A Michael Jackson deep cut from Invincible is receiving a major recognition from Essence, with “Heaven Can Wait” ranked No. 20 on the publication’s 50 Greatest R&B Songs of All Time.
The recognition is particularly significant because Essence is not simply celebrating the biggest commercial hits. Its list also aims to spotlight the songs that helped define R&B through their vocals, songwriting, influence, longevity and cultural impact, including the deep cuts that became favourites among those who truly appreciate the genre.
And “Heaven Can Wait” certainly fits that description.
Released on Michael Jackson’s 2001 album Invincible, the romantic ballad showcases a softer and more intimate side of the King of Pop. Rather than relying on the explosive production associated with some of Michael’s biggest hits, the song builds around a slow, soulful arrangement and a deeply emotional vocal performance.
The song was written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, Andreao “Fanatic” Heard, Nate Smith, Teron Beal, Eritza Laues and Kenny Quiller, with Michael Jackson and Teddy Riley producing alongside Heard and Smith.
A song Michael Jackson wanted
“Heaven Can Wait” also has an interesting history.
Andreao “Fanatic” Heard was inspired by Michael Jackson’s own “The Lady in My Life,” the closing ballad from Thriller, when developing the song. It eventually reached Teddy Riley, who was working with Michael Jackson on Invincible.
Riley later recalled Michael Jackson’s immediate reaction when he heard the song. Michael Jackson reportedly held his chest and asked Riley, “Teddy, is this mine?”
When Riley told him it could be his if he wanted it, Michael’s response was enthusiastic: he wanted the song and felt that he needed it in his life.
That connection between “The Lady in My Life” and “Heaven Can Wait” is fitting. Both songs place Michael Jackson in an intensely romantic setting, allowing his voice to carry the emotion rather than relying on a huge pop production.
A deep cut that found its audience
When Invincible was released in October 2001, “Heaven Can Wait” was not one of the album’s major singles and did not become a major mainstream hit. It nevertheless charted for 16 weeks on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, reaching No. 72 in 2002.
Its reputation has grown considerably over the years.
The song has also found a new generation of listeners online, with fans discussing and rediscovering it through social media and streaming platforms. Recent fan discussions have highlighted how listeners who discovered Michael Jackson through newer exposure to his catalogue have been surprised to find him working so comfortably within the early-2000s R&B sound.
That makes Essence’s recognition especially appropriate.
“Heaven Can Wait” may never have been one of Michael Jackson’s biggest chart hits, but its appeal has endured because of what it represents: Michael Jackson embracing contemporary R&B while retaining the distinctive vocal sensitivity that had defined his greatest ballads.
Now, nearly 25 years after Invincible was released, “Heaven Can Wait” has officially been placed among the songs Essence considers the greatest in R&B history.
For a song that was once regarded as an Invincible deep cut, that is quite an endorsement.
