"Can't Help but Wait" peaked within the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100, at number 14 the week ending December 22, 2007.

[4][5] Elsewhere, "Can't Help But Wait" was released as a one-track digital download by WEA International on August 28, 2007.

[10] "Can't Help But Wait" was selected as one of Trey Day's best tracks in Allmusic's review of the album.

[11] A reviewer for Billboard lauded the songwriting and production of the number, and praised the maturity that Songz showed on the tune.

[3] Writing for About.com Mark Edward Nero commended Songz' vocal effort on "Can't Help But Wait", and the song's "nice balance of sensitivity and swagger".

[12][13] "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".