“Rhythm Nation 1814” era (1988-1991)

Recording sessions : September 1988-May 1989

Studios : Flyte Tyme, Edina studio

Label : A&M Records

Release date : September 19, 1989

Original track listing 

“Interlude: Pledge”
“Rhythm Nation”
“Interlude: T.V.”
“State of the World”
“Interlude: Race”
“The Knowledge”
“Interlude: Let’s Dance”
“Miss You Much”
“Interlude: Come Back”
“Love Will Never Do (Without You)”
“Livin’ in a World (They Didn’t Make)”
“Alright”
“Interlude: Hey Baby”
“Escapade”
“Interlude: No Acid”
“Black Cat”
“Lonely”
“Come Back to Me”
“Someday Is Tonight”
“Interlude: Livin’…In Complete Darkness”

Peak on Billboard 200 : 1

Demos/Alternate Versions 

Vuelve A Mi : Spanish version of “Come Back To Me”. Released in 1990 (B side of “Come Back to Me” single)

Alright (R&B Mix) : Mix featuring rap by Heavy D from the ‘Alright” short film. Released in 1990 (B side of “Alright” single)

Outtakes/unreleased tracks from the album’ sessions

The Skin Game : Released in 1990 (B side of “Come Back To Me” single)

You Need Me : Released in 1989 (B side of “Miss You Much” single)

Work : Posted by Bryan Loren on his MySpace page in July 2009 but remains unreleased.

Others songs from this era 

2300 Jackson Street : Background vocals recorded in 1989 and released in 1989 (The Jackson “2300 Jackson Street”)

Singles and videos

Promotion

Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990

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Next era : « Janet » era (1992-1994)