Janet Jackson says new album a return to dance music

Janet Jackson said she is returning to her roots with her latest release, focusing on dance music 20 years after her breakthrough "Control" album.

Photo: Janet Jackson says new album a return to dance music

Jackson, on her first promotional tour in Japan in two years, said, "I miss dancing, so I wanted it to be a dance album." She appeared at a packed news conference in a bright red kimono.

Jackson's album went on sale in Japan on Oct. 20. Its "Call on Me," with hip hop star Nelly, became Jackson's 30th single to hit the Billboard top 10.

The album, "20 Y.O.," comes 20 years after her release of Control made her an international star.

She said bringing in producer Jermaine Dupri made its mark on the sound.

"He added a rawness," she said. "He brought a freshness to the project."

Jackson said she is preparing a tour, with rehearsals to begin at the end of the year. She said she will likely be on the road from March or April, reports AP.

Japan, she said, is on her list of stops.

"I always enjoy myself in Japan, even though the majority of my time is work-related," she said. "I will definitely be back."