Icon Janet Jackson performs hit-filled spectacle at Prudential Center: Review

Chris Jordan, Asbury Park Press
·3 min read

Janet Jackson is still in control.

The music superstar entertained fans July 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark for an hour and 45 minutes in a hit-packed, intimate spectacle called the Together Again tour that showcased the 58-year old's stage presence and musical allure.

Ms. Jackson still has lots of it.

The Gary, Indiana, native moved and danced flawlessly throughout the night with her four male dancers, good naturedly flirting with the guys while interacting with audience members along the way. She bravely wore a number of gray and black bodysuit and trench coat ensembles, adding a dash of color with a tartan kilt look halfway through the show. A five-piece band at the back of the stage provided support.

Janet Jackson performs Dec. 1, 2023, during the sold-out World AIDS Day concert event presented at the NRG Arena in Houston.
Janet Jackson performs Dec. 1, 2023, during the sold-out World AIDS Day concert event presented at the NRG Arena in Houston.

A “Rhythm Nation 1814” sequence toward the end of the show brought the fans in the packed arena a dose of righteous New Jack swing. The landmark 1989 album was “inspired by a want for a better world for ourselves and our children,” said Jackson in a pre-recorded audio message. “I believe the very same message is needed now.”

“Scream,” her duet with late brother Michael Jackson, was included in the sequence and fans screamed with glee, and maybe a tinge of sadness for an era gone by. Michael passed away in 2009 at the age of 50.

The Jackson show at the Prudential  Center was not flawless. The sound was not crisp, and even pre-recorded spoken interludes (like the “Rhythm Nation 1814” statement) were sometimes hard to hear, especially when the bass-heavy band was playing.

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Also, as there were 39 songs played, many got a medley treatment. This was notably detrimental to “Let's Wait Awhile,” a beautiful ballad that showcases Jackson’s ephemeral voice about retaining one's virginity.

Jackson sat at the edge of a center stage riser with a unique circular video screen overhead, but the rearranged shortened version did not allow for full expression of the moment.

Nelly opened the show with a visit to his Club Derrty that included dancers and other distractions. Set closer “Hot in Herre” was performed with no irony as temperatures were 90 degrees-plus outside.

The Prudential Center air conditioners were working overtime on Tuesday, so it was comfortable inside.

Janet Jackson setlist

  • Night

  • 2nite

  • Slolove

  • Rock With U

  • Throb

  • All Nite (Don't Stop)

  • No Sleeep

  • Got 'til It's Gone

  • That's the Way Love Goes

  • Love Will Never Do (Without You)

  • What Have You Done for Me Lately

  • Nasty

  • The Pleasure Principle

  • You Want This

  • When I Think of You

  • Diamonds

  • The Best Things in Life Are Free

  • Control

  • Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)

  • Take Care

  • Let's Wait Awhile

  • Again

  • Any Time, Any Place

  • I Get Lonely

  • With U

  • The Body That Loves You

  • Make Me

  • All for You

  • Alright

  • Escapade

  • Miss You Much

  • Feedback

  • So Excited

  • Would You Mind

  • State of the World

  • The Knowledge

  • If

  • Scream

  • Rhythm Nation

  • Someone to Call My Lover

  • Together Again

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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Janet Jackson plays Prudential Center, intimate spectacle

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