Rock with U

"Rock with U" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her tenth studio album, Discipline. It was written by Ne-Yo, Jermaine Dupri, and Eric Stamile, and produced by Dupri. The song, released in U.S. in February 2008, served as the album's second single.

Release

"Rock with U" was made available for sale through the U.S. iTunes Store on February 5, 2008 along with a pre-order offer for her tenth studio album, Discipline.^[1] The song was serviced to rhythmic crossover radio stations on February 11, 2008 and was released to Top 40 radio stations on February 26, 2008.^[4]

In United Kingdom, "Rock with U" was released on August 18, 2008 as a digital download-only. The single was, unfortunately, another commercial failure for Jackson and her label, due to the low promotion given to the track on radios and TV shows. It nevertheless was a club hit, peaking inside the top ten of the UK Dance Chart, and it was also a hit on the UK R&B Chart, peaking at number four.

Jackson performed the song on the Rock Witchu Tour.

Critical reception

During a review carried out on Discipline, "Rock with U" was commented as:

• This one was rumored to be a cover of Michael Jackson’s classic and/or to feature Michael himself. It’s neither. It seems to have some melodic elements snatched from Mike’s track, although the chorus is more, “Ooh ooh ooh ooooh oooh oooh” than “I wanna rock with you.” Janet’s vocals seem a bit detached and robotic, but that’s not an insult: they’re most reminiscent of Donna Summer’s in “I Feel Love” without the operatic flair. This one is pure house music, with an electroboogie bass line borrowed from the ’80s. It’s bright enough so that it wouldn’t sound out of place on one of those Beach House compilations released by Hed Kandi.^[5]

Music video

The music video, directed by Saam Farahmand and choreographed by Gil Duldulao, premiered on BET's Access Granted on March 5, 2008.^[6][7] The long take video features Jackson having a party inside a club with red and white rays of light entering the room. Throughout the video, Jackson and a group of dancers perform complex dance routines, leading to a kiss by a mystery man in the connecting hallway. BET J placed it at number seven on the year-end Last Call 2008! Top 50 Countdown. Entertainer Mimi Marks has a guest appearance in the video.^[8]

Track listing

U.S. promo CD single (ISLR-16873-2)^[9]

1. "Rock with U" (Radio Edit) – 3:57
2. "Rock with U" (Instrumental) – 3:51

Official versions

• Album Version – 3:51
• Instrumental – 3:51
• Radio Edit – 3:57
• Acapella – 3:48
• Future Presidents Remix – 3:33
• Sound Pusher Mix – 6:17
• Sound Pusher Radio Mix – 3:35

Charts

References