Janet Jackson, What Have You Done for Me Lately | Throwback Vibez

In the 50^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “What Have You Done for Me Lately” by Janet Jackson. 

“Iknow he used to do nice stuff for you / But what has he done for you lately?” The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 50^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “What Have You Done for Me Lately”, performed by Janet Jackson. 

via GIPHY

It all comes down to one simple but important question on “What Have You Done for Me Lately”, WOO! That is what the R&B/pop superstar Janet Jackson asked on the infectious, no. 4 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from her 1986 album, Control.  Both “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and Control were nominated for Grammys, though Jackson would ultimately win her five Grammys for other musical endeavors.  Still, revisiting dance-pop gem, it deserved a Grammy, darn it!

“What Have You Done For Me Lately” has the 1980s written all over it – those groovy, boxy drums, and  increased palette of electronic sounds via synthesizers. Iconic producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis give Jackson a marvelous backdrop that fit the lyrics without a hitch.  Basically, this guy, who was once a catch, is neglecting Janet something fierce. “Used to be a time when you would pamper me,” she sings in the first verse, later adding, “But my friends say neglect is on your mind / Who’s right?” Well, apparently, they are given the fact he has done sugar honey iced tea for her lately! Another prime example comes in the second verse, where she asserts, “Used to go to dinner almost every night /… Good thing I cook or else we’d starve to death / Ain’t that a shame?” Basically, Janet Jackson, and any woman being taken for granted deserve better! “What Have You Done for Me Lately” is a certified classic, PERIOD! #GIRL POWER!!!

via GIPHY

Janet Jackson • Control • A&M • 1986

Janet Jackson, “What Have You Done for Me Lately”: Throwback Vibez No. 50 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]