For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to give some flowers to R&B trio 702 and their ballad “Get It Together.” In the spring of 1995, I was introduced to the group as they joined label mates Subway for the “This Lil Game We Play” ballad. The group gained popularity a year later with their single, “Steelo.” However, it was their second single, “Get It Together,” that I was eagerly looking forward to hearing live when I saw them open up for New Edition on the 1997 Home Again tour.
The song “Get It Together” was written and produced by Donell Jones and features lead vocals by Kameelah Williams, with backing from sisters LeMisha and Irish Grinstead. The song portrays a relationship on the brink of falling apart and the desire to reconcile. Notably, Kameelah was only seventeen years old when she recorded the vocal, yet she delivered a relatable message. The lyrics express the conflicting emotions that arise when one wants to leave a relationship but hopes to work things out. The chorus repeats the phrase “Can we get it together?” as a plea for the couple to come to a resolution.
The song’s first verse explains Kameelah’s frustration with her partner’s lack of commitment and attention to their relationship. She feels her love has been taken for granted and wants to express her thoughts. In the second verse, Kameelah displays her reluctance to leave the relationship due to her deep affection for her partner. She hopes for a fresh start and will try to make it work. In the break and bridge sections of the song, Kameelah expresses her confusion and desperation to understand her partner’s feelings and make things right. She listens to her partner’s side and requests honest communication about their relationship.
“Get It Together” remains relevant as a song about the struggles of a relationship and the need for communication and compromise to make it work. The song emphasizes the importance of working through difficult times to become stronger.
Final Grade: B+
“Get It Together” is available on all streaming platforms.
Director David Tedeschi collaborates with esteemed producer Martin Scorsese to examine the significant impact of The Beatles’ inaugural visit to the United States in the documentary “Beatles ’64,” available on Disney+.
Director Nate Edwards transitions from short films to narrative features with the compelling black love story “She Taught Love,” available on Hulu. Darrell Britt-Gibson, who also occupies the leading role, authored the screenplay.
Director and writer Coralie Fargeat has partnered with the esteemed actress Demi Moore for her second feature film, “The Substance,” which has been released by Mubi.