While it was to become the only single of the seven released off the Rhythm Nation 1814 album to not hit the top-two on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching number four, it became the fourth consecutive single from the album to reach number one on the Dance Club Songs, helping Jackson break a record set by Madonna.

"Alright" earned Jackson two 1991 Grammy Award nominations for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.

The music video to the song was filmed on the New York Street backlot of Universal Studios Hollywood in February 1990.

It was styled to resemble a 1930s and 1950s musical, and featured Cyd Charisse, the Nicholas Brothers, and Cab Calloway in one of his last on-screen appearances.

[1][2] The video begins with Jackson and two male dancers, including Richard Gaines, all wearing flashy zoot suits sitting on a bench.

They wake up and read the front page, from which they learn Calloway is in town for the premiere of his Alright film.

Jackson seemingly envisions herself as Calloway's glamorized female guest, getting pushed to the red carpet.

Cab Calloway, in the meantime, walks to the bench and places Jackson's watch in her hand.

[4] In 2024, singer-songwriter Victoria Monét released a video for her song, also titled "Alright", featuring choreography and a black and white pinstripe outfit and hat, which pays homage to Jackson's "Alright" video.