Janet Jackson

This collection traces the singer's somewhat disappointing development from the shrill, audacious-yet-ticky-tacky pop star of Control to the feather-voiced, abs-obsessed singer she is today. Many of her '80s hits sound dated, but the fierce energy still comes through; her softer '90s offerings have a certain romantic appeal.

Her three count-'em three A&M albums produced 12 count-'em 12 top-five singles. All are here. So are two excellent tracks from her one count-it one Virgin album, and two rather less excellent previously unreleaseds. The three estimate-'em three million who own A&M albums two and three needn't bother. Those who begrudge her the place she's earned in the pop cosmos have some catching up to do. (Grade - A-)