"I Get Lonely" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her sixth studio album, The Velvet Rope (1997).

The track is a departure from Jackson's signature brand of crossover dance-pop and R&B into a pure R&B and soul vibe.

"I Get Lonely" became Jackson's eighteenth consecutive top-ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, setting a record as the only female artist in history to achieve that feat.

Its music video, directed by Paul Hunter, received positive reception for its abounding sex appeal.

In an interview for MTV, she discussed how the depression was causing her to experience deep sadness, forcing her to take breaks from her music career.

[4] The themes of loneliness and abandonment that are explored in "I Get Lonely" are a direct reflection of the emotional state that Jackson was in during the production of the album.

"[6] Billboard also considered "I Get Lonely" to be "bold", "R&B flavored", and themed around a "sensitive subject" like other songs from The Velvet Rope; in this particular case, "loneliness".

Music described "I Get Lonely" as highlighted by "catchy chord progressions" while The L.A. Times says the song "plumbed relatively raw neo-soul depths.

What's apparent, however, is that those three traits and more meshed to produce one of the standout records from the most famous female Jackson and a testament of what R&B once was.

"[6] Regarding the TNT Remix, Billboard commented: "Teddy Riley has been enlisted to spruce up the track with a skittling jeep groove, while Janet's yearning, thickly layered vamps are complemented by a single-only guest appearance by Blackstreet", adding Jackson's and "the groups' voices blend extremely well.

"[6] When the song debuted and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 it became Jackson's 18th consecutive top ten hit, setting a record for her as the only artist to achieve such a feat.

MTV News commented, "Anyone who has seen Janet Jackson's latest video for "I Get Lonely" is well acquainted with the singer's physical attributes".

[19] Erotic Revolutionaries: Black Women, Sexuality, and Popular Culture author Shayne Lee remarked that Janet's "eroticism intensifies" within the video, saying "In the video for 'I Get Lonely' Janet rips open her shirt exposing a black lace bra and continues dancing as she sings about needing to resolve her loneliness".

[21] Uproxx commented "God bless Janet Jackson for this song and also the cleavage shot in the video.

[11] SoulBounce praised Jackson's new style of "full, vibrant red hair", also calling her appearance "easily the most stunning" of all her prior video looks, continuing to say "Armed with a collection of perfectly fitting pant suits, ample cleavage and undeniable sex appeal", Janet "embodies the passion, beauty and grace of the Velvet Rope era".

Music interviewed Rowland, who confirmed the performance was inspired by Jackson, which "was considered by many to be the highlight of the night".

[28] The Round Table observed "Rowland segued into a mini dance breakdown reminiscent of Janet Jackson's 'I Get Lonely'" towards the end of her performance of the song on The Tonight Show.

Cinema Blend commented on the tribute, saying "SoReal Cru tries to balance provocation with artistic merit in order to do Janet justice.

[33][34] Ne-Yo spliced "I Get Lonely" into his performance of "Let's Go", a collaboration with Calvin Harris, at the 2013 NBA All-Star Game.