Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (commonly referred to as Rhythm Nation) is the fourth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson, released on September 19, 1989, by A&M Records. Although label executives wanted material similar to her previous album, Control (1986), Jackson insisted on creating a concept album addressing social issues. Collaborating with songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, she drew inspiration from various tragedies reported through news media, exploring racism, poverty, and substance abuse, in addition to themes of romance. Although its primary concept was met with mixed reactions, its composition received critical acclaim. Jackson came to be considered a role model for youth because of her socially conscious lyrics.

Tracklist

A1 Interlude: Pledge 0:47
A2 Rhythm Nation 5:31
A3 Interlude: T.V. 0:22
A4 State Of The World 4:53
A5 Interlude: Race 0:05
A6 The Knowledge 4:01
B1 Interlude: Let's Dance 0:03
B2 Miss You Much 4:12
B3 Interlude: Come Back 0:21
B4 Love Will Never Do (Without You) 5:48
B5 Livin' In A World (They Didn't Make) 4:40
C1 Alright 6:27
C2 Interlude: Hey Baby 0:10
C3 Escapade 4:48
C4 Interlude: No Acid 0:05
C5 Black Cat 4:50
D1 Lonely 4:59
D2 Come Back To Me 5:32
D3 Someday Is Tonight 6:01
D4 Interlude: Livin'...In Complete Darkness 1:06