Hey kids! Don’t forget rule numero uno when it comes to advertising. Sex sells. This is a message that Janet, or should I say Miss Jackson, took to the bank with the self-titled ’93 album “janet.” Gone was the sassy girl next door of “Control” and the militaristic stance of “Rhythm Nation.” In their place was a more sensual and sexual Janet.Four years later it’s THAT Janet that reappears on the recently released album “The Velvet Rope.” The title refers to the barriers people place in their lives. Pink Floyd had “The Wall,” Janet has “The Velvet Rope.” Don’t fear the dreaded concept album. The theme is broad enough that the songs fit without a trace of heavy handed manipulations.On this album Janet reassembled the team responsible for producing her three previous multi-platinum albums, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Over the past 11 (!) years the trio has consistently created a signature sound and expanded the boundaries of pop music with each release. “The Velvet Rope” is no exception. The beats erupt through stereo speakers and hit harder than “Macho Man” Randy Savage off the top ropes.Musically the songs are a study in dynamics. Tightly laced samples are blended with live instrumentation. There’s a sample palate of everything from Diana Ross to “Tubular Bells.” Quiet passages are knocked for a loop with the sudden arrival Paul Bunyan sized drum tracks. Janet’s voice will never be in the pantheon of awe-inspiring singers but she’s aware of her limitations and works well to highlight her strengths. She even adopts a sultry growl and a Bone Thugs and Harmony vocal style on “You.” There is a good balance between up-tempo songs and introspective tracks. The innovation shown on this album is all the more impressive when compared to the current state of radio.Lyrically there’s one thing on Janet’s mind. There’s no mistaking it. Janet’s down with, ahem, orchestral maneuvers in the dark. Using the hip vernacular, she “goes there.” In case you STILL don’t get it there’s an interlude of simulated phone sex. This is a PG-13 affair. There’s also a healthy amount of social commentary and relationship songs. Janet won’t win any Thurber awards for her writing but she gets the job done. The album’s highlights are many. The title track blends 80’s electro-funk break dancing beats with a violin solo by Vanessa Mae. This song would be the perfect time to break out the cardboard, parachute pants and dust off the breakin’ skills. There are two eyebrow raisers. One is the cover of Rod Stewart’s “Tonight Is The Night.” Janet keeps all the gender pronouns in place and sings a steamy ballad to and about a woman. “Rope Burn” is about being tied up. Hmm, anything you’d like to tell the world Janet? While you’re pondering that check out “What About” where Janet empties her verbal clip into some foolish guy’s hide.There are missteps. “Special” is the type of song her brother has been trying to shove down the public’s throat. Sugar sweet and faux uplifting. The interludes don’t add anything to the proceedings. “The Velvet Rope” is another interesting chapter in the Janet files. If you don’t work up a sweat to this album, check your pulse. You’re dead.