"The Pleasure Principle" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album, Control (1986). It was written and produced by Monte Moir, with co-production by Jackson and Steve Wiese. The song was released on May 12, 1987, by A&M Records as the album's sixth single. "The Pleasure Principle" is an "independent woman" anthem about love gone wrong, built around a dance beat. The photo for the single cover was shot by fashion photographer David LaChapelle.
The accompanying music video for "The Pleasure Principle" was directed by Dominic Sena. It depicts Jackson entering a loft wearing a T-shirt and jeans to practice her dancing. The video was seen by critics as iconic, and was received two nominations at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards, eventually winning one. "The Pleasure Principle" was performed on many of Jackson's tours, most recently on her the Unbreakable World Tour (2015–2016). The song was also performed on a few promotional appearances, including at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards. In 2008, Jackson's lingerie line was named after the song. It has been included in two of Jackson's greatest hits albums, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 (1995) and Number Ones (2009).
Last Updated: June 12, 2021
