Currently crossing the U.S. on her “Rock Witchu” tour, Janet Jackson visited L.A.’s Staples Center on Wednesday night, receiving less than a stellar review from at least one critic in attendance. “Gaudy style over substance,” “reminiscent of a poor Vegas revue,” and “emotionally distant,” are just three of the choice phrases Darryl Morden of The Hollywood Reporter had to offer.

When the setlist for her first outing in seven years made the Interweb rounds, I considered grabbing tickets. Heavy up on tracks from Control, Rhythm Nation 1814, and Janet, the show seemed tailored to appeal to her, ahem, older fans. But I should have known it was a hit-and-run affair: Most are performed only in “teasingly truncated” versions.

Instead, let’s recall a time when Ms. Jackson was serving up something fresh, fierce, and wholly original:

“Miss You Much,” the first of seven singles from Rhythm Nation 1814, reigned atop the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks in the fall of 1989. “Escapade,” “Black Cat,” and “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” would also reach #1.

Sigh. The pop landscape has indeed shifted in the nearly two decades since, but I believe Jackson is still capable of a real comeback. Others do, too; Following the release of Discipline earlier this year, Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly wrote a spot-on assessment of the state of Jackson’s career, complete with tips for turning things around.

Photo by John Medina/WireImage.com