10 APRIL 1966
The Temptations' top-shelf soul classic 'Get Ready' hit a peak US Billboard Hot 100 position of #29 in early April 1966. It eventually did better in the UK, where it reached #10 with a 1969 reissue. This song was written by Smokey Robinson, and as great as it undeniably is, its relatively middling position on mainstream charts (it went to #1 on the R&B charts) resulted in Norman Whitfield taking over as the group's producer.
The falsetto of Eddie Kendricks was the lead voice on this driving, upbeat number, with admirable back-up vocals as usual from the rest of the guys. Motown drummer Benny Benjamin also deserves praise here. This became, in retrospect, one of the Temptations' most-loved and covered tracks. In fact, the Motown rock band Rare Earth released a cover version in 1970 that went to #4 in the US.
The falsetto of Eddie Kendricks was the lead voice on this driving, upbeat number, with admirable back-up vocals as usual from the rest of the guys. Motown drummer Benny Benjamin also deserves praise here. This became, in retrospect, one of the Temptations' most-loved and covered tracks. In fact, the Motown rock band Rare Earth released a cover version in 1970 that went to #4 in the US.
B-side: 'Fading Away'
Recorded: Hitsville USA (Studio A); December 5, December 9, and December 29, 1965
Released: 7 February 1966
Highest chart position: #10 (UK, 1969), #29 (US)
Length: 2:39
Label: Gordy G 7049
Writer: Smokey Robinson
Producer: Smokey Robinson
