30 Years Later: Why Janet Jackson’s Deep Cut “U Want This” Is Still The Ultimate Club Anthem

As of December 12, 2025, the music world continues to celebrate the monumental career of Janet Jackson, and while hits like "Nasty" and "Together Again" dominate the airwaves, a true deep-cut gem from the early 90s era maintains a powerful hold on dedicated fans and club DJs alike: "U Want This." Released as a single nearly three decades ago, this track from the groundbreaking Janet. album is more than just a song; it is a quintessential piece of 90s R&B and dance history that showcases Miss Jackson’s unparalleled ability to seamlessly blend pop, hip-hop, and house music.

The enduring appeal of "U Want This" lies in its infectious, driving beat and its bold, confident lyrical delivery, a signature of the era that saw Janet fully embrace her creative and sexual liberation. The single's various remixes, which were instrumental to its success, became a cornerstone of the burgeoning club scene, proving that a B-side track could generate just as much buzz as a chart-topping ballad. This is the story of a track that demanded attention, a song that defined the sound of 1995, and why its groove is still irresistible today.

The Essential Biography of Janet Jackson

Janet Damita Jo Jackson is one of the most influential recording artists in modern music history. Her career spans five decades, cementing her status as a global icon in pop culture, fashion, and dance.

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• Full Name: Janet Damita Jo Jackson
• Born: May 16, 1966, in Gary, Indiana
• Family: The youngest child of the famous Jackson family, sister to Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5.
• Debut Album: Janet Jackson (1982)
• Breakthrough Albums: Control (1986) and Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), which established her as a socially conscious and powerful artist.
• Signature Style: Known for her innovative music videos, intricate choreography, and collaborations with the legendary production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
• Key Era for "U Want This": The Janet. album (1993) era, which marked a transition to a more sensual, adult, and creatively dominant persona.
• Awards & Honors: Multiple Grammy Awards, Emmy nominations, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Birth of a Club Anthem: Production and Release History

"U Want This" is a standout track from Janet Jackson's fifth studio album, Janet., released in 1993. The song’s DNA is pure Minneapolis Sound, filtered through the lens of early 90s R&B and the burgeoning House music scene.

The track was written and produced by the iconic duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, alongside Janet Jackson herself, who holds the publishing credit through Black Ice Publishing and Flyte Tyme Tunes. This creative partnership is responsible for virtually all of Janet’s biggest hits, from the empowering anthems of Control to the experimental sounds of The Velvet Rope. Their production on "U Want This" is a masterclass in layering, featuring a driving, syncopated beat, subtle synth flourishes, and a distinct, confident vocal loop that anchors the song.

While the album was released in 1993, "U Want This" was officially released as the seventh and final single from the project in late 1994, continuing into 1995. This late-cycle release strategy was a testament to the album's immense depth and the song's strong performance in underground and club settings. It was a single specifically designed for the dance floor, allowing the track to bypass traditional radio formats and thrive in the burgeoning DJ culture.

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The track’s chart performance reflected its club focus. While it may not have reached the same heights on the main Billboard Hot 100 as "That’s the Way Love Goes" or "Again," it was a dominant force on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and the R&B/Hip-Hop charts. Its success cemented its legacy not as a pop smash, but as a critical piece of the era's dance music canon, a true favorite for DJs and music critics who appreciated the track's raw, unpolished energy.

The Remix Revolution: Why the Deep Cuts Defined the Era

The true power and longevity of "U Want This" rests almost entirely on its extensive remix package. In the mid-90s, the remix was not just an alternative version; it was a fundamental tool for artists to engage with different markets, particularly the thriving global club scene. For Janet Jackson, her remixes were often more influential than the original album cuts.

The single was released with a variety of mixes that completely transformed the song's texture, moving it away from the smooth R&B of the album version into pure House and Garage territory. Key remixers included Geovanni, whose versions were highly sought after by DJs for their hard-hitting beats and extended breakdowns. Other remix artists who frequently worked with Janet during this time, such as Junior Vasquez and Todd Terry, helped to solidify her reputation as a dance music powerhouse.

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These remixes did more than just fill a dance floor; they expanded the song's topical authority across multiple genres.

• The Club Mixes: Focused on deep basslines and repetitive vocal samples, turning the track into a hypnotic, late-night groove.
• The Hip-Hop Mixes: Often featured a more aggressive beat and additional rap verses, appealing to the New Jack Swing and urban radio markets.
• The Underground Mixes: These versions, often mentioned in trade publications as "slammin' for the mix", were the tracks that kept the song in rotation long after its commercial peak, demonstrating its true resonance with music tastemakers.

The dedication to diverse remixes ensured that "U Want This" was a constant presence in every corner of the musical landscape, from commercial radio to the most exclusive underground dance parties, making it a timeless track that transcends its original release date.

Enduring Legacy and Topical Authority in 2025

As we move into 2025, the 30th anniversary of the "U Want This" single release is a perfect moment to reflect on its lasting impact. The song is a crucial link in Janet’s discography, bridging the political intensity of Rhythm Nation 1814 with the sensual exploration of The Velvet Rope.

Today, "U Want This" is frequently cited by contemporary R&B and electronic artists as a major influence. Its blend of crisp, programmed drums with a sultry vocal delivery is a blueprint for much of the modern Pop-R&B sound. When Janet performs on her tours, such as the recent Together Again Tour, "U Want This" often finds its way into the setlist or as a dance interlude, thrilling long-time fans who recognize it as a symbol of her creative peak and her willingness to experiment with genre.

The track’s subtle lyrical themes of self-possession and confidence—a continuation of the themes introduced on Control—remain relevant. It’s a song about knowing your worth and demanding respect, all wrapped up in an irresistible, body-moving rhythm. This combination of powerful messaging and flawless production is the essence of Janet Jackson's unique artistry. "U Want This" is not merely a nostalgic throwback; it is a timeless anthem of confidence that proves the genius of the Flyte Tyme production house and the enduring power of Miss Jackson’s musical vision.