Being pregnant at age 50 is no small feat, but then again, Janet Jackson is no ordinary woman.
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The “No Sleeep” singer and her husband of four years Wissam Al Mana announced earlier this year that they are expecting their first child. In April, Jackson announced that she’d be postponing the second leg of her Unbreakable world tour until 2017 in the interest of starting a family.
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This week, Us Weekly reported that Jackson has been placed on bed rest under doctor’s orders. But whether onstage or in bed, one thing’s certain — this music icon isn’t going to stop the beat. Here are the eight songs we think she should be listening to during her pregnancy:
“Is Your Love Big Enough?” By Lianne La Havas
British songwriter Lianne La Havas’ repeated query in this tune — “Is your love big enough for what’s to come?” — is an honest question a pregnant Jackson may be asking of herself and her husband. But with its upbeat, positive vibe, the implied answer is an encouraging “yes.”
“(You’re) Having My Baby” by Paul Anka and Odia Coates
Paul Anka and Odia Coates carry on a melodic conversation about future parenthood in this ‘70s classic. “I’m a woman in love/ And I love what’s goin’ through me,” Odia assures her partner. We trust Janet feels the same way.
“Bed” by J. Holiday
Motherhood and sexiness are often painted as being at odds with one another, but if anyone can disprove that, it’s Janet. J. Holiday’s “Bed” will help remind this longtime sex symbol that snoozing isn’t the only thing that can happen when confined to a mattress.
“Strange Magic” by Electric Light Orchestra
With the potential for morning sickness and bloating, the unpleasant side effects of pregnancy can sometimes distract from the joy the baby will bring. Electric Light Orchestra’s “Strange Magic” is a reminder that the miracle of a new human life is worth it all.
“Blue” by Beyonce
“When I’m holding you tight, I’m so alive,” Beyonce croons about her daughter. Though Janet’s music proves that she’s known love many times before, Bey’s song about her own first child offers the promise that Jackson is about to experience love as she’s never known it.
“To Zion” by Lauryn Hill and Carlos Santana
When R&B icon Lauryn Hill got pregnant with her son Zion, some people claimed she should abort to preserve her career. As a woman entering motherhood later than most, Janet will be able to appreciate Hill’s introspective take on choosing motherhood despite pushback.
“This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell
It takes incredible strength — both emotionally and physically — to bear a child, and Janet’s former collaborator Maxwell offers a tender tribute to that strength in this cover of a Kate Bush song.
“Push On for the Dawn” by Corinne Bailey Rae
“Sometimes when I’m in the dark / the thought of you is a tiny spark,” Corinne Bailey Rae sings on this soothing track. When the nights get long or the pregnancy gets rough, her words will encourage Janet to keep her unborn baby in mind, no matter what.