There are few artists that are fortunate enough to have experienced the longevity in the music industry that Janet Jackson has. Even more remarkable that she has consistently avoided living in the shadow of superstar brother Michael, demonstrating her own art is substantial enough to maintain her super stardom.

“It’s been a while, lots to talk about, I’m glad you’re still here”, Janet murmurs thoughtfully at the end of opening track ‘Unbreakable’. Indeed, it’s been seven long, eventful years since Janet’s previous release of original material. 2008’s ‘Discipline’, whilst selling moderately, grossly under-performed in terms of single positions and legacy. It was, however, an improvement from 2006’s ’20 Y.0′, slammed by music critics, particularly for the involvement of Jackson’s then boyfriend Jermaine Dupri. Since ‘Discipline’, Jackson encountered the unexpected death of brother Michael from cardiac arrest; an event which sent tremors around the world. She separated from Dupri after a seven year relationship in 2009 and married third husband Wissam Al Mana in a private and secretive ceremony in 2012. It is these events which largely form the lyrical content of the album.

‘Unbreakable’ marks the return of legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis – fixtures of Jackson’s music since her tentative beginnings back in the late 1980’s. They were noticeably absent on previous album ‘Discipline’ and it is their innovative production on this rich synthesis of R&B, dance and pop music in addition to Jackson’s sincere and hugely personal lyrical content which brings the album alive.

Title track ‘Unbreakable’ opens the album beautifully with gentle piano riffs, jittery electronic samples and organic brass instruments. It’s a joyous track and the perfect album opener. ‘The Great Forever’ is a sullen affair featuring beeping computer programming, a shuffling beat not dissimilar from brother Michael’s 1988 hit ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’, and Jackson’s signature syrupy layered harmonies. The somewhat disjointed ‘Shoulda Known Better’, a follow up to Jackson’s hit ’80’s single ‘Rhythm Nation’ begins tentatively as a ballad before launching into an EDM-influenced track. Disappointingly, it never quite quite reaches the heights it could and is crying out for a more predominant bass line. Despite its flaws in production, it’s one of the album’s highlights, a socially-concious, politically themed and powerful track.

The album achieves contemporary appeal through its utilisation of dance/R&B music. ‘Dammn Baby’, is an R&B track abundant with fierce bass lines and robotic auto-tune whilst Missy Elliot collaboration ‘BURNITUP!’ is another club friendly R&B track. Jackson, Jam and Lewis use 1993’s ‘That’s The Way Love Goes’ as a template on lead single ‘No Sleeep’ – a sultry and gentle R&B jam. ‘Take Me Away’ is another of the album’s highlights; another ferocious and powerful EDM track perfectly programmed by Jam & Lewis. Jackson’s vocals are once again layered blissfully to create a gorgeous wall of harmony and the chorus contains a heartbreaking vulnerability.

Vulnerability is captured further in more tender moments on ‘Unbreakable’. ‘After You Fall’, a gorgeous piano ballad stripped of the effects the rest of the album is laden with is a tender and beautiful moment. Likewise, the album is well-punctuated by ‘Lessons Learned’, comprised of gentle guitar arpeggios and Jackson’s angelic vocals. The disco-influenced ‘Broken Hearts Heal’ is a tribute to brother Michael, reminiscing their childhood growing up together whilst utilising the smooth and soulful sound Michael exhibited on his ‘Off The Wall’ album. It’s refreshing to hear Jackson return to some of the fun previously contained in previous hits ‘All For You’ and ‘Runaway’ and another of the album’s highlights; a gentle R&B groove reminiscent of some of Jackson’s best work in the 1990’s. “Black Eagle” is a soulful affair with bongo-like percussion and detuned, twinkling synthesisers whilst ‘Well Travelled’ is a powerful arena-rock anthem, breaking into new territory for Jackson.

At forty-nine, Jackson’s voice is naturally deeper than previously which somewhat disconcertingly makes her sound more like Michael than ever. The angelic and breezy tone to her voice remains, however and the alluring nature of her voice still trumps many female artists around today.

‘Unbreakable’ is concrete verification that Jackson is back to regain her status as the Queen of Pop. A rich fusion of genres with compelling production by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it’s her most substantial album since 2001’s ‘All For You’. A triumphant return.

Rating: 5/5.

‘Unbreakable’ is out now on Rhythm Nation/BMG Records.