The Temptations, Get Ready | Throwback Vibez

In the 36th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Get Ready” by the iconic Motown collective The Temptations.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 36^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Get Ready” performed by The Temptations.

“I never met a girl who makes me feel the way that you do / You’re alright,” ‘high tenor’ extraordinaire Eddie Kendricks (1939 – 1992) sings in the first verse of “Get Ready”, backed by The Temptations. This lineup of the collective consisted of Kendricks, Melvin Franklin (Blue) (1942 – 1995), Paul Williams, David Ruffin (1941 – 1991), and Otis Williams (1941 – ).  They continue, “Whenever I’m asked who makes my dreams real, I say that you do / You’re outta sight.” “Get Ready” is the fourth track from The Temptations’ 1966 album, Gettin’ Ready.  One of most beloved gems of the legendary Motown collective, it was written and produced by a legend: Smokey Robinson (1940 – ).  “Get Ready” peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It performed better on the R&B charts, where it reached number one.

Kendricks is stellar, handling lead vocal duties throughout “Get Ready.” His falsetto is once-in-a-lifetime – PERIOD! Like the first verse, the second and third verses are performed in call and response (“If all my friends should want you too, I’ll understand it / Be alright”). Kendricks handles the pre-chorus alone, with nonsensical words preceding the iconic “Look out, baby, ‘cause here I come.” The section to beat is the chorus, which is among the catchiest of the Temptations’ catalog and the soul catalog overall.

“And I’m bringing you a love that’s true

So, get ready, so get ready

I’m gonna try to make you love me too

So, get ready, so get ready ‘cause here I come

(Get ready ‘cause here I come) I’m on my way…”

Beyond the endearing and infectious lyrics, the musical accompaniment is the bomb. Colorful and picturesque! The band is locked in – tight, driving rhythm section, biting energetic horns, and warm, lush strings. The groove ‘grooves hard,’ as only a 1960s Motown joint can.  Honestly, looking back, it is hard to believe that “Get Ready”, one of those ‘giant’ The Temptations songs, did not perform better on the pop charts.  Regardless, it is iconic to the nth degree. An undisputed classic!

The Temptations //  Getting’ Ready // Motown // 1966

The Temptations, Get Ready: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 36 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]