"Ma" is an album by the American rock band Rare Earth, which was released in 1973. The album was produced by the legendary Motown songwriter, Norman Whitfield. It consists of a blend of rock and soul, which has been considered a distinctive component of Rare Earth's musical identity.
The album's title track, "Ma," was a dedication to lead vocalist, Peter Hoorelbeke's mother. She worked as a housekeeper for Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, before her passing. The song "Ma" was a hit, reaching #14 on the Billboard R&B Charts.
The album is often noted for its innovative album cover featuring cycle-style packaging stating, "Two billion people can lock themselves out. The thinking man’s sitting room is his bathroom."
The standout tracks from the album include "Ma", "Hum Along and Dance," "Smiling Faces Sometimes." Whitfield previously used "Hum Along and Dance" with The Temptations and "Smiling Faces Sometimes" with The Undisputed Truth. Notably, Ma is the last Rare Earth album of original material that features each of the original band members.
