Burning The Ground Exclusive
12″ Single Released: March 4, 1990
“Alright” was the fourth single released from Janet Jackson’s groundbreaking Rhythm Nation 1814 album, and it brought with it a joyful, funky energy that stood out among the album’s harder-edged, socially conscious tracks. With bright horns, a classic swing vibe, and Janet’s signature layered vocals, “Alright” is a celebration of love and positivity wrapped in irresistible grooves.
The 12″ release is particularly special—packed with six different mixes, including standout work by remix legend Shep Pettibone, this record is a true gem for collectors and remix fans alike. Some of these versions, as far as I know, are vinyl-only, and getting them cleaned up properly was a labor of love.
I spent three days working on this 12″—most of the time went into visually removing clicks, pops, and other anomalies from the audio. It’s a meticulous process, but one I’m passionate about, and the end result is something I’m really proud of. In fact, I took most of yesterday off from posting just to focus entirely on this record.
I hope you enjoy the results as much as I do.
The song itself reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Janet’s fourth consecutive #1 on the Billboard R&B chart. Its iconic video—directed by Julien Temple—was a loving tribute to 1930s musicals, featuring cameos from legends like Cab Calloway, Cyd Charisse, and the Nicholas Brothers. Stylish, timeless, and loaded with charm, “Alright” remains a highlight of Janet’s incredible career.
Whether you’re hearing these mixes for the first time or rediscovering them, I think you’ll agree—Janet sounds more than alright. She sounds phenomenal.
SIDE A:
Alright (12″ R&B Mix) 7:18
Vocals [Additional Vocals] – Heavy D.*
Alright (7″ R&B Mix) 4:34
Alright (A Cappella) 3:28
SIDE B:
Alright (12″ House Mix) 8:27
Vocals [Additional Vocals] – Heavy D.*
Alright (Hip House Dub) 6:36
Vocals [Additional Vocals] – Heavy D.*
Alright (House Dub) 5:58
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Alright | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #4 |
| 1990 | Alright | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs | #1 |
| 1990 | Alright | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales | #2 |
| 1990 | alright | U.S. Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs | #2 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: A&M Records – SP-12351, A&M Records – SP 12351
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: Mar 4, 1990
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: House, Hip-House, New Jack Swing, Contemporary R&B
CREDITS:
- Arranged By [Rhythm Arrangement] – Jackson*, Jam*, Lewis*
- Arranged By [Vocal Arrangement] – Jackson*, Jam*, Lewis*
- Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Janet Jackson, Terry Lewis
- Co-producer – Janet Jackson
- Drum Programming, Programmed By [Keyboard Programming], Keyboards, Percussion – Jimmy Jam
- Edited By – Tony Shimkin
- Engineer [Remix Engineer] – Goh Hotoda
- Executive-Producer – John McClain
- Mastered By – Ted Jensen
- Percussion – Terry Lewis
- Producer – Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
- Producer [Post-Production], Remix – Shep Pettibone
- Programmed By [Additional Programming] – Alan Friedman, Fred McFarlane
- Written-By – James Harris III, Janet Jackson, Terry Lewis
NOTES:
From the LP “Rhythm Nation 1814”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.
Thanks Paul, I must admit the Hip House Dub sounds like a must have! Being a 1990 english raver, I always preferred the Mackintosh & Dorrell mixes, especially the twittery, ambient House Mix – which is also MIA in its full length I believe, though there is an edit on the UK CDS. Anyway, another classic Shep set, he did get through them. I always wonder what he would have done if he hadnt got diverted into the Erotica project…
… many thanks for this classic
Wow, Paul.Thank you.What a quality! Holy shxt. Perfect low end.The R&B Mix is an absolute banger….the Lyn Collins loop and when the chords came in at 4:26….
Thanks for sharing what was a mega radio and club hit back in the early 90s. Funny that it took Jam and Lewis over two years to cash in on the (by then) overused Lynn Collins Think break sample. However, one of the best Janet Jackson remixes has to be “Janet Jackson – Nasty (Cool Summer Mix)” which transformed a great pop track into a different much funkier and darker stripped down groove that wore down the needles on many SL1200s. A true 80s remix gem (Steve Hodge behind the mixing board) that still sounds as fresh today as it… Read more »
Thankyou for this. I have the Japanese CD so I thought I had ALL the mixes, but nope! Discogs says there are 21 versions/mixes/edits so I’m not even close, LOL.
While I’m on the topic of Janet remix CDs, I’d love to see a full reissue of her “janet.Remixed” album. The vinyl/cassette editions had 15 tracks, but the CD had only 11. 3 of the other 4, can be found on the CD singles, but my FOMO is going crazy over that 4th. A remastered/expanded 2-CD set with all 15 (and more!) would be amazing.
Great transfer, nicely done.
I’ve always wondered why JJ/A&M Records/Jam & Lewis or whoever else was responsible for putting together this release chose to omit the original album version, which is a spectacular mix in its own right.
Hello Paul. Could you please be so kind as to upload this 12″ if possible. I hope you can fulfill this dream someday. Thanks in advance. Kristin Baio – Don’t Turn Your Back On LoveSello:Vendetta Records (2) – VE-7011Formato:Vinilo, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPMPaís:USPublicado:1988Género:ElectronicEstilo:Freestyle, House
Wow Paul you did it!! As soon as I saw this I remembered the comment from last week. I just knew you would want to tackle this beast! As time consuming (and I’m sure monotonous at times), like you said, the end result makes it all worthwhile. 6 beautiful tracks rescued and preserved! Looking forward to sinking my teeth into this one. As far as Janet’s catalog, this song always sounded closest to Michael to my ears – Janet’s vocal phrasing, the groove, etc. I know you’ve made a lot of people happy with this 12 inch and will continue… Read more »
Love Janet! Thanks so much! Paul, if you were to ever be able to post any singles from her ‘All For You’ CD at some point, that’s my favorite album of hers.
But whatever you post is always great because you have great taste and so generously share the music – THANK YOU!
Hi Paul, thank you for this post. This is one of my favorites by Janet and these remixes are SO good. For me, the Rhythm Nation era was pure magic. I love the album and all the singles. Your post is pristine and you have given new life to the rare mixes (hello, Hip House Dub!). Thank you for selecting this one – and sharing it. I’ll be listening to this one really loud! 🙂
Rhythm Nation is at the top of my list of best remixes. Even Come Back to Me managed to put out some amazing mixes. I still remember hearing the Miss You Much mixes for the first time and was blown away. totally agree, it was magic.
As a huge thank you to Paul, I’d like to share a mix of Pleasure Principle that I made back in 1998 when Sonic Foundry’s Acid 1.0 was first released and incredibly groundbreaking. This was my first mix created with SFA and although it pales in what amateur djs/remixers can do nowadays, I think it’s quite a look back at what could be done with 1.0 software, a little tinkering, and a machine with 32MB of RAM with a 6GB hard drive chugging on IDE technology and my first time at the helm with 0 instructions. https://we.tl/t-vcs2MPTeeW This link will… Read more »
Very nice, thanks so much, Fred.
Hey Fred,
Nice mix. I liked how you put “Every Breath You Take” by The Police in your mix. Such a smooth, laidback vibe, perfect for late nights at the club. And is that a little Janet’s “When I Think of You” in there too? I’m impressed and thanks for sharing!!
Jeff
This is such a great song of hers, and I’m so glad that you took the time out to create a clean mix, these truly are some amazing remixes! I was just starting to go out to the gay clubs when Alright was released, and whenever they played the 12″ House Mix you could feel the energy rising and everyone would just RUSH to the dance floor (if they weren’t already there like me, LOL) and for the next few minutes it felt like heaven on earth. I’ve also loved the sentiment of the lyrics that Janet, Jimmy and Terry… Read more »
Hey JMoBear – thank you so much for such a heartfelt and beautiful comment. I could feel every word, especially that moment you described when the 12″ House Mix kicked in and the whole club just lit up — pure magic! Those kinds of memories are exactly why I love doing this. “Alright” really is special — the groove, the message, the energy… it still holds up like no time has passed. I completely agree about the lyrics too — there’s something deeply comforting and universal in that kind of unconditional connection. I’m honored that the mix brought back those… Read more »
This song will never get old. It was an instant favorite when the album was released and then when I saw her concert at the Kemper the “opening act” was the video debuting before the show! Still a standout concert memory! Amazing show! And then came the slew of remixes, many which were promo only initially, with Shep all over the place! Man I still love this album and the entire roll out of videos and remixes! My absolute fave Janet era and one of my fave albums and songs of all time! And 2 more versions here to add… Read more »
Ahh yes!! What an epic memory — seeing the video debut as the opening act at the Kemper? That’s such a moment! I can totally picture that buzz of excitement before the lights went down. This era of Janet was just unstoppable — the visuals, the choreography, the remixes (Shep was on fire), and of course the album itself… absolute perfection from top to bottom. I’m so glad this post brought back all those feels and gave you a couple more versions to dig into and compare with your CDs! Comments like yours remind me exactly why I do this.… Read more »
Where you there too?!!! 🎟️😎
Oh I see it ended with a question mark! 😆. Yeah it’s the Kemper Arena in KC. Same place I saw opening night of the Bad Tour! I believe they tore it down a few years ago.
Thanks I had that 12” single
can you post alright 12” r&B edit lp remix by Shep Pettibone and house edit by tomorrow please
https://www.discogs.com/release/2154764-Janet-Jackson-Alright
I will see what I can do.
Hmmm. I never knew 3 of the 4 mixes on that promo are exclusive to that promo! And they do not include Heavy D at all! I would love to get a rip from Paul of this promo, too please. In the mean time I’m gonna see if anyone on YouTube has posted the mixes to hear. Thanks in advance if you can rip this one Paul!
THANK YOU!!! When someone mentioned this in another post, I could have sworn all of the versions were available on the Japan EP, but they were not!! I went looking for it, and then you posted this. I love this so much. I have always enjoyed this song, and you are so right, the song is loaded with charm. always brings a smile to my face. You are the best!!! I am wondering if there are other Janet mixes that are not available on CD. The Pleasure Principle 7″ edit is one of those that I just cannot believe has… Read more »
Hey Greg! I’m so glad this one brought a smile to your face—it really is one of those songs that just radiates charm, isn’t it? I had the same memory about the Japan EP, and was just as surprised when I realized those versions weren’t on there. That made posting this one even more satisfying—perfect timing! As for Janet… oh yes, there are definitely a few mixes and edits that have never made it to CD. You’re spot on about The Pleasure Principle 7″ edit—it’s a crime that it’s still MIA officially. Thanks again for the kind words and positive… Read more »
Oh my I never realized this wasn’t available- it is a truly unique edit and it’s shocking it wasn’t the versions on #1s or Design of a Decade! I
Right?? It would have been a perfect fit for either of those releases, or even the Japan CD Singles Collection. I feel the same way about Jody Watley “Don’t You Want Me” 7″ edit, never released on CD!!! Man, that is a great edit, too.
Agreed! Love Jody and love the album, but it really was the 7” remix edits & the videos that made that album so successful ! Shocking no greatest hits compilation capitalized on this! I bought the CD after many tracks were big hits and was initially disappointed by the versions on the album being different!
Paul, you just made my day – like so often before!
“DANKE SCHÖN!!!!!”
A VERY VERY BIG THANK YOU!!! from Vienna,
Christian
Christian!
Your message totally made my day—thank you so much! I’m thrilled this one brought you some joy. Hearing a big “DANKE SCHÖN” all the way from Vienna absolutely puts a smile on my face. 😊
This is immense, Paul!! Talk about a beast of a record!! Please know I respect and honor you for what you go through bringing these records to light. I don’t really know how you do it. I remember reading about the old remix services and hearing that the mixer would have to listen to the song so much to make their final version. I can’t imagine how many hours you spent listening and cleaning up the vinyl for this end result. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re not sick of this song by now. I do like to think of… Read more »
Wow, Jeff… I don’t even know where to begin. Your words truly stopped me in my tracks—in the best way. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful, heartfelt message. It means more than you know. Yes, it is a labor of love, and some days it feels like a beast of a task. There are moments when I’ve listened to a track so many times—cleaning, fixing pops, comparing versions—that I feel like I’m hearing it in my sleep! But then a comment like yours comes along and reminds me why I do this, because… Read more »
Hi Jeff. I posted again with a link to a JJ remix I made if you want to check it out.
Hey Fred,
I certainly will! I always light up when you comment and/or talk about music. You’re the real deal, my friend!!
Jeff
A GIGANTIC THANK YOU!!! Seriously, from the bottom of my heart thank you so much for this fantastic rip that not only is an amazing song but the only 12″ other than the USA 12″ Promo that includes the Acappella. THANKS!!!
A gigantic you’re welcome, my friend!! Seriously, I’m so glad this one hit the spot for you. I know how rare that a cappella is, so it was a real treat to be able to share it in such clean quality. Knowing how much you appreciate it makes all the effort worth it.