Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun)
In the landscape of 1980s pop and soul, few albums left as significant a mark as Janet Jackson's Control. Among its standout tracks is "Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun)," a sophisticated piece of songwriting that showcases Jackson's evolution as an artist. Released as the seventh and final single from the album, the track blends emotional depth with a polished production style.
Key Facts
- Artist: Janet Jackson
- Album: Control (1986)
- Release Date: November 2, 1987
- Producers: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
- Genres: Quiet storm, pop, and soul
- Recording Location: Flyte Tyme studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Production and Musical Style
Recorded in 1985 at the renowned Flyte Tyme studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the song was a collaborative effort between Janet Jackson and the production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The track is categorized within the quiet storm genre—a style of mellow, romantic soul music designed for late-night radio airplay—while maintaining strong pop and soul sensibilities.
Critics and listeners have noted the song's musical similarities to "The Lady In My Life," a track by Michael Jackson from his legendary 1982 album Thriller, highlighting a shared sonic DNA in the siblings' approach to ballads.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Release and Chart Performance
Released by A&M Records on November 2, 1987, "Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun)" had a varied international rollout. While it was officially released as a commercial single in the United Kingdom and Australia, its performance varied by region:
- United Kingdom: Reached number 59 on the UK Singles Chart.
- Ireland: Reached number 24 on the Irish Singles Chart.
- United States: The song was released solely for airplay, making it ineligible to appear on the domestic charts.
Interestingly, despite its status as a single, no music video was ever filmed for the track. The B-side of the physical release featured the song "When I Think of You."
Legacy and Influence in Sampling
The song's enduring appeal is evident in how subsequent artists have utilized its melodies and rhythms. Beyond a 1988 cover by jazz musician Stanley Clarke for his album If This Bass Could Only Talk, the track has become a frequent source for sampling in hip-hop and R&B.
Notable samples include:
- The Lost Boyz in "Renee" (1996)
- Camp Lo in "Coolie High" (1996)
- Tinashe in "How Many Times" featuring Future (2014)
- SWV in "MCE (Man Crush Everyday)" (2016)
- JPEGMafia in "I Recovered From This" (2024)
- Cardi B in "On My Back" featuring Lourdiz, which sampled and interpolated the song's introduction.
Song Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 4:29 |
| Songwriters | James Harris, Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson |
| Label | A&M |
| Recording Year | 1985 |
| Chronology | Followed "Making Love in the Rain"; Preceded "Miss You Much" |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which album is "Funny How Time Flies" from?
The song is the seventh and final single from Janet Jackson's third studio album, titled Control, released in 1986.
Why didn't the song chart in the United States?
In the United States, the song was released exclusively for radio airplay rather than as a commercial single, which rendered it ineligible for the US charts at the time.
Who produced the track?
The song was produced by the acclaimed duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who also co-wrote the track with Janet Jackson.
Has the song been covered or sampled by other artists?
Yes, it was covered by jazz musician Stanley Clarke in 1988 and has been sampled by various artists including The Lost Boyz, Camp Lo, Tinashe, SWV, JPEGMafia, and Cardi B.
Was there a music video for this single?
No, there was no music video filmed for "Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun)."