Musical legend Janet Jackson took to the stage for the New York City stop on her Together Again Tour at Barclays Center on July 10. The tour, named after Jackson’s 1998 chart-topper single, lived up to the hype and marked the superstar’s first tour since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The catalyst of the tour theme is Jackson returning to the stage and doing what she does best: putting on a spectacle. Due to popular demand, she has added dozens of North American dates for summer 2024. As an attendee of the previous North American leg last year, I anticipated changes to the show, such as a new wardrobe and a different setlist.
The sold-out crowd of approximately 14,000 fans included majority Generation Xers and millennials, as well as some young children and teens. Concertgoers wore merch shirts and dressed in cosplay of Jackson’s music video looks such as “The Pleasure Principle,” the all-black military-style outfit “Rhythm Nation,” and the two-piece featured in “If.” The variety of backgrounds in the crowd proved the cultural impact of Jackson’s music.
The superstar opened up with a string of dance-oriented tracks. Jackson performed cult classic favorites such as the silky-electro “Rock With U,” the 90s deep-house track “Throb” and the funky and rhythmic “All Nite (Don’t Stop).”
The stage was Janet’s runway; the music legend, along with her backup dancers sported custom outfits designed by Thom Browne and custom footwear by Christian Louboutin and Dr. Martens. In dazzling attire ranging from a sequined tuxedo-inspired catsuit to a colorful plaid romper, the superstar ensured to put on a show in style.
The show’s setlist catered to all types of fans. Signature hits like “Nasty” and “I Get Lonely” were on the setlist for casual listeners and die-hards alike. Simultaneously, deep cuts like “Slolove” and “Take Care” — both of which have never previously made it on a Jackson setlist — debuted on this leg of the tour. Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers like “Again” and “That’s the Way Loves Goes” transformed the audience into an arena-wide karaoke session. Although the songs are well over 30 years old, the reaction that erupted showed just how memorable and cross-generational they are.
To further emphasize the amusement, the concert’s third act featured nothing but some of Jackson’s greatest and most known up-tempo tracks. “All For You” and “Escapade” were among the several songs in this section that kept the crowd up on their feet and grooving along.
Heartfelt and sentimental interactions with fans occurred throughout the concert. Jackson blew kisses and held up hand-hearts to various fans among the crowd. Floral bouquets and other gifts were tossed on the stage and accepted by the icon.
“Fifty-one years in this business,” Jackson proclaimed during the show’s first intermission. The multihyphenate has been active in the entertainment industry for the majority of her life, starting when she was seven years old performing on stage. “I’ve been so fortunate and so blessed to have a career that I continue to enjoy every day,” she continued expressing her gratitude for such longevity as an entertainer.
The tour is monumental for Jackson herself — it marks the most successful in her multi-decade career, according to Billboard.
Although a great majority of Jackson’s prime years as a pop star happened when I was not old enough to vividly remember, I still have fond memories of her music videos being on constant rotation on cable channels. It is still astounding to me that she has maintained that star power and presence for the entirety of my life.
The show’s dual encore consisted of the pop diva taking us backstage, getting her makeup touched up and breaking into song for the bright, infectious “Someone to Call My Lover.” For the show’s final number, the titular song of the tour, Jackson was embraced with more flowers from fans. Upon the concert’s conclusion, Jackson encouraged fans to get out of their seats and to jump rhythmically with her to the song’s final chorus.
The tour is monumental for Jackson herself — it marks the most successful in her multi-decade career, according to Billboard. Despite not releasing a full-length studio album since 2015 and being among the top artists in the 1990s, Jackson has reached a new commercial peak in the touring department.
Jackson, even 40-plus years after her musical debut, proves that she is a one of a kind entertainer and performer. She encapsulates joy in audio and visual formats, transporting fans to a nostalgic utopia. Despite industry attempts at erasure, she has prevailed and continued to achieve career highs and break her own personal records.
As one who is extremely passionate about music, it is always an honor to attend concerts. Yet, there is something especially magical about witnessing foundational artists who helped establish the musical landscape of today. Although I may have been too young to remember Janet Jackson’s prime, it is remarkable to see her showmanship and that it holds up against the test of time in 2024. For that, I will forever be in awe of her performance and cherish her significance in pop culture history.