Magazine advertisement analysis #1

This particular magazine advertisement is largely dominated by the black and white image of Janet Jackson, in which she is marketing her come-back album 'Discipline'. Within the image, Janet is wearing long, black leather gloves upon which her name and the name of her album have been written in white paint. This white stands out against the black of her gloves, making it clearly visable as to what she is trying to advertise. The shot is a mid-shot of Janet, who is looking directly into the camera as though she is engaging with the audience. Janet is wearing leather, or PU type clothing, which often represents sexual ideas and connotations. The way in which she is holding her arms across her body somewhat portrays that she is trying to tone down this sexuality slightly. Along the bottom of the advertisement is a black band. Upon the black band is white text, which agains contrasts and stands out in order to make it clear to read. The largest item of text spells out 'JANET JACKSON IS BACK', with her name being enboldened in order to highlight it further. Beneath this text is information on the album, such as it's name and featured tracks previously released as singles. This technique is used in order to attract a wider audience, such as those who may recognise one of her singles and therefore purchase the album in order to sample the rest of her work. Also featured within the band of text is a quote from 'Touch' magazine stating 'She's got her groove back'. This makes the audience excited for her comeback and intrigued to see what the hype surrounding her new album is all about. Other items of text include Janet's website address and a logo for her record label. There is also text informing us of how many Grammy's Janet has aquired and that she was once Oscar nominated, suggesting, perhaps to those who haven't before purchased her music, that her work is worth listening to.
The overall advertisment is fairly simple and minimal, however is very effective as it makes is intrigued and interesting, almost forcing us to buy the album.

I think audiences of this particular advertisment will be readers of the magazine in which the poster was inserted within, and will therefore not be focused solely on fans of Janet Jackson. I think that Janet's fans will be of a slightly older audience, as she is not a particularly new artist and so may not be recognised by younger audiences. However, as Michael Jackson's sister, I think that she will also have a large audience following his death.

'Discipline' was released in February 2008, being Janet's tenth released studio album. At the time of release Janet was signed to the record label 'Island Records', a daughter company of 'The Universal Music Group'.