Where janet., Ms. Jackson's third blockbuster album, implied sexuality with its teasing cover and seductive grooves, its sequel, The Velvet Rope, is sexually explicit, offering tales of bondage, body piercing, and bisexuality. Working with her mainstays Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jackson essentially reworks the hushed atmosphere of janet., without putting a new sonic spin on the material. With a running time of 70-plus minutes and 22 tracks, the album is simply too long, which is unfortunate, because there are good moments on The Velvet Rope. [The Japanese release includes the bonus track "God's Stepchild."] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide