JANET JACKSON BACK WITH A&M?: Label reportedly signs artist hoping greatest hits album will generate interest for next studio set.

       "A&M wants this CD to remind people how great Janet is," a source tells the New York Daily News. "They're hoping it'll whet the public's appetite for Janet and pave the way for her new music."      

       Jackson began her career at A&M at 16 and had her biggest U.S. hit on their watch -- "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814," which moved 8.5 million units in 1989.       

       Her 1991 move to Virgin Records was not as successful. She started off with a handful of successful CDs, but 2004's "Damita Jo" and 2006's "20 Y.O." were disappointments. Her one Def Jam album, "Discipline," barely went gold.      

       A&M exec Jimmy Iovine isn't deterred. He's dispatched music producer Rodney Jerkins to oversee production on Janet's upcoming album. The CD, which is in the early stages of recording, is expected to drop in the second quarter of 2010.      

       "Jimmy has given the mandate to make this Janet record a success," says the insider. "He believes that he has the right team in place to finally take Janet back to the top of the music charts. It's a top priority for the label."