SoulBounce’s Top 30 Janet Jackson Singles: #27 ‘Escapade’


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Following the thought-provoking anthem “Rhythm Nation,” came the big-beat, hand clap feel-goodness of “Escapade.” As the third single single from Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814, “Escapade” found Janet Jackson going back to the straight-up fun found in the album’s first single, “Miss You Much,” and harkened back to the uplifting crossover appeal of Control’s “When I Think of You.” Inspired by no less than Martha and the Vandellas’ 1965 hit “Nowhere to Run,” which she apparently considered recording for the album, “Escapade” takes escapism to levels beyond Johnny Kemp’s “Just Got Paid” or Tyler Collins’ “Girls Nite Out,” bypassing courtship for a “trust me, everything will be fine” journey away from life’s troubles after a Donna Summer-tough work week.

We'll make the rules up as we go along / And break them all if we're not havin' fun

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This transitioned well to the video. “Escapade” was the first offering from Rhythm Nation to be featured in color — an appropriate move given the flamboyant costumes, flashy gesturing and the Rhythm Nation Dancers’ tight choreography among a few militaristic elements. It’s a party to be sure, and “Escapade” is one of Janet’s easiest songs to sing along to and will put a smile on the faces of kids through seniors. That's no surprise given its No. 1 chart positions atop Billboard’s R&B and Hot 100 charts back in 1990.


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