janet. is the fifth studio album by Janet Jackson, released on May 18, 1993 by Virgin Records. For this album, Janet wrote all the lyrics, co-produced every song, and wrote each of her arrangements with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The title is said to detach her public image from her family and drop her last name. The pop and R&B record incorporated elements of hip-hop, opera, house and jazz, eliminating the rigid, industrial sound of her previous records. Lyrically, the theme of janet. sexual intimacy - an abrupt departure from her conservative image.