Deep Groove Encyclopedia - Ready For The World

Ready For the World

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For one year, Ready For the World was one of the great r&b acts, with a debut that positioned themselves as masters of the Minneapolis sound. Even though the Michigan based act continued to have hits into the 90s, there is no denying their high point was their 1985 self-titled album. The record is a classic of 80s r&b, with an astounding six singles pulled from the LP. On jams like "Oh Sheila," "Tonight," "Digital Display" and "Deep Inside Your Love," RFTW (members: Melvin Riley on vocals, drummer Gerald Valentine, bassist John Eaton, Gordon Strozier on guitar, percussionist Willie Triplett, and Greg Potts on keyboards) came up with a unique twist on the Minneapolis sound, with a bit more soul than Prince was willing to reveal back then. All of the aforementioned singles went Top 5, and "Oh Sheila" even topped the pop charts. Their other hits include "Mary Goes 'Round," "My Girly" and "Gently." They kept recording until 1991, at which point they disbanded, with Riley persuing a moderately successful solo career.

Ready For The World's Deepest Grooves

Ready for the World (MCA, 1985)
MCA was able to release singles from December 1984 until June 1986 from this album, proof of the stature the band had at the time. You don't know 80s soul unless you own this record.

Long Time Coming (MCA, 1987)

Straight Down To Business (MCA, 1991)
Farewell album includes two top 20 hits in "Straight Down to Business" and "Can He Do It."

Oh Sheila! Greatest Hits (MCA,1993)