Hi, I'm Kurt Loder and this is the "Week In Rock.

Singer Janet Jackson cranked up the promo machine this week for her latest album, which was released on Tuesday, called "The Velvet Rope" [article id="1446052"]["Got 'Til It's Gone" video clip, 850k QuickTime][/article] We covered the chaos, and also sat her down to talk about a few unusually interesting tracks. Here's what she had to say.

JANET JACKSON: I always write about what is going on in my life and what's in my heart. Each album has been that way and this one is just a continuation of that. I've experienced a great deal since the past album, since the last album, I have gone through a lot of self-discovery, self-examination, a lot of pain... and that's really what "The Velvet Rope" is about... and the need I feel we have to feel special.

MTV: Jackson's need to feel special can be heard loud and clear on her latest effort. Not since Janet's 1986 break-out album "Control" has the youngest Jackson

released a record so personal and introspective. On "The Velvet Rope," Janet tackles such adult topics as sexual desires, bondage and even bi-sexuality, as heard on the cover version of Rod Stewart's 70s hit "Tonight's The Night," where Janet sings about having a romantic interlude with another woman. However, Janet reveals even more of herself on emotional tracks such as "What About," which deals with her past experience of being a victim of domestic abuse.

J. JACKSON: I did another song on the Janet album that was called "This Time" which talked about it and I guess I just never got over that part of my life, because I felt the need to write about it again. It was kind of tough at times. But I think it's important to let others know that certain things that you may have experienced in your life, and that they're not alone, and that you understand what they're going through, and that they can make it through.

MTV: Another area Janet dares to touch is the topic of her

brother Michael on the track entitled "You." After listening closely to the song, it's hard not to come away thinking Janet is addressing this "you better check yourself" tune to the self-proclaimed King of Pop. According to Vibe magazine, the two seemingly close siblings haven't talked to each other in over 2 years. Here's what Janet had to say about Michael when asked if she would ever work with him again.

J. JACKSON: Um, I don't know. It was pretty tough doing that, doing the video, and just to do the one song it took a long time. (Pauses) Ah, that's a tough question. I don't know, I would have to think about it.