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Miss Jackson If You're Nasty: What Are Janet Jackson's Most Sexually Empowering Albums?

Janet Jackson 'Janet Jackson'

[Photo Credit: A&M Records]

Janet Jackson 'Dream Street'

[Photo Credit: A&M Records]

Janet Jackson 'Control'

[Photo Credit: A&M Records]

Janet Jackson 'Rhythm Nation'

[Photo Credit: A&M Records]

Janet Jackson 'Discipline'

[Photo Credit: Island Records]

Janet Jackson '20 Y.O.'

[Photo Credit: Virgin Records]

Janet Jackson 'Damita Jo'

[Photo Credit: Virgin Records]

Janet Jackson 'Janet'

Janet Jackson 'All For You'

Janet Jackson 'Velvet Rope'

[Photo Credit: Virgin Records]

Janet Jackson began her solo musical career more than 30 years ago as the fresh-faced baby sister of her famous older brothers. But starting with 1986's Control and reaching full flight with 1989's Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, Janet matured into an artist equal to any elder Jackson and a grown women in full command of her status as a budding sex symbol.

While her early albums flirted with girlish sensuality, she would eventually exude a confident sexuality, overt at times, but never at the price of her independence. Her breathy vocals and hot body inspired women and made men fall in love. Even at her most lascivious, exploring BDSM on The Velvet Rope album, she was always in sole possession of her desires. If she was to be objectified, it would be on her terms.

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, we asked ourselves which of her albums best illustrate her empowering sexual character and where they rank in her discography. Hop into the gallery above to find out how Jackson's prowess came through and matured on her best LPs.

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See Michelle Williams, Natasha Bedingfield and others talk about the impact of 'Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814.'

[Photo Credit: A&M Records/Virgin Records]