Artist: Janet Jackson
Song: “Made For Now”
Album: TBD

Don’t call it a comeback, she’s been here for years—over 35 to be exact. And while it may have been fashionable to dismiss Janet Jackson 10 years ago, her music is as vital now as it was then. “Made For Now,” the first single from her as-yet-to-be-titled twelfth studio album, is a gorgeous Afrobeat inspired workout that ropes in Daddy Yankee to provide even more of that casual “late summer” flavor.

All the classic Jackson musical tropes are present—beat, melody and that plush, euphonious voice. What has returned to the singer-songwriter’s sonic palette is a bit of the old Jacksonian bite that was missing for a considerable portion of Unbreakable (2015).

In addition to the hip-hop feature “Made For Now” sports—connecting to a longtime habit that stretches back Rhythm Nation (1989)—is the Afrocentrism of its video. Directed by Jackson video director alum Dave Meyers, “Made for Now” joins “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Got ‘Til It’s Gone,” "Together Again," “Someone to Call My Lover,” “I Want You” and “Call on Me” in unapologetically celebrating people of color on film. Now, more than ever, this is important within a cultural climate that openly fosters anti-color sentiment.

“Made For Now” further cements Jackson’s legacy which is bedrocked in its consistent quality. Now we just need to be patient for the eventual album drop, sure to be an event all its own.

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