Janet Jackson's "Feedback"

So, what's the feedback on Janet Jackson's latest single and video "Feedback"?  Well, the song is getting more radio play than previous flops "I Want You" and "So Excited". But, overall, "Feedback" is looking to be one of Janet's more successful singles in her post-"Nipplegate" career. Personally, I think the song is a step back for Miss Jackson.  It's catchy, but it's also overproduced, with no trace of Jackson's real voice, and it can only be a disappointment when you know she's capable of so much more.

Remember Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 from 1989? What about The Velvet Rope from 1997? Both great albums with strong production values, good song-writing and a clear vision.

Singles like "Nasty", "Let's Wait Awhile", "Escapade" and "Together Again" had great hooks and you could sense Jackson's individuality and personality shine through. But since 2001's All For You, Janet Jackson is not trying to raise the bar, she's trailing along with the other sexy R&B and pop singers.  The only thing is Janet is older, and now in her 40s, she is trying too hard to look, and sound, younger. 

The Janet from the '80s and '90s was tougher, sexier,  more independent.  But now she just tries too hard to be sexy.  Look at the video for "Feedback". It's a silly space opera where it appears Janet is dancing in milk. It looks cheap, and it's a disappointment from an artist who made groundbreaking videos such as "Miss You Much", "Rhythm Nation" and "If" throughout the late '80s and '90s.

Let's hope Janet's upcoming album Discipline will have a little more depth than what we've heard from her recently.  But I suspect Janet will be playing it safe this time, and will be going for a more youthful sound, similar to Britney's Blackout and Gwen Stefani's The Sweet Escape. 

But Janet Jackson is a talented artist -- she did have an amazing career from 1986 to about 2000 until she started trying to hard to be as sexy and controversial as Madonna. But, Janet, what have you done for us lately?

Oscar Buzz: Jennifer Garner

Over the past few weeks, Juno has become the sleeper hit of the holiday season and is looking to be a front-runner for the Oscar nominations this season.  Both the film's star, Ellen Page, and screenwriter, Diablo Cody, are getting both the Oscar buzz and the praise, and deservedly so. But Jennifer Garner, one of the film's co-stars, is also worthy of praise and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

In the film, Garner plays Vanessa, a seemingly uptight yuppie married to Mark, played by Jason Bateman. When Page's character of Juno gets pregnant, she decides to give up her unborn baby up for adoption to Vanessa and Mark. Throughout the film, we see Vanessa's overwhelming desire to be a mother, a desire that warms both Juno and the audience's heart. The film's best scene is set in a mall, where the expecting (and showing) Juno and Vanessa unexpectedly run into each other, and share an unexpected bond. Garner is simply astonishing in this scene, conveying her character's emotion without uttering a single word. It's the film's emotional highlight. 

I'm afraid Garner's performance will get overlooked in favour of Page and Cody.  But hopefully the Oscar ballots will include Garner's name.