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Ready or Not (Bridgit Mendler song)

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"Ready or Not"
Single by Bridgit Mendler
from the album Hello My Name Is...
ReleasedAugust 7, 2012 (2012-08-07)
Recorded2011
Genre
Length3:20
LabelHollywood
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Kiriakou
  • Goldstein
Bridgit Mendler singles chronology
"Breakthrough"
(2011) 		"Ready or Not"
(2012) 		"Hurricane"
(2013)
Music video
"Ready or Not" on YouTube

"Ready or Not" is the debut solo single by American singer Bridgit Mendler, and is the lead single from her debut studio album, Hello My Name Is... (2012), which garnered its name from a line in the song. It premiered on Radio Disney on August 3, 2012, and was released digitally on August 7, 2012.[1][3] The song's chorus is based on an interpolation of the Fugees' song "Ready or Not", which in turns interpolates the Delfonics' song "Ready or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide from Love)".[4]

"Ready or Not" has received positive reviews from music critics, praising the song's unique sound and Mendler's vocals, which have been compared to Cher Lloyd, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Demi Lovato. The song was a commercial success in the United Kingdom, where it debuted in the top ten of the UK Singles Chart. It was also a modest hit in North America, reaching number 49 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and peaking at number 43 in Canada. The song attained a gold certification in New Zealand, and platinum certifications in Canada, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Writing and composition

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In an interview with Kidzworld Media about the song, Mendler said: "It’s a fun song about a girl who is feeling like she has been the wallflower her whole life and she wants to go out there and take charge. It has the romantic element of her going for the boy rather than waiting for the world to come to her. I wrote it with some great writers and producers. We wrote most of the album together."[5] Mendler also said of the song: "I'm thrilled to finally share my songs with the world. I wanted to write something that was empowering for girls. I consider myself to have been that girl sitting on the curb waiting for the world to notice".

Mendler co-wrote the song with Emanuel Kiriakou, Evan Kidd Bogart and Andrew Goldstein. Thom Bell and William Hart are also credited as co-writers, because the song's chorus loosely interpolates the 1996 song "Ready or Not" by Fugees, which in turn interpolates the 1968 Delfonics song "Ready or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide from Love)", the song that Bell and Hart originally wrote. The song was produced by Kiriakou and Goldstein.

The song is an up-tempo pop track with a strong undercurrent of soul.[1] A Popdust review stated that "every detail is where it should be, from the multi-tracked vocals on the chorus to the synth sound effects that provide punctuation and punchlines to the verses, to some of the more clever rhymes in the lyrics—which include pairing "Oprah" with "Boca" and "I’m like a crook tonight" with "I could be your kryptonite." The song consists of "layers of synths and backing vocals adding a musical and emotional intensity totally absent from the carefree verses."[6] The song also mentions Prince William and Kate Middleton.[6] Mendler's vocals span from the low note of A3 to the high note of D6.[7]

Critical reception

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"Ready or Not" has been compared to the works of Carly Rae Jepsen and Cher Lloyd.

The song received praise from music critics. Andrew Unterberger of Popdust was very positive with his review, saying that the song "is a playful, swinging and just impossibly catchy—the catchiest we’ve heard since our girl Carly Rae—pop number". He also praised Mendler's vocals and chorus. He concluded his review saying that "Will that out-of-placeness hurt the chances of [Ready or Not] becoming the smash it deserves to be, though? Well, it didn’t seem to hurt "Want U Back" any, so we’re hoping that people can see that this song is basically a smarter, more interesting and infinitely catchier version of that already-quite-good Cher Lloyd song. But it’s on all of us to spread the word that that song scraping the bottom of the iTunes chart isn’t just another kiddie-pop anthem from the latest made-for-Disney movie—it’s one of the best songs of the year, and one you’d have to be a pretty sullen sort of person to not love at least a little bit."[6] Devin Alessio of Seventeen said that "[Mendler] is in line to be the next superstar off the Disney Channel". She praised her vocals, saying that "her sound is a mix between Carly Rae Jepsen and Demi Lovato" and described the music video as "super fun". She concluded that "[Ready or Not] is a total girl anthem — perfect for listening to when you're just chilling with your friends or getting ready for homecoming."[8]

Chart performance

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The song debuted at number 98 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and debuted at number 80 on the Canadian Hot 100, later peaking at number 43 in the latter, making it her second song to chart there. The song also debuted at number 14 on the US Top Heatseekers, later peaking at number three. It has also debuted at number 17 on the New Zealand Singles Chart, becoming her first Top 20 hit internationally. In its 11th week on Billboard Hot 100 the single jumped from position 94 to its peak of 49 selling 138,552 digital copies.[9][10] On January 11, 2013, the song was certified Gold in the US. In the United Kingdom, "Ready Or Not" debuted at number seven on the UK Singles Chart, selling 38,208 digital copies in its first week. As of March 31, 2013, the song has stayed in the top ten for four consecutive weeks and sold over 250,000 copies in UK.[citation needed]

Music video

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Background

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The music video was directed by Philip Andelman and it filmed at multiple locations in Los Angeles, California.[1] The official music video for the single was released on August 10, 2012.[11] It shows the course of a scavenger hunt from day to evening, as items are checked off a list.

Lyric video

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The lyric video was released on Mendler's VEVO channel on August 3, 2012.[12] The video starts with the camera showing Mendler's hands grabbing a box labelled "scavenger hunt". When she opens it, inside are pictures from the music video and below the pictures are the lyrics of the song. In the end, she closes the box and the label changes to the song title and leaves the box there.[12]

Synopsis

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The music video starts with Mendler singing and hanging out with her friends at the top of Mulholland Drive. Then they drive off to start their "scavenger hunt". In the chorus, they are seen driving around Hollywood. Then they visit a restaurant called Hama Sushi in Venice, California and they all take a picture behind the sushi bar, which is one of their scavenger hunts. Then in the second verse of the song, they go to North Venice and Mendler is seen singing in a rowboat and all of them take a picture in the rowboat along with her. Then some of her friends are seen in a skate park where a person is skateboarding and jumps over a guy who is lying upwards—another one of their scavenger hunts. Then in the chorus again, they are seen hanging out downtown and in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In the end, they are done with their scavenger hunt and they are seen in a rooftop partying. KISS member Gene Simmons can be seen in the video.[11]

Live performances

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Mendler performing "Ready or Not" in Topsfield, in 2012.

The song was performed in all dates of her tour, Bridgit Mendler: Live in Concert. The acoustic version of "Ready or Not" was performed on Off the Charts, on Clevver TV, on October 19, 2012.[13] In October 20, Mendler performed the song on Radio Disney and Disney Channel show Total Access. She performed at The Morning Show in Toronto, Canada on August 27, 2012.[14] Then she performed song on New Music Live in Toronto, Canada on August 28, 2012. Mendler also performed the song on Good Morning America on November 14, 2012, and Live! with Kelly and Michael on November 15, 2012, respectively.

The song also was performed on The X Factor semi-final results show on December 13, 2012.[citation needed] The performance has received mixed reviews. Sam Lansky to Idolator comments that Mendler was very nervous and didn't have a good start. He said "Mendler started off a little shaky, but eventually found her footing".[15] Amy Sciarretto of PopCrush said about the performance: "Looking sexy and sweet in a black tank, black shorts and thigh-high black boots, the 19-year-old blond diva-in-training turned in a punchy performance, complete with just the right sprinkle of sass."[16] Despite the mixed reviews, Mendler fronted up and admitted she was nervous about the whole performance and she was also nervous to sing for Britney Spears, according to Pop Stop.[17]

Cover versions

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  • On August 13, 2013, Brazilian singer Nathalia Bacci covered the song on her Acoustic Sessions.[18]

Awards and nominations

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Title Year Category Result Ref.
Pop Crush Awards 2012 About to Pop (Best song) Won [19]
Pop Dust Awards The 100 Best Songs of 2012 9th [20]
Shorty Awards 2013 Best Song Nominated [21]
Radio Disney Music Awards Best Acoustic Performance Won [22]
Best Music Video Nominated

Track listings

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  • Digital download[3]
  1. "Ready or Not" – 3:20
  1. "Ready or Not" – 3:20
  2. "Ready or Not" – 3:20
  3. "Ready or Not" – 3:20
  4. "Ready or Not" (callout hook) – 0:08
  1. "Ready or Not" (radio edit) – 3:20
  1. "Ready or Not" – 3:21
  2. "Ready or Not (DJ M3 remix)" (radio) – 3:39
  3. "Ready or Not (DJ Mike D Remix)" (extended mixshow) – 3:36
  4. "Ready or Not (DJ M3 Remix)" (extended) – 4:53

Chart and certifications

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Release history

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Region Date Format Label Ref.
United States August 3, 2012 Radio Disney Premiere Hollywood [1]
North America August 7, 2012 Digital download [3]
United States August 21, 2012 Top 40 radio [54]
United Kingdom March 2, 2013 Remixes EP [25]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Bridgit Mendler Readies Music Debut - Music - Oh My Disney". Oh My Disney. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  2. ^ "Review: Bridgit Mendler – 'Ready or Not'". theedgesusu.co.uk. February 19, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "iTunes Store (CA) - Music - Bridgit Mendler - Ready Or Not - Single". iTunes Store (CA). Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  4. ^ TODAY, Brian Mansfield, Special for USA. "On the Verge: Disney's Bridgit Mendler". USA TODAY. Retrieved March 9, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Barker, Lynn (May 22, 2012). "Bridgit Mendler is Arrietty". Kidzworld Media. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  6. ^ a b c Unterberger, Andrew (September 7, 2012). "Bridgit Mendler's 'Ready Or Not': The Pop Mega-Smash Waiting To Happen - Popdust". Popdust. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  7. ^ "Bridgit Mendler 'Ready Or Not' Sheet Music in B Minor (transposable) - Download & Print - SKU: MN0111014". MusicNotes. November 2, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  8. ^ Alessio, Devin (September 28, 2012). "Bridgit Mendler Ready Or Not Music Video - New Music Video". Seventeen. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  9. ^ "'Ready Or Not' é disco de our dos Estados Unidos! - Bridgit Mendler Brasil - Tudo sobre Bridgit Mendler!". Bridgit Mendler Brasil. January 4, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  10. ^ "Desempenho de 'Ready Or Not' dos charts da Billboard - Bridgit Mendler Brasil - Tudo sobre Bridgit Mendler!". Bridgit Mendler Brasil. January 4, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  11. ^ a b "Bridgit Mendler - Ready or Not - YouTube". YouTube. August 10, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  12. ^ a b "Bridgit Mendler - Ready or Not (Official Lyric Video) - YouTube". YouTube. August 3, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  13. ^ "Bridgit Mendler - 'Ready Or Not': Off the Charts". Clevver TV. October 19, 2012. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  14. ^ "Bridgit Mendler performs 'Ready Or Not' live on The Morning Show [Acoustic] - YouTube". YouTube. August 27, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  15. ^ Lansky, Sam (December 14, 2012). "Bruno Mars & Bridgit Mendler Perform On 'The X Factor': Watch - Idolator". Idolator. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  16. ^ Sciarretto, Amy (December 14, 2012). "Bridgit Mendler Proves She's 'Ready Or Not' on 'X Factor'". PopCrush. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  17. ^ "Em entravista para o PopStop TV, Bridgit Mendler fall due for surreal cantar para Britney Spears - Bridgit Mendler Brasil - Tudo sobre Bridgit Mendler!". Bridgit Mendler Brasil. December 15, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  18. ^ Torres, Leonardo (August 13, 2013). "Nathalia Bacci fan cover de 'Ready Or Not', da Bridgit Mendler - POPline". POPline. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  19. ^ Maher, Cristin (August 20, 2012). "About to Pop: Taylor Swift, Neon Hitch + More Singles". PopCrush. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  20. ^ "The 100 Best Songs of 2012, From Taylor Swift to Twin Shadow - Popdust". Popdust. December 10, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  21. ^ "Vote em Bridgit Mendler no Shorty Awards - Bridgit Mendler Brasil - Tudo sobre Bridgit Mendler!". Bridgit Mendler Brasil. January 8, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  22. ^ "Radio Disney Award Nominees 2013: Selena Gomez Vs. Justin Bieber - Hollywood Life". Hollywood Life. March 15, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
  23. ^ Ready or Not (US promo CD liner notes). Bridgit Mendler. Hollywood Records. 2012. BVPR003992.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  24. ^ Ready or Not (UK promo CD liner notes). Bridgit Mendler. Hollywood Records. 2013. BVPR003992.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  25. ^ a b "@DannyWxo". X.com (UK). March 2, 2013. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  26. ^ a b "Issue 1185" ARIA Top 100 Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  27. ^ "Bridgit Mendler – Ready Or Not" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  28. ^ "Bridgit Mendler – Ready Or Not" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  29. ^ "Bridgit Mendler – Ready Or Not" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  30. ^ "Bridgit Mendler Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  31. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 19. týden 2013 in the date selector. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  32. ^ "Bridgit Mendler – Ready Or Not". Tracklisten. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  33. ^ "Bridgit Mendler – Ready Or Not" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  34. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  35. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Ready Or Not". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
  36. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 21, 2013" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  37. ^ "Bridgit Mendler – Ready Or Not" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  38. ^ "Bridgit Mendler – Ready Or Not". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  39. ^ "Airplay 100 – Cristi Nitzu | Kiss FM – April 15, 2013". Kiss FM. Archived from the original on January 27, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018. Note: User may scroll down the 'Podcasturi' menu to play or download the respective podcast.
  40. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  41. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201316 into search. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  42. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  43. ^ "Bridgit Mendler Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  44. ^ "Billboard - Artists - Bridgit Mendler - Heatseekers Songs". Billboard. November 10, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  45. ^ "Bridgit Mendler Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  46. ^ "Rádiós Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2013" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  47. ^ "End Of Year Single Chart Top 100 - 2013 - Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on June 9, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  48. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Bridgit Mendler – Ready or Not" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  49. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Bridgit Mendler – Ready or Not". Music Canada.
  50. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Bridgit Mendler – Ready or Not". Recorded Music NZ.
  51. ^ "British single certifications – Bridgit Mendler – Ready or Not". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  52. ^ "American single certifications – Bridgit Mendler – Ready or Not". Recording Industry Association of America.
  53. ^ "Danish single certifications – Bridgit Mendler – Ready or Not". IFPI Danmark.
  54. ^ "Top 40/M Future Releases - Mainstream Hit Songs Being Release and Their Release Dates - AllAccess Media Group". AllAccess Media Group. August 21, 2012. Archived from the original on August 20, 2012.
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