"No Sleeep" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Janet Jackson (or featuring J. Cole) | ||||
from the album Unbreakable | ||||
Released | June 22, 2015 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:26 (solo version) 4:20 (featuring J. Cole) | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) |
| |||
Janet Jackson singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
J. Cole singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"No Sleeep" on YouTube |
"No Sleeep" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson for her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015). Co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,it is the first record to be released under Jackson's independent label Rhythm Nation Records,distributed by BMG Rights Management. It was made available as the lead single from the album digitally on June 22,2015,in addition to vinyl copies being sold on Jackson's official website in conjunction with pre-sale orders for the studio album and Unbreakable World Tour concert tickets. Lyrically,the song depicts Jackson longing to reunite with her lover,anticipating that when she does,the couple will get "no sleep". Due to its slow tempo and sentimentality,it has been described as embodying traits of the quiet storm radio style.
The album version of the song features additional verses from American rapper J. Cole,and was used in the accompanying music video which premiered on July 24,2015. Directed by Dave Meyers,its minimalist aesthetic and production has been compared to the music video for "That's the Way Love Goes" (1993). Jackson's solo version of the single debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 67,marking her 40th entry on the chart. It also debuted on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at number 18. The album version featuring J. Cole enabled it to re-enter the Hot 100 with a new peak position at number 63,while also topping the US Adult R&B Songs chart.
In August 2014,producer and engineer Ian Cross confirmed to Barefoot Sound magazine that he was working on Jackson's new album. After Cross' declarations,Jackson herself responded to the rumor,neither confirming nor denying the works:"If there is a new project,you'll hear it from my lips," she tweeted. [1] At midnight on May 16,2015,Jackson announced plans to release a new album and to embark on a world concert tour,stating "I promised you would hear it from my lips. And now you will. This year,new music,new world tour,a new movement. I've been listening. Let's keep the conversation going." [2] [3] She released her new album in the fall of 2015 under her own record label,Rhythm Nation,distributed by BMG Rights Management. [4] The launch of Rhythm Nation ranks Jackson as among the few African-American women to establish a record label. [5]
In early June 2015,producer Jimmy Jam tweeted,"Early morning #Plush #NoSL333P #ConversationsInACafe," along with a picture of sheet music in a darkened studio. Fans quickly found out the titles "No SL333P" and "plush" in the picture. [6] Later,a snippet of the song was leaked,followed by a countdown on her official website which revealed the song on June 22,2015. [7] [8] She tweeted "I dedicate this to My Love",referring to then-husband,Wissam Al Mana. [9]
Producer Jimmy Jam later recalled in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that "No Sleeep" almost did not make it into the final track list for Unbreakable. He stated that it "was basically called that because it was like five in the morning,and we had just completed a day of work and I was still awake,so I was playing around with some different stuff and came up with the skeleton of it." Months went by before the initial track was discovered by Lewis and Jackson,at which point Jam recalled:"Terry asked me for a melody,and it evolved from there. Janet loved it—just the feeling that she got when she heard it is the feeling she wanted the fans to have. Just a warm,welcoming,sensual feel. But it was almost forgotten." [10]
"No Sleeep" is an R&B, [11] neo soul, [12] and quiet storm [13] song,which lyrically finds Jackson crooning about a long-distance romance over "soulful" keyboards and programmed drums. [14] Opening with a sample of pouring rain and distant thunder,the first word heard is "plush",followed by Jackson singing the chorus:"You missing me,I'm missing you,whenever we meet,we ain't gonna get no sleep," in her signature breathy soprano. [11] She also promises to be "the queen of insomnia" in the song. [15] Zach Johnson from E! Online noted that Jackson's vocals are "especially impressive" in the bridge of the song. [9] According to The Guardian ,"On first listen it seems to be missing any discernible hooks,but slowly the chorus starts to dig its claws in,while the sudden vocal shift from soft coo to full-bodied yearning in the middle eight is a hairs on the back of the neck moment." [16]
Nolan Feeney,writing for Time magazine,said it "isn't another 'All Nite'-esque banger,but a sexy slow jam about getting quality time with a lover." [15] Vibe remarked:"The mellow soundscape sounds like Janet literally just lit some incense,sat down on the studio floor and let the words flow from her mouth without a second thought." [17] Michael Craigg from The Guardian gave a positive review,calling the song a "slowly unfurling sex jam" and also pointed out that while "the general consensus among pop stars nowadays is that all singles must be at least 124 BPM,Janet's always done things slightly differently," adding that any song which "manages to incorporate the phrase 'fait accompli' into its chorus is on to something." [16] Aisha Harris of Slate states that "Jackson’s soft,cooing vocals ... are left largely untouched,the production uncluttered" and favorably compared the song to material from the singer's 1997 studio album The Velvet Rope. [18] Similarly,Pitchfork Media's Meaghan Garvey described the song's quiet storm appeal as "envok[ing] her richest and most breathtaking era:the mid-'90s stretch including 1993’s super-sensual janet. ,and especially 1997’s inimitable and deeply personal classic,The Velvet Rope." [13] The website ranked it 37 on their year-end list of best songs. [19] Lewis Corner and Amy Davidson state that her "undeniably distinct and cooing vocal tone glides perfectly over the effortlessly seductive soundscape[.]" [20] Spin 's Brennan Carley considered the song a "slow yet stormy little number." [21] Steven J. Horovitz,writing for Billboard ,complimented Jackson's vocals,but noted that "she feels too restrained,doing little to up the midnight-storm beat." [12]
"No Sleeep" sold 38,000 copies through digital download in its first week. [22] It debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 67,marking Jackson's 40th entry on the chart. [23] The album version of the single featuring J. Cole enabled it to re-enter the Hot 100,giving it a new peak position at number 63. [24] On the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,it debuted at number 18,becoming Jackson's 48th entry. It debuted on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart at number 27,becoming her 36th hit there,and peaked at number 12. [25] On the US Adult R&B Songs—a component chart of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay measuring airplay from Urban adult contemporary radio stations—it entered at number 15, [25] becoming her highest entry on the chart and subsequently rose the number one position. Spending twelve nonconsecutive weeks atop the chart,it became her most successful Adult R&B Song,surpassing "I Get Lonely" (1998),which spent five weeks at number one. [26] As of May 2018,the single has sold 178,183 digital copies according to Nielsen SoundScan. [27]
A music video made for the album version of the song featuring J. Cole premiered on Today on July 24,2015. [28] Directed by Dave Meyers,who also directed videos for Jackson's previous singles "All for You","Just a Little While",and "I Want You",it showcases Jackson residing inside a mansion late at night during a rainstorm. [29] She maneuvers from room to room throughout the dimly lit empty house before being accompanied by J. Cole. [30] Its minimalist aesthetic and production has been compared by Idolator's Bianca Gracie to the music video for "That's The Way Love Goes" (1993). [31] Eliza Berman of Time states that the video "features Jackson holed up in a cozy chalet on a rainy night. Teaming up with the uber-relevant J. Cole—a smart choice for a comeback single—Jackson conjures the laid-back,sexy vibes of early 90s singles like 'That’s the Way Love Goes'." Berman notes that background images of the singer's childhood photos with father Joe Jackson along with certain word choices from J. Cole's verses run contrary to the song's original subject matter,but concludes that "eccentricities aside,it’s a more than welcome return." [32]
"No Sleeep" was performed on the 2015–16 Unbreakable World Tour,with J. Cole appearing on the screen. [33] [34] [35] It was also performed on her 2017-2019 State of the World Tour. Jackson included the song on her 2023 Together Again Tour.
Chart (2015) | Peak position |
---|---|
France (SNEP) [36] | 106 |
UK Singles Downloads (OCC) [37] | 97 |
UK Indie (OCC) [38] | 17 |
US Billboard Hot 100 [39] | 63 |
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [40] | 18 |
US Adult R&B Songs ( Billboard ) [41] | 1 |
Chart (2015) | Position |
---|---|
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard) [42] | 7 |
Chart (2016) | Position |
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard) [43] | 16 |
Region | Date | Format | Version | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States | June 22,2015 | Digital download | Solo | Rhythm Nation | |
Brazil | LAB 344 | ||||
Australia | June 23,2015 | Rhythm Nation | |||
Italy | Contemporary hit radio | BMG | |||
United States | June 30,2015 | Urban radio |
| ||
July 23,2015 | Duet | ||||
Rhythmic crossover radio | |||||
July 24,2015 | Digital download | Rhythm Nation | |||
Brazil | LAB 344 | ||||
United Kingdom | July 25,2015 | Rhythm Nation | |||
Canada | August 7,2015 | ||||
New Zealand |
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American singer,songwriter,actress,and dancer. She is noted for her innovative,socially conscious and sexually provocative records,as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreography became a catalyst in the growth of MTV,enabling her to rise to prominence while breaking gender and racial barriers in the process. Lyrical content which focused on social issues and lived experiences set her reputation as a role model for youth.
"Control" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album of the same name (1986). The song was written by Jackson,James Harris III,and Terry Lewis and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It was released as the album's fourth single on October 17,1986,by A&M Records. Its arrangement,built upon complex rhythmic tracks,showcased state-of-the-art production. The song is about Jackson wanting to finally take control of her life.
James Samuel "Jimmy Jam" Harris III and Terry Steven Lewis are an American R&B/pop songwriting and record production team. They have enjoyed great success since the 1980s with various artists,most intensively with Janet Jackson. They have written 31 top ten hits in the UK and 41 in the US. In 2022,the duo were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category.
"When I Think of You" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album,Control (1986). It was released on July 28,1986,as the album's third single. Composed by songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,the song is about a person who finds relief and fun in a lover. It was Jackson's first number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100,and also peaked at number 10 in the United Kingdom.
"Miss You Much" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson. Composed by songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,it was recorded for the singer's fourth studio album,Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). As with all tracks for the album,recording took place at Lewis and Jam's Flyte Tyme Studios in Minneapolis,Minnesota between 1988 and 1989. Lyrically,the song narrates a longing to reconnect with a romantic partner after time spent apart.
"Escapade" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fourth studio album,Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song was released on January 8,1990,by A&M Records as the third single from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). "Escapade" became the third of the historic seven top-five singles released from the Rhythm Nation 1814 album,reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
"Alright" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fourth studio album,Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). Written by Jackson and Jimmy Jam &Terry Lewis,the song was released on March 4,1990,by A&M Records as the fourth single from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814. In the United Kingdom,it was issued as the album's fifth single in June 1990.
"Come Back to Me" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fourth studio album Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was written and produced by Jackson in collaboration with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The R&B ballad talks about a lover trying to rekindle a romance that faded away a long time ago. It was released as the fifth single from the album in the United States on June 18,1990,while in the United Kingdom,it was issued as the album's third single on January 15,1990. Jackson also recorded a Spanish version of the song titled "Vuelve a mí".
"All for You" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson,released as the lead single from her seventh studio album,All for You,on March 6,2001. Written and produced by Jackson,Jimmy Jam,and Terry Lewis,"All for You" is a dance-pop song that heavily samples "The Glow of Love" by Change,while lyrically is about flirting with someone on the dance floor. It received positive reviews from critics and was noted for its transition to a brighter and more optimistic sound from the darker tone of the singer's previous album,The Velvet Rope (1997).
"Any Time,Any Place" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fifth studio album,Janet (1993). It was written and produced by Jackson along with production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,and released as the album's fifth single on May 11,1994,by Virgin Records. A remix produced by R. Kelly was also released. "Any Time,Any Place" reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became another R&B chart-topper for Jackson. She has performed the song on several of her tours.
"You Want This" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fifth studio album,Janet (1993). Released as the album's seventh single in October 1994,the track was written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The single version,also used in the music video,featured an additional rap verse from MC Lyte. The song was listed in the Rock Song Index:The 7500 Most Important Songs for the Rock and Roll Era (2005) by Bruce Pollock.
This is the singles discography of American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson. Janet has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Billboard ranked her as well as the third greatest female artist of all time on Billboard Hot 100 history.
"Got 'til It's Gone" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson,featuring American rapper Q-Tip and Canadian singer Joni Mitchell,from her sixth studio album,The Velvet Rope (1997). It was written by Jackson,Jam and Lewis,with additional writing by RenéElizondo Jr.,Mitchell,and Kamaal Ibn Fareed. The song was produced by Jackson,Jam and Lewis. It was released as the lead single from The Velvet Rope in 1997,by Virgin Records. The song was recorded at Flyte Tyme Studios in Edina,Minnesota. For "Got 'til It's Gone",Jackson opted for a less polished and more authentic alternative hip hop and trip hop-influenced sound.
"Throb" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her fifth studio album,Janet (1993). It was written and produced by Jackson,James Harris III and Terry Lewis and is a house song with a nu jazz influence. It was released commercially in the Netherlands as the album's sixth single on June 18,1994,while in the United States it was a radio-only release.
"Feel It Boy" is a song by Jamaican dancehall musician Beenie Man featuring American singer Janet Jackson from Beenie Man's 15th studio album,Tropical Storm (2002). The song was written by Beenie Man,Pharrell Williams,Chad Hugo,and Clancy Eccles and was produced by the Neptunes. Virgin Records released the song on 15 July 2002 as the lead single from the album. "Feel It Boy" peaked at number nine on the UK Singles Chart and became a top-40 hit in eight other countries,including the United States,where it peaked at number 28.
The Unbreakable World Tour was the seventh concert tour by American recording artist Janet Jackson. It was in support of her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015). In addition to Live Nation and Rhythm Nation,the tour is also sponsored by Nederlander Concerts,Jam Productions,Another Planet Entertainment,Bamp and Tommy Meharey. When the tour was announced in June 2015,multiple legs were planned for North America,Asia and Europe. However,in December 2015,Jackson announced that tour dates beginning in 2016 would be postponed due to surgery and in April 2016 announced the summer dates would be rescheduled due to her pregnancy. In May 2017,she announced the tour would resume beginning in September,renamed as the State of the World Tour.
Unbreakable is the eleventh studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. It was released on October 2,2015,and is the first album released under her independent label Rhythm Nation,distributed by BMG Rights Management through a partnership with the singer. Jackson had parted ways with Island Records in 2008 due to dissatisfaction over the company's lack of promotion for her tenth studio album,Discipline (2008). The singer began recording new material with producer Rodney Jerkins the following year,but eventually abandoned the project. She became busy with film roles and embarked on a worldwide concert tour,and in 2013 announced her third marriage to Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana. Two years later in May 2015,Jackson announced that she would embark on the Unbreakable World Tour and release Unbreakable.
"Dammn Baby" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson for her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015). It was co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,with additional songwriting and production contributions by Dem Jointz. The official music video was released on YouTube,on May 4,2016. The single subsequently debuted on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart at number 20 and later peaked at number eight,becoming the album's third consecutive top ten single on the chart,after "No Sleeep" and "Unbreakable".
"Unbreakable" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson for her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015). It was co-written and produced by Jackson and her long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,with additional writing by Thomas Lumpkins and additional production by Tommy McClendon and Dem Jointz. The song debuted on September 3,2015 on Apple Music's Beats 1 radio station and was made available for digital download on the same day Jackson officially announced the studio album's release date and track list. It was subsequently released to urban contemporary radio on September 29,2015 and to urban adult contemporary radio on October 5,2015 as the album's second single.
"Made for Now" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson and Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee. It was produced by English songwriter,musician and producer Harmony Samuels,with additional production contributions by Jackson's long-term collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis alongside Jackson. The song was made available for digital download on August 17,2018,with a Dave Meyers-directed music video released simultaneously. The release marks the first for Jackson's new partnership with independent music publisher and distributor Cinq Music Group to distribute future releases her from her independent label Rhythm Nation Records.