"Can't Help But Wait" was nominated in the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance category at the 2009 Grammy Awards, but lost to Ne-Yo's " Miss Independent". It was ranked at number twenty-three on MTV News' list of the 27 Essential R&B Songs of 2007. Writing for Mark Edward Nero commended Songz' vocal effort on "Can't Help But Wait", and the song's "nice balance of sensitivity and swagger". A reviewer for Billboard lauded the songwriting and production of the number, and praised the maturity that Songz showed on the tune. "Can't Help But Wait" was selected as one of Trey Day 's best tracks in Allmusic's review of the album. A remix of "Can't Help But Wait" features Lil Wayne. Throughout the song, Songz gives examples of how women can be treated courteously. "Can't Help But Wait" is about Songz wanting a woman who is mistreated by her boyfriend he attempts to persuade the woman to leave her partner. It is written in the key of G minor, and follows the chord progression of E ♭maj 7–Cm 9–Gm 9–Gm, and Songz' voice in the song spans from F 4 to G 5. Īccording to the sheet music published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, "Can't Help But Wait" is an R&B song set in common time with a moderate R&B tempo of 95 beats per minute. Additionally, Atlantic Records released a CD single on Main the United Kingdom.
Elsewhere, "Can't Help But Wait" was released as a one-track digital download by WEA International on August 28, 2007. The song was sent for United States rhythmic contemporary airplay on Augby Songbook and Atlantic Records. "Can't Help But Wait" was fully written by Johntá Austin. Uploads of Ne-Yo's "If" demo can be found on YouTube. The duo of producers Stargate originally created the song's instrumental for a song titled "If", made for Beyonce's 2006 album B'Day, with lyrics written by Ne-Yo. Problems playing this file? See media help. A mid-tempo number, the song speaks of an abusive relationship.