Ready For The World "Just Wondering" { Single Track } - { Copyright 2010 and beyond, Ready For The World Records }

Flint, Michigan natives, Ready For The World, best known for their '80's hits, "Tonight", "Love You Down", "Digital Display", and the worldwide hit, 1985's "Oh Sheila", returns after a six year recording hiatus with a song that's unlike anything they've ever done. Throughout the '60's, the late 60's in particular, to the present, message oriented songs has always prevailed in some form, shape or fashion in our daily lives. "Just Wondering" carries on that tradition of memorable melodies, thought provoking lyrics, along with a sense of retrospection, as well as introspection. Still to this day, consisting of all six original members, lead vocalist/keyboardist, Melvin Riley, percussionist/keyboardist, Willie Triplett, bassist/vocalist, John Eaton, keyboardist/vocalist, Gregory Potts, guitarist/vocalist, Gordon Strozier, and last, but certainly not least, drummer/keyboardist, Gerald Valentine, R.F.T.W., delivers a Folk styled driven tune, along the lines of such artists like The Eagles, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, John Mellencamp, and "The Boss" himself, Bruce Springsteen. ...... and it works !!

I strongly urge you to put aside all what you musically know about the band for this song here. The serious tone of the lyrics itself, something that is rarely heard from R&B bands in this day and age, are lyrics that make up the current state of affairs in this country, and throughout the world. They consist of helplessness, despair, the unemployment crisis, war, the economic meltdown, and issues that are affecting this earth upon which we live. But at the same time, there are lyrics that'll make one want to change their world around them, as it offers glimmers of hope, and they are magnificently sung by the distinctive sound of Melvin Riley, along with strong vocal support of the band members themselves.

Musically, the track itself does not mirror the soundscape of what is being heard on Urban radio today. I could go on for days about that, but I will not bring that negative aspect of what's being played on the radio in this review. This song doesn't deserve that, it deserves to be heard by every woman, man and child all over this planet, regardless of race, color or creed. It speaks to everyone, and anyone that is willing to keep an open mind, or better yet, an open heart. The live instrumentation of the track, which consist of the strummed and gentle pickings of the acoustic guitar beautifully performed by Gordon Strozier, the military stylings of the live drums performed by the talented Gerald Valentine, the emotion filled string synthesizer arrangement, which I feel could have easily been performed by a live string ensemble, and the great bass guitar performance courtesy of John Eaton, are elements to a song that will stand the test of time.

I strongly recommend and urge whomever is reading this review to spread the word about this song, particularly to those that maybe going through a rough time right now. It can be a song they may need to hear. It's not depressing at all, it's actually the truth of what is going on in our world. I liken "Just Wondering"  to songs such as the Marvin Gaye classic "What's Going On", the Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes standard, "Wake Up Everybody", and even Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror". As we all know, those songs are timeless and will be heard for an eternity, and I feel "Just Wondering" will have that same lasting effect, if we let it. It's worthy of it, I think, and I hope you do as well. Take a listen and look at the video below, and you decide for yourself. The video you're about to see, is one that rivals a multi million dollar video that we see today. Though done by humble means, to me, it's worthy of MTV airplay or any video outlet that is willing to air it. It speaks for itself, but like I said, you check it out and decide for yourselves.

I look forward with great anticipation to hearing, and reviewing, their upcoming full length project, "Love, Money and Music" to be released on their own eLabel, Ready For The World Records. To learn more about this exciting project, and the band, please visit their official website at http://www.readyfortheworld.net/ .... Please ladies and gentlemen, support this band, and any artist for that matter you particularly like. Please download this single, and forthcoming album, legally. That's one way artists are able to keep making music for us to enjoy. When R.F.T.W. play your town, show them love, and buy a ticket. They guarantee you a great show !

Thank you all for reading this review, and all my reviews for that matter. But most importantly, thank you all for listening, and showing financial love for the music and artists we all love.

Musically Yours,

Ran Man