Throwback Thursday: Janet Jackson – “Let’s Wait Awhile”
Tomorrow, the self-titled documentary on Janet Jackson’s life — which also marks the 40th anniversary of her self-titled debut album — premieres on Lifetime and A&E. In anticipation and celebration of this event, it is only right that we take a look back at one of Janet’s greatest hits.
In January of 1987, Janet released “Let’s Wait Awhile” as the fifth single from her third (and breakthrough) album, Control. The song was co-written by Ms. Jackson, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, and Melanie Andrews, who was Janet’s best friend at the time. It was inspired by Melanie’s real-life apprehension about giving up the cookies to her then-boyfriend.
Though a beautifully written song, “Let’s Wait Awhile” is one of the more blatant examples of plagiarism you will find. The song lifts the melody and piano line from America’s “Daisy Jane”, but luckily, Janet & co. settled out-of-court with Gerry Beckley (who wrote “Daisy Jane”) early.
“Let’s Wait Awhile” offered a welcomed alternative in an industry that isn’t known for being chaste. Also, abstinence theme was particularly popular at a time where every one was freaking out about AIDS, which had been discovered just five years prior.
“Let’s Wait Awhile” would become Janet Jackson’s fifth top five single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 2.
Throwback Thursday: The Jacksons - "The Love You Save" - No Hipsters Allowed
Posted at 01:10h, 07 February[…] 5), and we’re reminded of just how impactful they were at such a young age. Last week, we honored Janet Jackson with our TBT selection, and after watching her documentary, it’s only right that we pay […]