*A&M Records has quietly signed its former artist Janet Jackson to a new contract, hoping its promotion of her current greatest hits album will spark demand for her upcoming CD of new material.
"A&M wants this CD to remind people how great Janet is," a source tells the New York Daily News. "They're hoping it'll whet the public's appetite for Janet and pave the way for her new music."
Jackson began her career at A&M at 16 and had her biggest U.S. hit on their watch -- "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814," which moved 8.5 million units in 1989.
Her 1991 move to Virgin Records was not as successful. She started off with a handful of successful CDs, but 2004's "Damita Jo" and 2006's "20 Y.O." were disappointments. Her one Def Jam album, "Discipline," barely went gold.
A&M exec Jimmy Iovine isn't deterred. He's dispatched music producer Rodney Jerkins to oversee production on Janet's upcoming album. The CD, which is in the early stages of recording, is expected to drop in the second quarter of 2010.
"Jimmy has given the mandate to make this Janet record a success," says the insider. "He believes that he has the right team in place to finally take Janet back to the top of the music charts. It's a top priority for the label
First she breaks things off with Jermaine, then she returns to A&M. I can only pray these are good omens of a comeback to end all comebacks. She's back in good hands.
They even paid for the Make Me video without even releasing it properly, so I have no doubts they WILL promote the hell out of the album and really try to make this album a The Emancipation of Janet
Janet's promotion for her 2010 album is going to be huge! I see what her marketing team is doing with "Number Ones" from online scavenger hunts, interviews, exposure on awards shows, etc. She has a new movie coming up in April "Why Did I Get Married Too?" and a new book, "The True You". She will do great at A&M!
janet MATTERS!!!!!!!!!!! and i hope this is wat is best !!!!!!!!!