“Get Ready” – The Temptations’ High-Energy Motown Hit
Released in 1966, “Get Ready” is a quintessential example of the vibrant and infectious sound that defined Motown Records during its golden era. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, the track showcases The Temptations’ distinctive harmonies, smooth choreography, and upbeat energy. Initially conceived as a crossover hit, “Get Ready” highlights both pop and soul influences, with a catchy melody and pulsating rhythm that made it a radio favorite.
The song’s lyrics reflect the excitement and anticipation of romance, capturing a sense of urgency with lines like “Get ready, ’cause here I come.” Backed by the crisp instrumentation of The Funk Brothers—Motown’s famed house band—the arrangement features driving horns, tambourines, and infectious basslines. Lead vocals by Eddie Kendricks, with his falsetto delivery, add a playful charm to the song, contrasting beautifully with the backing harmonies of the rest of the group.
While “Get Ready” was a hit, it reached a modest #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard R&B chart. However, its follow-up success came when The Temptations shifted toward a grittier, psychedelic soul sound under the production of Norman Whitfield, marking the end of their Smokey Robinson-led era.
The song found new life when it was later covered by Rare Earth in 1970, whose rock-oriented version became a bigger crossover success, climbing to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite the original version’s relatively modest chart position, The Temptations’ “Get Ready” remains one of their most recognizable songs, emblematic of the exuberance that defined 1960s Motown.
Today, the song stands as a symbol of the era’s optimism and joy, frequently performed at concerts and featured in movies and commercials, continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless energy.