No Sleeep

"No Sleeep"
Single by Janet Jackson
from the album Unbreakable
Released June 22, 2015 (2015-06-22)
Format
Genre R&B
Length 3:26
4:20 (album version featuring J. Cole)
Label
Writer(s)
Producer(s)
  • Janet Jackson
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Janet Jackson singles chronology
"Nothing"
(2010)		 "No Sleeep"
(2015)		 "Unbreakable"
(2015)
J. Cole singles chronology
"Wet Dreamz" (2015) "No Sleeep"
(2015)		 "No Role Modelz"
(2015)

"No Sleeep" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson released as the lead single for her eleventh studio album Unbreakable (2015).[1] 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, distributed by BMG Rights Management. It was made available for digital download 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 quiet storm, a radio format. It was well received by music critics, who praised the song for its sultry aesthetic; reviewers complemented Jackson's vocals, as well as the song's subtle production style, noting that it appeared to be a conscientious choice on her part and that of her producers to avoid contemporary musical trends.

The album version of the song features additional verses from American rapper J. Cole. It was released to radio airplay and made available for digital download on July 23, 2015.[2] Its official music video premiered on Today on July 24, 2015.[3] 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.

Background

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.[4] 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."[5][6] She will release her new album in the fall of 2015 under her own record label, Rhythm Nation, distributed by BMG Rights Management.[7] The launch of Rhythm Nation ranks Jackson as among the few African-American women to establish a record label.[8]

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.[9] Later, a snippet of the song was leaked, followed by a countdown on her official website which revealed the song on June 22, 2015.[10][11] She tweeted "I dedicate this to My Love," referring to husband, Wissam Al Mana.[12]

Producer Jimmy Jam later noted "No Sleeep" almost did not make it into the final tracklist for Unbreakable. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, 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."[13]

Composition

"No Sleeep" is an R&B song,[14][15] which lyrically finds Jackson crooning about a long-distance romance over "soulful" keyboards and programmed drums.[16] 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.[14] She also promises to be "the queen of insomnia" in the song.[17] Zach Johnson from E! Online noted that Jackson's vocals are "especially impressive" in the bridge of the song.[12] 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."[18]

Critical reception

"No Sleeep" was received with positive reviews by music critics. 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."[17] 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."[19] 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."[18] 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.[20] 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."[15] Lewis Corner and Amy Davidson state that her "undeniably distinct and cooing vocal tone glides perfectly over the effortlessly seductive soundscape[.]"[21] Spin's Brennan Carley considered the song a "slow yet stormy little number."[22] 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."[23]

Chart performance

"No Sleeep" sold 38,000 copies through digital download in its first week.[24] It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 67, marking Jackson's 40th entry on the chart.[25] The song went to number 1 on the Billboard + Twitter Trending 140 immediately following the release.[26] 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.[27] On the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, it debuted at number 18, becoming Jackson's 48th entry. It debuted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay at number 27, becoming her 36th hit there, and peaked at number 12.[28] On Billboard's 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,[28] 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.[29] As of August 2015, the single has sold 91,000 digital copies according to Nielsen SoundScan.[30]

Music video

A music video made for the album version of the song featuring J. Cole premiered on Today on July 24, 2015.[3] 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.[31] She maneuvers from room to room throughout the dimly lit empty house before being accompanied by J. Cole.[32] 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).[33] 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."[34]

Accolades

Publication Country Accolade Year Rank
Pítchfork[35] United States The 100 Best Tracks of 2015 2015 37

Charts

Chart (2015) Peak
position
France (SNEP)[36] 106
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[37] 101
UK Download (Official Charts Company)[38] 97
UK Indie (Official Charts Company)[39] 17
UK R&B (Official Charts Company)[39] 10
US Billboard Hot 100[40] 63
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[41] 18
US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard)[42] 1

Release history

Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
United States June 22, 2015 Digital download Solo
  • Rhythm Nation
  • BMG
[43]
Brazil
[44]
Worldwide June 23, 2015
[45]
United States June 30, 2015 Urban radio
[46]
July 23, 2015 Duet
[2]
Rhythmic crossover radio
[2]
July 24, 2015 Digital download
[47]
Brazil
[48]
Worldwide August 7, 2015
[49][50][51]

References

  1. ↑ Jeremy Gordon (August 20, 2015). "Janet Jackson Titles New Album, Previews "The Great Forever"". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 Melinda Newman (July 22, 2015). "Janet Jackson & J. Cole Team Up for 'No Sleeep' Remix: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  3. 1 2 Zach Johnson (July 24, 2015). "Watch Janet Jackson and J. Cole's "No Sleeep" Video!". E!. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  4. ↑ Erin Strecker (May 16, 2015). "Janet Jackson Addresses New Album Report". Billboard.
  5. ↑ Billboard Staff (May 16, 2015). "Janet Jackson Announces New Album, Tour". Billboard. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  6. ↑ Elliot McLaughlin, Joe Sutton (May 17, 2015). "'From my lips,' Janet Jackson announces new album, world tour". United States: CNN. Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Archived from the original on May 17, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
  7. ↑ Andrew Hampp (June 3, 2015). "Janet Jackson to Release New Album This Fall Via Rhythm Nation/BMG". Billboard. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Janet Jackson back with new album – and record-breaking new deal with BMG". The Guardian. June 3, 2015. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  9. ↑ Mike Wass (June 8, 2015). "Jimmy Jam Hints At Janet Jackson's New Single Being Called "No SL333P" (Or "Plush") In A Cryptic Tweet". Idolator. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  10. ↑ "New Music: Janet Jackson – 'No Sleeep' [Snippet]". Rap-Up. June 21, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  11. ↑ Liv Moss (June 22, 2015). "Janet Jackson unveils new single No Sleeep – listen". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  12. 1 2 Zach Johnson (June 22, 2015). "Janet Jackson Drops 'No Sleeep': Listen to the Song!". E!. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  13. ↑ Kyle Anderson (August 28, 2015). "6 things we now know about Janet Jackson's new album, thanks to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  14. 1 2 Philip Caulfield (June 22, 2015). "Janet Jackson drops first new single in seven years, 'No Sleeep'". Daily News. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  15. 1 2 Meaghan Garvey (June 23, 2015), "No Sleeep", Pitchfork Media, retrieved June 23, 2015
  16. ↑ Ryan Reed (June 22, 2015). "Janet Jackson Promises 'No Sleeep' on Alluring New Single". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  17. 1 2 Nolan Feeney (June 22, 2015), "Hear Janet Jackson's New Single 'No Sleeep'", Time, retrieved June 22, 2015
  18. 1 2 Michael Cragg (June 22, 2015). "Listen to Janet Jackson's new single No Sleeep". The Guardian. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Janet Jackson Debuts Her Sultry New Single, 'No Sleeep'", Vibe, June 22, 2015, retrieved June 23, 2015
  20. ↑ Aisha Harris (June 22, 2015), "Janet Jackson's First Single in Five Years Is a Welcome Throwback to Her Velvet Rope Days", Slate, retrieved June 23, 2015
  21. ↑ Lewis Corner, Amy Davidson (June 23, 2015), "Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear — Janet Jackson, Foals, Years & Years", Digital Spy, retrieved June 23, 2015
  22. ↑ Brennan Carley (June 22, 2015). "Hear Janet Jackson's Smooth, Sultry Return to Form, 'No Sleeep'". Spin. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  23. ↑ Steven J. Horovitz (June 26, 2015). "Is Janet Jackson's 'No Sleeep' a Worthy Return? Plus More of the Week's Best and Worst New Singles". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  24. ↑ Amaya Mendizabal (July 2, 2015). "Leon Bridges Debuts at No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  25. ↑ Gary Trust (July 1, 2015). "Wiz Khalifa No. 1 on Hot 100 'Again,' Selena Gomez Debuts at No. 9". Billboard. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Janet Jackson Leads Trending 140, Pentatonix's Michael Jackson Medley Hits Top Five". Retrieved 2015-09-24.
  27. ↑ Gary Trust (August 6, 2015). "Hot 100 Chart Moves: Charlie Puth & Meghan Trainor's 'Marvin Gaye' Hits Top 40". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  28. 1 2 Amaya Mendizabal (June 29, 2015). "Janet Jackson's 'No Sleeep' Debuts on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Charts". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  29. ↑ Amaya Mendizabal (September 29, 2015). "Janet Jackson's 'No Sleeep' Becomes Her Longest-Running No. 1 on Adult R&B Songs". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  30. ↑ Roger Friedman (August 12, 2015). "Janet Jackson's "No Sleeep" Gets Radio Love, But Sales Are Still Very Mild at 91k". Showbiz411. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  31. ↑ Kirthana Ramisetti (July 24, 2015). "Janet Jackson debuts 'No Sleeep' music video featuring J. Cole". Daily News. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  32. ↑ Erin Whitney (July 24, 2015). "J. Cole Joins Janet Jackson In New Video For 'No Sleeep'". The Huffington Post. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  33. ↑ Gracie, Bianca (July 24, 2015). "Janet Jackson & J. Cole Get Cozy In Their "No Sleeep" Video: Watch". Idolator. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  34. ↑ Eliza Berman (July 24, 2015). "Watch the Video for Janet Jackson's Sultry New Jam 'No Sleeep'". Time. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  35. ↑ "The 100 Best Tracks of 2015". Pitchfork Media. December 16, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Janet Jackson – No Sleeep" (in French). Les classement single.
  37. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2015-06-28" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  38. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2015-06-28" UK Download Chart. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  39. 1 2 "Archive Chart: 2015-06-28" UK Indie Chart. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  40. ↑ "Janet Jackson – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Janet Jackson. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  41. ↑ "Janet Jackson – Chart history" Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Janet Jackson. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  42. ↑ "Janet Jackson – Chart history" Billboard Adult R&B Songs for Janet Jackson. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  43. ↑ "No Sleeep". iTunes Store. June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  44. ↑ "No Sleeep". iTunes Store. June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  45. ↑ "No Sleeep". iTunes Store. June 23, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  46. ↑ "impacting songs Urban AC". allaccess.com. June 30, 2015. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
  47. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-sleeep-featuring-j.-cole-single/id1022452753
  48. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/br/album/no-sleeep-featuring-j.-cole-single/id1022452753
  49. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/no-sleeep-feat.-j.-cole/id1022375997?i=1022375999
  50. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/no-sleeep-feat.-j.-cole/id1024345877?i=1024345883
  51. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/no-sleeep-feat.-j.-cole/id1024180515?i=1024180530

External links

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