Album: RPA & The United Nations Of Sound (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • RPA & The United Nations Of Sound are a British Rock band formed by vocalist Richard Ashcroft, the former lead singer of The Verve. This song samples a 1971 Bee Gees song called "On Time" which was written by Maurice Gibb, who is listed as a co-writer on "Are You Ready?" along with Ashcroft.
  • This has featured in a number of different media including a Volkswagen Jetta ad campaign and in promotions for Major League Baseball and 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals broadcasts. The song also plays during the end credits for the 2011 film The Adjustment Bureau.

Comments: 3

  • Aj from Orange County, CaSongfacts fixed an earlier error which credited Robin instead of Maurice in response to my earlier comments, which are now moot as to pointing out the correct artist sampled by Richard Ashcroft. Thanks, Songfacts! :)
  • Aj from Orange County, CaListen to 2:31 - 2:41 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKMhBr0w72I
  • Aj from Orange County, CaAshcroft did not pen this with Robin Gibb. Ashcroft sampled about 10 seconds from "On Time", a Bee Gees song from 1971 written by Robin's brother Maurice Gibb. The sample can be heard during the last 30 seconds of Maurice's tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlLQcJHDUlE&feature=related). This explains why Maurice is credited as the co-writer of "Are You Ready." Cheers!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

Don Dokken

Don DokkenSongwriter Interviews

Dokken frontman Don Dokken explains what broke up the band at the height of their success in the late '80s, and talks about the botched surgery that paralyzed his right arm.