• Status: Archival Audit / Single Log
• Artist: Janet Jackson
• Release Date: January 6, 1987 (US)
• Album: Control (Track 8)

After four consecutive singles defined by the aggressive, industrial “Minneapolis Sound,” Janet Jackson utilized the fifth release from Control to demonstrate a different kind of authority. “Let’s Wait Awhile” (File 006.5) was the tactical pivot that proved she could command the “Quiet Storm” radio hardware with the same precision as the dance floor. “Let’s Wait Awhile” wasn’t just a ballad; it was a demonstration of Janet’s burgeoning power as a producer.

Continuing our Control series, “Let’s Wait Awhile” is the next file entry in our library.

RELATED: [THE FILES] 006 Janet Jackson: 40 Years of Control

The Production Specs: The Flyte Tyme “Soft” Rig

While the earlier tracks on the album were “recorded in the red” for maximum percussion distortion, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis engineered “Let’s Wait Awhile” with a focus on crystalline textures and atmospheric “negative space.”

• The Synth Engine: The track’s shimmering, bell-like layers were built using the Yamaha DX7 and Roland Jupiter-8. These were anchored by the LinnDrum, but at a significantly reduced tempo of 85 BPM, allowing the digital textures to breathe.
• Acoustic Contrast: To prevent the track from feeling purely electronic, the production utilized 6-string and 12-string acoustic guitars, providing a grounded contrast to the digital FM synthesis of the DX7.

The Cinematic Hardware: Sena’s NYC Noir

Directed by Dominic Sena (the visual stylist behind The Pleasure Principle and later Gone in 60 Seconds), the music video was a masterclass in monochrome intimacy.

• Visual Spec: Shot on location in New York City, the video utilized a high-contrast black-and-white aesthetic. This choice stripped away the “neon glitter” of 1987 pop, focusing instead on the raw, street-level realism of Greenwich Village and Manhattan rooftops.
• The Co-Star: Janet was paired with Taimak Guarriello (star of the 1985 classic The Last Dragon). His casting brought a “Street-Level Hero” gravity to the video, reinforcing the album’s theme of finding strength in quiet, personal moments.

The Chart Impact: Strategic Dominance

• Chart Position: The single peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
• The “Control” Continuity: Critics noted that while the song was a ballad, she sang it “as if she was still the one in charge,” proving that “Control” as a concept was versatile.

Lyrics

There’s something I want to tell you
There’s something I think that you should know
It’s not that I shouldn’t really love you
Let’s take it slow

When we get to know each other
And we’re both feeling much stronger
Then let’s try to talk it over
Let’s wait awhile longer

Let’s wait awhile
Before it’s too late
Let’s wait awhile
Before we go too far

Remember that special night?
When all of the stars where shining bright
We made our first endeavor
To stay together

We made our very first promise
To love, to share
And be real honest
But on that very first night
It wasn’t quite right

Let’s wait awhile
Before it’s too late
Let’s wait awhile
Our love will be great
Let’s wait awhile
Before we go too far

I didn’t really know not to let all my feelings show
To save some for later so our love can be greater

You said you would always love me
Remember I said the same thing too
You don’t have to be frightened with my love
Because I’ll never give up on you

Let’s wait awhile
Well, before it’s too late
You know you can’t rush love
Love

Let’s wait awhile (Ooh, ooh, ooh)
Before it’s too late
Let’s wait awhile (Wait awhile)
Our love will be great
Let’s wait awhile (Wait awhile)
Before we go too far (Far, far, oh)
Let’s wait awhile (Let’s just take our time)
Before it’s too late
Let’s wait awhile (Love’s so good)
Sure our love will be there
Let’s wait awhile (Slow it down)
Before we go too far

I promise
I’ll be worth the wait

Featured Photo: Featured Photo: A&M Records

RELATED: [THE FILES] 006.3 | Janet Jackson – When I Think of You (1986)

RELATED: [THE FILES] 006.2: Janet Jackson – “Nasty” (1986)

RELATED: [THE FILES] 006.1 40 Years of Janet Jackson’s “What Have You Done for Me Lately”

RELATED: [THE FILES] 006.4 | Janet Jackson – “Control” (The Single)

Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more.