Rare Earth – Get Ready

A Thundering Arrival: Unveiling Rare Earth’s “Get Ready”, the late 1960s – a period of social upheaval, artistic revolution, and a seismic shift in the music industry. Motown, the legendary label synonymous with soulful R&B, was feeling the tremors of a burgeoning rock movement. In a bold move to diversify their sound, they launched a new subsidiary in 1969: Rare Earth Records.

Enter Rare Earth, a Detroit-based band originally known as the Sunliners. Possessing a powerful blend of rock and soul, they were a perfect fit for Motown’s new venture. Their arrival was heralded not with a whimper, but with a bang – the electrifying anthem, “Get Ready”.

Now, “Get Ready” wasn’t entirely new. The song had already achieved success in 1966, immortalized by the legendary Motown group, The Temptations. However, Rare Earth’s rendition wasn’t a mere cover; it was a reimagining, a forceful declaration that a new era was dawning.

While The Temptations’ version leaned towards a smoother, soulful groove, Rare Earth transformed it into a rock powerhouse. The intro itself sets the stage. Imagine a slow, deliberate drumbeat, punctuated by the sharp crack of a snare. A heavy bass line joins the fray, laying down a foundation that pulsates with anticipation. Then, a distorted guitar riff explodes, sending shivers down your spine. This isn’t the polished Motown sound of yesteryear; it’s raw, energetic, and undeniably rock and roll.

This electrifying intro isn’t just sonic theatrics; it’s a metaphor. It’s a call to arms, a declaration that the listener, and by extension, the music industry, needs to “Get Ready” for something different. Rare Earth wasn’t merely joining the rock movement; they were injecting it with a potent dose of soulful energy, a signature sound that would become their trademark.

“Get Ready” wasn’t just the title track of their debut album; it was a mission statement. It propelled them to national recognition, eventually achieving platinum status. It became a staple of their live shows, often played in its entirety, a testament to its epic, transformative nature ([Source: YouTube – Rare Earth – Preparate (Get Ready) FULL VERSION!!]).

So, the next time you hear the thunderous intro of “Get Ready”, remember that it’s not just a song; it’s a sonic landmark, a powerful statement that marked the arrival of a new force in music, and the evolution of a legendary record label. It’s a testament to the enduring power of reinvention, and the electrifying fusion of rock and soul that Rare Earth brought to the world.

Video

Lyrics

“Get Ready”
(originally by The Temptations)