Top 10 Rare Earth Songs

Feature Photo: Motown Records or the photographer(s), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Our top 10 Rare Earth songs list digs deep into the music of an American band best known for its impressive blend of rock, soul, and funk. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Rare Earth was formed in the ‘60s. Initially, the band went under the moniker The Sunliners before settling on Rare Earth in 1968. Rare Earth was among the successful bands signed to Motown Records in the late ‘60s.

At the time the band was signed to Motown Records, the record label was primarily a label for black artists. Only a few white bands, including The Rustix, The Underdogs, and The Dalton Boys, had signed recording contracts with Motown Records, with little or no success yet. However, the record label was already home to successful artists and outfits, including The Temptations, The Jackson Five, The Supremes, The Miracles, The Marvelettes, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.

Rare Earth saw Motown Records establish an additional genre label under the band’s name, focusing on rock music by white bands. Other white artists who signed to Rare Earth Records include The Pretty Things, The Cats, R. Dean Taylor, and Kiki Dee. Under the Motown Records banner, Rare Earth built its reputation as one of the unique classic rock and R&B outfits.

Rare Earth’s Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

After changing its name to Rare Earth in 1968, the band signed a recording contract with Verve Records. The record label was home to distinguished artists, including the queen of jazz, Ella Fitzgerald; Billie Holiday; Charlie Parker; Lester Young; Stan Getz; Frank Zappa; and The Velvet Underground. Rare Earth went on to issue its debut album, Dream/Answers, the same year.

Unfortunately, Dream/Answers failed to meet the record label and band’s expectations. The twelve-track album featured some notable classics, including “Red Apple” and “Land of Nod.” Eventually, the band cut ties with Verve Records and signed with Motown Records in 1969.

Rare Earth saw Motown Records create a classic rock imprint under its name. The band went on to release its first album, Get Ready, through the label. Get Ready, issued in September 1969, marked the band’s sophomore album. The album’s title track launched the band into global success and acclaim for its subsequent songs.

“Get Ready” was a song penned by Smokey Robinson, the founder of The Miracles. The song was initially released in 1966 by the American R&B, Soul, and Funk band The Temptations. Get Ready peaked at number twelve on the Billboard 200. The album also rose to number four on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

Other remarkable songs by Rare Earth featured on the album include “Train to Nowhere” and a cover of “Tobacco Road” by John D. Loudermilk. The album was Platinum-certified in the US, bringing the band both mainstream and commercial success. Rare Earth got a cult following globally. The band was also mentioned in a 1970 poem by the bluesman/godfather of rap Gil Scott-Heron, which asserted its popularity in the music scene.

Rare Earth’s Album Releases over the Years

In 1970, the band released Ecology, a follow-up album to its successful LP, Get Ready. Ecology was a success, peaking at number fifteen on the Billboard 200. The album also peaked at number four on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Like its predecessor, Ecology saw Rare Earth strike a balance between its classic rock sound and R&B influences.

The album featured some of the best Rare Earth songs, including “Born to Wander” and a cover of The Temptations’ 1966 hit “(I Know) I’m Losing You.” Ecology also featured a cover of “Eleanor Rigby,” a song by The Beatles from the band’s seventh studio album, Revolver. The album was Gold-certified by the RIAA in the US.

The band returned with its fourth studio album, One World, in 1971. One World featured some of the biggest songs by Rare Earth, including “I Just Want to Celebrate” and a cover of Ray Charles’ 1959 hit “What’d I Say.” The album reached position 28 on the Billboard 200. One World also reached number 30 on the Australian Album charts and number 12 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album was Rare Earth’s last Gold-certified release.

In 1972, the band released the album Willie Remembers. The album was a success on the Billboard 200, peaking at number ninety. Willie Remembers also reached number forty-six on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. “Good Time Sally,” “We’re Having a Good Time,” and “I Couldn’t Believe What Happened Last Night” are some of the best Rare Earth songs from the album.

Rare Earth returned in 1973 with its sixth studio album, Ma. The band tasked Norman Whitfield with producing the album. Norman Whitfield had worked with other reputable artists, including Marvin Gaye, The Marvelettes, The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Undisputed Truth, The Velvelettes, and Edwin Starr.

Ma features “Smiling Faces Sometimes,” “Ma,” and “Hum Along and Dance,” songs initially released by The Temptations. The album reached a peak of number 65 on the Billboard 200. Ma also peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The band later released notable albums, including Back to Earth (1975), Rare Earth (1977), and Band Together (1978). Back to Earth features two great hits by Rare Earth, “Keeping Me out of the Storm” and “It Makes You Happy (But It Ain’t Gonna Last Too Long).” The album peaked at number fifty-nine on the Billboard 200.

Rare Earth, the band’s tenth studio album, showcased its rock, soul, and funk influences in songs like “Share My Love,” “Crazy Love,” and “Is Your Teacher Cool?” The album peaked at number 187 on the Billboard 200. This showed that Rare Earth still had a cult following despite its popularity declining.

The band’s 1978 album, Band Together, is Rare Earth’s final studio album to appear on the Billboard 200. Band Together peaked at number one hundred and fifty-six on the chart. Covers of The Bee Gees’ hits “Warm Ride” and “You” are some of the biggest songs by Rare Earth from the album. Rare Earth continued making new releases, but none matched the success of the band’s albums issued through Rare Earth Records.

Rare Earth’s Other Musical Pursuits and Legacy

Since its formation, Rare Earth’s songs have been a tough outfit to classify, always blending two or three music genres. However, the band’s mainstay was its blend of classic rock and R&B, which has led many to dub it a blues-rock band. Unfortunately, the band’s influence began to decline after the discontinuation of Motown’s Rare Earth Records subsidiary.

This led to the shakeup of the band’s musical pursuits. Nevertheless, Rare Earth returned with classic albums like Band Together and Grand Slam in 1978. Despite its comeback albums, Rare Earth failed to regain its success. Throughout its history, Rare Earth has toured with other classic rock outfits, including Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Eagles, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Black Oak Arkansas. Here we present the ten best Rare Earth songs of all time.

# 10 – We’re Gonna Have a Good Time

“Kicking off the top 10 Rare Earth hits is the blues-infused track ‘We’re Gonna Have a Good Time,’ from the album Willie Remembers. This song, like all others on the album, is an original piece by the band. The track ‘We’re Gonna Have a Good Time’ captures a lively atmosphere, highlighted by Pete Rivera’s compelling vocals. It also gained some pop culture traction by being sampled in Ugly Duckling’s ‘Good Time Greetings.’ The song peaked at ninety-three on the Billboard Hot 100.”

# 9 – Keeping Me Out of the Storm

“Featured on the 1975 album Back to Earth, ‘Keeping Me Out of the Storm’ is a standout track penned by Johnny Stevenson and renowned rock and blues guitarist Paul Warren. Warren, celebrated for his work with Nice City and as a touring guitarist for Rod Stewart, brings distinct flair to the song. Vocals are expertly delivered by Jerry La Croix. Additionally, the track was sampled in Black Sheep’s hit ‘Autobiographical,’ adding to its legacy.”

# 8 – Good Time Sally

Number eight on our list of the top 10 Rare Earth songs is the hit “Good Time Sally,” featured on the band’s album Willie Remembers. This original track was penned by Tom Baird, a notable Motown Records keyboardist, songwriter, and producer. The song narrates the singer’s encounters with a vivacious “good time girl” following his move to the city. According to the lyrics, this encounter introduces him to an exhilarating new lifestyle that nearly transforms him into a “good-time Charlie.” “Good Time Sally” achieved a peak position of number sixty-seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 7 – Ma

During Rare Earth’s early years, the band’s albums predominantly featured cover songs by other artists. One of their most notable covers is “Ma,” from their 1973 album of the same name. Originally released by The Temptations in the same year, “Ma” stands out as one of Rare Earth’s longest tracks, extending over seventeen minutes.

# 6 – Warm Ride

At the end of the ’70s, Rare Earth was striving to maintain its musical influence after Motown ended its Rare Earth Records imprint. Despite these challenges, the band continued to produce hits, including “Warm Ride” from their 1978 album, Band Together. “Warm Ride” was a success in the US, reaching number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also impacted the Canadian and Australian Singles charts, peaking at thirty-three and sixty-eight, respectively. The song was penned by the Bee Gees specifically for Rare Earth, though the Bee Gees and Andy Gibb also recorded their versions of the track.

# 5 – Born to Wander

At the end of the 1970s, Rare Earth was endeavoring to preserve its musical influence after the discontinuation of Motown’s Rare Earth Records imprint. Despite these challenges, the band still managed to release successful tracks, such as “Warm Ride” from their 1978 album, Band Together.

“Warm Ride” found success in the US, reaching number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also performed well on the Canadian and Australian Singles charts, reaching peak positions of thirty-three and sixty-eight, respectively. Notably, “Warm Ride” was written by the Bee Gees specifically for Rare Earth, though the Bee Gees and Andy Gibb each recorded their own versions.

#4- Hey Big Brother

“Hey Big Brother” stands out as one of Rare Earth’s most celebrated songs from 1971. Featured on the live album Rare Earth in Concert, the song was crafted by songwriters Nick Zesses and Dino Fekaris. The album itself achieved notable success, reaching number twenty-six on the Billboard 200.

The track “Hey Big Brother” enjoyed significant popularity, peaking at number nineteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number twenty on the Canadian Top Singles chart. Additionally, the song was covered by The Real Milli Vanilli and The Fluid, further testament to its enduring appeal.

#3- (I Know) I’m Losing You

The third entry on our top 10 Rare Earth songs list is the remarkable hit “(I Know) I’m Losing You.” Written by Eddie Holland, Cornelius Grant, and Norman Whitfield, the song was originally released by The Temptations in 1966. Rare Earth’s cover version, featured on their album Ecology, propelled the song back into the spotlight.

Other artists, including Rod Stewart, The Jackson 5, and The Undisputed Truth, have also covered “(I Know) I’m Losing You.” The song has been sampled in various tracks, such as “Fade” by Kanye West, “Try Counting Sheep” by Black Sheep, and “What’s Going On?” by Eric B. & Rakim. Rare Earth’s rendition reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its status as a classic.

#2- I Just Want to Celebrate

“I Just Want to Celebrate” is one of the standout original hits by Rare Earth, serving as the lead track on their 1971 LP One World. Dino Fekaris and Nick Zesses collaborated with the band to craft the lyrics. Fekaris is also known for writing hits for artists like Gloria Gaynor, Diana Ross, and David Naughton.

The song achieved considerable success, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number ten on the Canadian Top Singles chart. “I Just Want to Celebrate” has been covered by various artists, including Kim Boyce, David Ruffin, and Ken Tamplin, showcasing its enduring popularity.

#1- Get Ready

Topping our list of the top 10 Rare Earth songs is the captivating hit “Get Ready.” Originally penned by Smokey Robinson for The Miracles, the song was first released by The Temptations in 1966, where it reached number twenty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100.

Rare Earth’s cover of “Get Ready,” featured on their 1969 album of the same name, surpassed the original in popularity, climbing to the top of the Canada Top Singles chart and peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Rare Earth’s highest-charting hit. Notably, “Get Ready” has also been covered by a diverse group of artists, including Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Ella Fitzgerald, Delroy Wilson, Gregory Isaacs, and Tom Jones, further cementing its status as a classic.