Sep 29, 2006  |  By: KEVIN NAFF  | COMMENTS     

is followed by four more fast-paced songs: “Show Me,” “Get It Out Me,” “Do It 2 Me” and “This Body,” featuring a rollicking guitar riff that recalls “Rhythm Nation” hit “Black Cat.”

In fact, the album is full of sly samples from Jackson’s extensive back catalogue. Listen carefully, and you’ll hear snippets from “Rhythm Nation,” “I Get Lonely” and other previous Jackson hits as she looks back on 20 years in music.

After the opening barrage of infectious beats, Jackson slows things to a mid-tempo groove with songs like “With U” and “Call on Me,” a duet with Nelly that hit No. 1on Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop chart. 

The interludes that Jackson is known for interspersing on her albums are spare this time, with just three short breaks plus an intro and outro. The interludes succeed in preparing the listener for what’s to come and transitioning between the faster, mid-tempo and slower ballad tracks.

Jackson’s persona has always included the over-the-top diva as well as the vulnerable and shy side, which she successfully mines on “Take Care,” a whispering, smooth ballad. 

Among the standouts — and there are many — “Do It 2 Me” and “Daybreak” really shine.

“Enjoy” is classic, upbeat Janet, reminiscent of “Runaway” and “Escapade.” She coos, “Livin’ every day like it’s my last/ I refuse to be stuck in the past/People acting like machines/cause they’re scared to live their dreams, no not me.”

JACKSON SAYS HER gay fans have another treat yet to come. She promises a song called “Clap Your Hands” will be a big hit with the gay club crowd. The song isn’t on the version of “20 Y.O.” released this week, but is coming on a future re-release of the album, along with a possible duet with Mariah Carey, which Jackson says is still in the works.

Asked if she would ever consider a duet with longtime chart rival and fellow gay-favorite Madonna, Jackson says she hasn’t thought about it.

“No one’s ever asked me that,” she says, adding that she and Madonna have never actually met. “Isn’t that surprising?”

She declined to speculate about how many singles to expect from the album, saying, “it’s up to the market,” but did confirm that she will launch a world tour in March.

“I’m sure we’ll stop in Washington,” she says, adding that the show will include a mixture of new and old hits. “I don’t like going to a show where all they perform is the new album.”

After the tour, Jackson says she has no idea what’s next for her professionally, but she would like to pursue film roles.

“I’