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Janet Jackson Turns 60: Take a Look Back at the 10 Greatest Songs of Her Career

By Terrell Smith Men's Journal

Updated May 16, 2026 7:49 AM

It's time we all wish the living legend Janet Jackson the happiest of birthdays, as she turns 60 today, May 16. A Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, a five-time Grammy winner, and an artist who has sold over 160 million albums, Jackson has carved her place in history as one of the all-time great entertainers. That's even more impressive considering she was able to step into her own light out of the huge shadow cast by her beloved brother, the King of Pop, Michael.

In honor of Janet's birthday, we're looking at her extensive catalog to come up with the 10 greatest songs of her career. This certainly wasn't an easy task, considering she's been in the music industry for nearly 45 years and has a laundry list of hits. However, I completed the job and ranked them in order. So let's jump right into it.

Honorable Mention: "Scream" by Janet and Michael Jackson (1995)

This may come as a shocker, but "Scream" just missed the top 10. As magical as the song is, with both Michael and Janet belting out the lyrics and accompanying the track with the most expensive music video in history, Janet just has other singles in her arsenal that have more listenability and speak to her musical prowess. But not for nothing, "Scream" peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Music Video.

10. "If" (1993)

The dance break in "If" alone is iconic. However, as a whole, the song is pretty special as well. Its uptempo beat creates a lot of high energy for listeners, whether they're in the club dancing or pushing their way through a gym workout. It reached the #4 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on the R&B Chart, and topped the Dance Club Play Chart.

9. "Doesn't Really Matter" (2000)

What started as a single for the Nutty Professor II: The Klumps soundtrack became a smash hit for Janet and an anthem of self-love and positivity. "Doesn't Really Matter" earned Janet another #1 hit song and led to her achieving the rare feat of having a chart-topping song in three different decades. It's also worth noting that the song was so popular that several variations of it exist.

8. "Any Time, Any Place" (1994)

You won't find a Kidz Bop version of this single, as it oozes passion and desire. If you look up a live performance of Janet singing "Any Time, Any Place," you'll understand what I mean. The track doesn't really lend itself as a dance tune or good workout bop, but it can certainly put you in a mood. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

7. "Miss You Much" (1989)

The lead single for Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, "Miss You Much" was nothing less than a hit, topping Billboard's Hot 100. The dance and R&B track symbolized that Janet was ready to take her career to the next level, beyond just her previous album Control. Oh, and the intricate dance moves of the video are priceless, proving she was on the level of her big brother.

6. "All for You" (2001)

"All for You" served as Janet's last #1 hit (although don't count her out to have one more in the future). It was another R&B and dance blend that had the people moving and added a delightful carefree tune to her catalog. By the way, it's worth pointing out that the song earned Janet a Grammy for Best Dance Recording.

5. "When I Think of You" (1987)

"When I Think of You" was the first chart-topper of Janet's career, so how could it not be on the list? It's the perfect combination of pop and R&B, with catchy lyrics. What also makes the song special is that when it peaked at #1, it led to Janet and Michael being the only siblings to have #1 hits from individual solo projects.

4. "Together Again" (1997)

You may know it due to the upbeat nature of the song, but "Together Again" was actually written as a special tribute to one of Janet's friends who passed away from AIDS. The track danced its way to the top of the charts and made its way to plenty of clubs along the way. Making the song even more special is the legendary video.

3. "Control" (1986)

Despite Janet having released two albums prior, it wasn't until she took control of her own music career that she saw it explode. One of the best decisions she made professionally was to link with super producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and the three of them created "Control," which reintroduced her to the world. From the moment it was released, she metaphorically told listeners, "I'm Janet, not just Michael's little sister." Now, out of the entire list, "Control" had the "least" chart impact, but the legacy of the song is what matters here.

2. "That's the Way Love Goes" (1993)

"That's the Way Love Goes" earned Janet one of her five Grammys and another chart-topping hit. To add, it's arguably one of the best mid-tempo R&B songs of the 90s. She rides the beat perfectly, and her controlled, wispy voice delivering the lyrics is perfection. The track is sultry, yet subtly sexy, and describes love and passion most people can relate to. It's a complete 10 out of 10.

1. "Rhythm Nation" (1989)

Of course, "Rhythm Nation" has to be Janet Jackson's greatest hit of all time. It's iconic in so many ways. From a track-only perspective, it's a nice blend of pop, R&B, and dance music, with meaningful lyrics about social justice issues. Then there's the video. It once again showed that Janet is an impeccable dancer, and her moves have been borrowed by other artists to this day. And women are still copying her "Rhythm Nation" style of a black hat and black leather jacket.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 6:40 AM.