When I Think Of You

Control was a breakout album for Janet Jackson, featuring very assertive songs like "What Have You Done For Me Lately" and "Nasty." Her record company even turned down "How Will I Know," which went to Whitney Houston, because it didn't fit the tone of the album. "When I Think of You" was one of the lightest songs, but it was her biggest hit from the album and the first of her 10 US chart-toppers.

Jackson was just 20 years old when this was released, but she had already put out two albums, including her self-titled debut in 1982. Growing up in a showbiz family, she was encouraged to perform at a young age and had matured a great deal by the time this song came out.

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis wrote this song with Jackson and also produced the track. The duo helped out on many of Jackson's hits, fusing R&B and pop into a distinctive, but radio-friendly sound.