(March 9, 2018) Back in 1975, Bobby Eli and Vinnie Barrett penned a romantic R&B ballad that would become one of the most beloved songs of the decade. “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” became a #1 hit and the signature song for singer Major Harris. It also became arguably the premiere blue-light-in-the-basement slow dance song of the era.
Then in 1988, another even more famous singer, Luther Vandross, took the song right back to the top with his smooth remake, having nearly the impact for a younger generation that the original had thirteen years earlier. In between, artists such as Nancy Wilson, Isaac Hayes, Deniece Williams, and many others took this Philly classic on.
Now the Velvet Teddy Bear, Ruben Studdard, has taken those Luther Vandross comparisons to their logical extension, as he is releasing a new album of covers of Luther gems, Ruben Sings Luther, and the first song out of the box is Ruben’s own version of “Love Won’t Let Me Wait.” There have been several stylistic differences in the versions of this song over the years, but this new one is 100% faithful to Luther’s.
I can’t say that Mr. Studdard’s cover improves in any way on the Luther Vandross version, and the arrangement is a bit mechanical, but he is in fantastic voice. So, even if you believe that yet another version of “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” (and particularly one that doesn’t cover new ground) is unnecessary, it is tough to deny that Ruben Studdard vocally does the song proud and provides an ample reminder of why we all loved this song in the first place. Check it out below and tell us what you think.
By Chris Rizik
Ruben Studdard – “Love Won’t Let Me Wait”
