Let's Wait Awhile — Janet Jackson song and single

A slow-tempo pop ballad by Janet Jackson from the 1986 album Control, released as a single in early 1987. Known for its theme of abstinence, it reached top three charts in the US and UK.

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022 Last updated: May 27, 2026

"Let's Wait Awhile" is a soft, slow-tempo pop and R&B ballad performed by Janet Jackson. Issued as a single in early 1987 from the 1986 album Control, the song marked a move toward more mature subject matter in Jackson's repertoire. Produced and co-written with prominent Minneapolis producers, it combines gentle keyboard pads with intimate vocal phrasing to create a contemplative mood.

Theme and composition

At its core the song addresses sexual abstinence and the choice to delay sexual intimacy. The lyrics are intimate and respectful, framed as a conversation between lovers considering timing and readiness. Musically, the track is often described as a tender ballad that blends pop accessibility with R&B sensibilities, emphasizing melody and emotional restraint over dance production.

Release and chart performance

Released as a single from the breakout album, the recording became a commercial success. It reached the top tier of the charts—peaking at number two in the United States and at number three in the United Kingdom. Its radio-friendly arrangement and relatable message helped it secure strong airplay on adult contemporary and urban radio formats.

Critical reception and legacy

Contemporary reviews were largely favorable, with critics noting the song's lyrical maturity and Jackson's expressive delivery. Over time it has been cited as an example of the artist's transition from teenage pop performer to a figure exploring adult themes and emotional nuance. The track has appeared on compilation collections and is remembered for its calm, persuasive plea for patience.

Notable facts

The single followed a string of hits that established Jackson as a major pop figure alongside her producers and collaborators.
Its subject matter—suggesting waiting rather than rushing into sex—stood out amid more conventional romantic pop lyrics.
The song has been performed on tours and television appearances by the singer, and remains a frequently cited track from the Control era.

As a piece of late-1980s pop, "Let's Wait Awhile" exemplifies a quieter form of influence: using mainstream music to present thoughtful personal choices, rather than simply advancing dancefloor trends. For listeners today it retains a reputation as a gentle, persuasive ballad from a pivotal moment in Jackson's career.

Further reading and references: see artist discographies and album histories linked through general music resources (pop, ballad, and archival material). For chart data consult national chart records and period reviews.

History

Let's Wait Awhile was written by Jackson, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and Melanie Andrews and produced by Jackson, Jam and Lewis. It is the first song on which Jackson participated in the production.

Upon its release on January 6, 1987, the pop-R&B-soul track reached #2 in the United States and became Jackson's fifth consecutive Top 5 hit.

In the United Kingdom, the song was released on 9 March 1987 and enjoyed similar success. A month after its release, the song reached number 3 in the UK charts and remained in the charts for a total of 10 weeks. Later, the song was honored with a silver record in the United Kingdom.

The song also became successful in Brazil that same year, when it was featured as the theme song for the telenovela Brega Chique on Globo TV.

The song is about waiting until the right moment to have sex. The song can also be interpreted as an anthem for sexual abstinence, as this song became a hit while AIDS was spreading worldwide. The melody of the verses comes from the song Daisy Jane by the folk rock trio America in 1975.

The song was a precursor to Janet Jackson's more sexually liberated image, which reached its peak with the Rhythm Nation 1814 track Someday Is Tonight, which can be seen as Jackson's willingness to delve further into intimate relationships than on her previous tracks. On her album janet. all songs deal with the theme of sexual intimacy. On Jackson's album 20 Y.O., the track With U follows Let's Wait Awhile. With U takes place after an act of intimacy in which two people in love are attracted to each other, resulting in "romantic confusion" according to Jackson.

The B-side of the single featured a Cool Summer mix of the songs Pretty Boy and Nasty.

Melody Thornton sang the chorus of Let's Wait Awhile on Jibb's 2007 single Go Too Far.

Jackson previously sang the song on her Rhythm Nation 1814 tour, janet. Tour, The Velvet Rope Tour, All for You Tour, Rock Witchu Tour and the Number Ones: Up Close and Personal Tour.

Music video

The music video was directed by Dominic Sena and was shot in New York City. In the music video, Janet Jackson and her boyfriend (played by Taimak Guarriello) go out for a romantic night on the town. Her boyfriend wants to end the night, but Jackson wants to wait until they are both ready.

Author

Creation date: November 13, 2022

Last updated: May 27, 2026