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Ma (album)

by Rare Earth

Released: April 10, 1973

Blues rock, funk rock, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, psychedelic soul

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"Ma" is an album by the American rock band Rare Earth, which was released in 1973. 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.

Inside the Recording

The album was produced by the legendary Motown songwriter, Norman Whitfield.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

She worked as a housekeeper for Maurice White…

She worked as a housekeeper for Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, before her passing.

The album is often noted for its innovative…

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 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…

Notably, Ma is the last Rare Earth album of original material that features each of the original band members.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Rare Earth - Ma (album)

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Reception

The song "Ma" was a hit, reaching #14 on the Billboard R&B Charts.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"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.