By 1973 the Jackson 5 had begun to shed their bubblegum-soul sound in favor of funk-laced dance grooves. The sizzling “Get It Together” exemplifies this new sonic direction. This was the funkiest single the J5 had released up to that point, and it still ranks as one of their funkiest tracks. The percolating groove features crackling clavinets, dynamic strings, poppin’ congas, funky bass and nasty guitar licks.
Michael delivers a gritty lead vocal performance, displaying a newfound maturity in his voice. The 15-year-old pop/soul star adapted well to the changes in his voice brought on by adolescence. Additionally, his brothers provide their signature smooth harmonies with some very soulful turns from Jermaine.
“Get It Together” was the lead single and title track from the group’s ninth studio album, released in September of 1973. The song was written by Hal Davis, Don Fletcher, Berry Gordy, Mel Larson and Jerry Marcellino; and arranged by session guitarist Arthur Wright. It performed extremely well on U.S. R&B singles chart, peaking #2, and was a modest hit on the U.S. pop charts, climbing to #28. Of course, the album’s breakout track was the Grammy-nominated smash “Dancing Machine,” which went on to become a J5 classic.
The J5 would bring the funk whenever they performed “Get It Together” live. They performed it on The Bob Hope Show, Soul Train, One More Time and The Jacksons TV Series. The group would also raise the roof with this hot cut in concert.
The Jacksons performing "Get It Together" in New Orleans during the 1979 Destiny Tour
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