When I'm Good and Ready

"When I'm Good and Ready" is a song by American R&B and pop singer-songwriter Sybil, released on March 8, 1993 by PWL International and FFRR, as the first single from her fifth album, Good 'N' Ready (1993). Written and produced by Stock/Waterman, it also features backing vocals by Mae McKenna, Stock and Miriam Stockley. It went on to become one of her most successful songs and a major hit on the charts in Europe, reaching the top 10 in the UK and Ireland, and was a top-20 hit in Austria and a top-50 hit in Germany. In 1997, "When I'm Good and Ready" was re-released in a new remix by UK remix, production and songwriting team Love to Infinity, which achieved a moderate success on the national chart.

Initial response
In their review of the Good 'N' Ready album, Pan-European magazine Music & Media stated, "Her forte is dance with a poppy and exuberant feel to it". Alan Jones from Music Week described the song as a "typically bright and breezy Stock/Waterman production superbly sung by the American diva [that] has instant, if fairly lighweight [sic], appeal." He added, "This is what you're missing, Kylie." Johnny Dee from NME named Sybil "this year's Rozalla", writing that songs like "When I'm Good and Ready" "are about the same things Sandie and Dusty sang of in the '60s: female independence and chucking boys. This is the sound of River Island changing rooms on a Saturday afternoon". James Hamilton from the Record Mirror Dance Update complimented it as "superb". Another editor, Tim Jeffery, stated, "The test of a cover version artist is whether they can come through with an original follow-up. Sybil has done just that. Even though the production of this pop/garage tune is heading straight at the Top 40 market." Tony Cross from Smash Hits stated, "After "The Love I Lost", Sybil has another song with "hit" written all over it." He also opined that "her powerful vocals are underused in this repetitive soul-sisters dancerama."

On the release of the Love to Infinity remix in 1997, Music Week rated it four out of five, adding, "This was great as an anthemic pop dance number (a top five hit in 1993) and is even better now it's been toughened up with a raunchier, soulful feel."

Retrospective reviews
In 2017, Christian Guiltenane of British magazine  Attitude praised the song as being a "sparkly pop sensation" and a "dancefloor filler", adding that "Sybil's impressive soul vocals give this a much needed boost of gravitas".

Impact and legacy
In 2023, Alexis Petridis of The Guardian listed the song at number 19 in his "Stock Aitken Waterman's 20 greatest songs – ranked!", adding: "Pop house meets bubblegum soul, the old SAW sound given a sleek upgrade for a new era: less obviously tinny, a little more luxurious".

Chart performance
In UK, "When I'm Good and Ready" debuted at number 22 on the chart edition ending March 20th, 1993, reached number five three weeks later, a position it held for consecutive three weeks, and fell off the chart after 13 weeks of presence. On the UK year-end chart of 1993, it ranked at number 40, and was a top-ten hit in UK clubs. It was also a top-ten hit in Ireland, peaking at number six, with eight weeks of charting. In other European territories, the single was less successful, rising to number 17 in Austria, and barely made the top 50 in Germany where it culminated at number 46 and charted for ten weeks. On the Pan-European Hot 100 Singles chart compiled by Music & Media, it peaked at number 21 in its sixth week, in May 1993. Outside Europe, it stalled under the top 200 in Australia. In 1997, a remixed version charted in UK, reaching number 66.

Track listings

 * 7" single, UK (1993)
 * A. "When I'm Good and Ready" – 3:38
 * B. "When I'm Good and Ready" (Good N' Buzzin' Edit) – 3:38


 * 12", UK (1993)
 * A. "When I'm Good and Ready" (Jewel & Stone Mix) – 10:00
 * B1. "When I'm Good and Ready" (7" Version) – 3:38
 * B2. "When I'm Good and Ready" (12" Club Mix) – 5:15


 * CD single, UK (1993)
 * 1) "When I'm Good and Ready" (7-inch version) – 3:38
 * 2) "When I'm Good and Ready" (Jewels & Stone Mix) – 10:00
 * 3) "When I'm Good and Ready" (Classic Dub Mix) – 5:38
 * 4) "When I'm Good and Ready" (The Woman's Prerogative Mix) – 7:00
 * 5) "When I'm Good and Ready" (12-inch club mix) – 5:15
 * 6) "When I'm Good and Ready" (Good N' Buzzin' Mix) – 5:28


 * CD mini single, Japan (1993)
 * 1) "When I'm Good and Ready" (7" Edit) – 3:35
 * 2) "When I'm Good and Ready" (Good 'N' Buzzin' Edit) – 3:39


 * Cassette single, UK (1993)
 * 1) "When I'm Good and Ready" – 3:38
 * 2) "When I'm Good and Ready" (Good N' Buzzin' Edit) – 3:38


 * CD maxi, Europe (1997)
 * 1) "When I'm Good and Ready" (Stratoradio Mix) – 3:50
 * 2) "When I'm Good and Ready" (Stratomaster Mix) – 7:22
 * 3) "When I'm Good and Ready" (Telescopic Jippy Dub) – 7:21
 * 4) "When I'm Good and Ready" (Original Version) – 3:33