"G.I.T.: Get It Together" (also known as Get It Together) is the eighth studio album by the Jackson 5, released on September 12, 1973, under the Motown label. This album marked a significant shift for the group, showcasing their evolution beyond the teenybopper image that had characterized their earlier work.
The album features the title track "Get It Together," which became a minor hit, along with the original version of "Dancing Machine," which would later achieve major success. Get It Together has sold an estimated two million copies worldwide.
Produced by Hal Davis, the album embraces a funk-oriented progressive soul style, incorporating elements of the emerging disco genre. This change reflected the Jackson 5's desire to redefine their sound and appeal, especially as lead singer Michael Jackson became increasingly vocal about the group's direction. The album's material signifies a move toward a more mature and sophisticated approach to music, setting the stage for their future success.
G.I.T.: Get It Together marked a significant turning point for the Jackson 5, showcasing lead singer Michael Jackson's noticeable vocal maturation as he transitioned into adolescence. At 14 during recording, his deeper, more full-fledged tenor voice began to emerge, highlighted by his signature "vocal hiccup," notably featured on "It's Too Late to Change the Time." This technique was later semi-retired until his solo career at Epic Records began with Off the Wall in 1979.
The album represented an early experiment with disco elements, released before the genre reached mainstream popularity. Shifting away from their bubblegum soul roots, the Jackson 5 embraced a funk-oriented sound akin to the Temptations' albums produced by Norman Whitfield. Notable tracks include covers of two Whitfield songs: "You Need Love Like I Do (Don't You)" and "Hum Along and Dance." The album also featured a 7-minute version of "Mama, I Got A Brand New Thing (Don't Say No)," showcasing all five brothers' vocals.
The song sequence was carefully arranged without silence between tracks, creating a seamless flow reminiscent of Stevie Wonder's Music of My Mind. The title track, "Get It Together," achieved modest success, reaching No. 28 on the pop charts, while "Dancing Machine" became a significant hit, climbing to No. 2 and revitalizing the group's popularity.
Additionally, Get It Together was the first album where all five Jackson brothers shared lead vocals, giving it a unified sound. Marlon, Jackie, and Tito took prominent roles in several songs, contributing to a more collaborative atmosphere. Notably, this album was produced without the influence of the now-disbanded Corporation, as Motown's Berry Gordy focused on expanding his empire.
The album was arranged by Arthur G. Wright, David Blumberg, and James Anthony Carmichael, further solidifying its innovative approach and artistic direction.
