroidered on a small pillow at Hobby Lobby. Luckily, the song's execution doesn't make it sound as corny.\nFor a powerful title like "20 Years Old," and such an extensive career, it's a little disappointing that Janet favors sexuality over self-reflection. There's nothing about how it felt to be hated by half the country for two seconds of television controversy. Or what it's like to be one of music's most successful artists. Nope, the only real mention of her career is joking about her guest spot on "Good Times" back in the 70s. You've got to hand it to Janet, though. No masterpiece, but maybe there's a worthy toast to 20 years in here somewhere.