"Get a Life" is a 1989 song by British R&B band Soul II Soul. It was released as the first single from their second album, Vol. II: 1990 – A New Decade. It features singer Marcia Lewis and gained success in Europe, reaching number 2 in the Netherlands and number 3 in the United Kingdom. In addition, the song also peaked within the Top 10 in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland and Sweden. Outside Europe, "Get a Life" peaked at number 5 in New Zealand, number 38 in Australia and number 54 in the US. In the UK, the single sold over 60 000 copies and was certified Silver.
Critical reception
J.D. Considine from The Baltimore Sun said that in the song, "there are allusions to Philly Soul in the way the bluesy "Elevate your mind" chorus is played off against a lush string arrangements, echoes of reggae in the deep thump of the bass, and definite African undercurrents to the use of conga and shekere — even if the rest of the drum sound is straight hip-hop."[1] Bill Coleman from Billboard described it as a "familiar groove that's infectious nonetheless".[2] Forest Green III from The Michigan Daily wrote that the song is "constant stimulation, basically an ingenious engaging piece of rap/dance/soul/R&B fusion." He added that "helping the euphoric power of the piece are various references to the earlier singles, another perfectly crafted techno beat, a bit of the old "Feel Free" piano; flutes and strings humming in and out of the groove, and a female singer"."
[3]People noted that "a roiling bottom of drums, congas and bass underpins delicate instrumentation and the combined vocals of Jazzy B. rapping and Marcia Lewis and Daddae Harvey singing."[4] Tom Doyle from Smash Hits complimented Lewis' singing voice as "marvellous".[5] Nathaniel Wice from Spin wrote, "The underground club scene's party line is dance music. This is expressed perfectly in "Get a Life". The mellow, satisfied rap explains the title's imperative: "Implement your ideas, put them in motion.... Be an asset to the collective", while a child chorus nags "What's the meaning of life?" and Marcia Lewi's voice soars over the classical-sounding synth oceans, "Let your body take control.""[6]