Janet Jackson

"Damita Jo"

Virgin Records

Grade: B

Like her revealing Super Bowl performance, Janet Jackson's new album, "Damita Jo," leaves little to the imagination.

It's a sexplosion! Miss Jackson's eighth album is 22 tracks loaded with not-so-subtle odes to "doin' it" with body-grinding club songs and sweet love ballads in rare existence.

From her 1986 debut "Control" to 2001's "All for You," Jackson has sensually serenaded listeners, but with this album she kicks the sex-o-meter up a notch. It is apparent in songs such as "Sexhibition" and "Like You Don't Love Me" that Jackson is not just "Lookin for Love," as the first track claims.

"Warmth" and "Moist" are graphic how-tos in reciprocated manual pleasure.

Clubs will undoubtedly be bumping with high-energy tracks such as "Strawberry Bounce" and "All Nite (Don't Stop)."

Jackson's first single, "I Want You," sounds like a throw-back from something someone could waltz to, as long as no attention is paid to the lyrics, in which she demands, "Have your way with me."

"My Baby" is a refreshing tribute featuring music industry newcomer Kanye West. Its addictive hook and slow rhythm is bound to skyrocket this album into the ranks with Jackson's other multi-platinum records.

This album is proof that Jackson is a storyteller at heart. "Damita Jo" is muddled with dramatic monologues and irrelevant cutesy stories about Jackson's childhood and random thoughts about life and love. The interludes seem awkward in the midst of her sexually charged verses.

Explicit content, though it might discourage some listeners, is just shy of achieving an oversexed status, and gems such as "Spending Time with You" and "My Baby" shine through.

"Damita Jo" is no exception in Jackson's tradition of pushing the envelope.

-- By Rindy Metcalf, Staff Writer