Rare Earth - One World (1971) + Bonus Track

(U.S 1960 - 1983)

Based in the Motor City (Detroit, MI, USA), hometown to such (in)famous rockers as The MC5 and The Stooges to name but two, psychedelic influenced rhythm and blues rockers Rare Earth were notable on at least three accounts. 

First and probably most importantly they were the first white band signed to Berry Gordy’s prestigious Motown label, receiving their own eponymous imprint, Rare Earth Records. 

Second, the band’s front man and lead vocalist was their drummer. Finally, the band’s repertoire consisted almost entirely of cover versions. During the 5 year period, 1969-1974, they were one of the hottest acts in the land (the USA), releasing 6 albums (5 studio and 1 live), as well as a string of 5 hit singles (followed by a few near misses) that ensured the band lots of Top 40 AM radio time, as well as extended album cuts that garnered the band airplay on the newly emerging FM radio market. 

 As a result Rare Earth consistently scored highly on the Billboard charts, albums and singles alike, and achieved this despite a rather limited repertoire of original material. In fact, all of the songs the group was best known for, and continues to be remembered for, were cover versions and this occurring at a time when original material was deemed absolutely essential to success in the ever burgeoning rock market.

Motown’s Rare Earth Label from August, 1969 through 1976

For a more extensive account of Rare Earth's recording history, see my earlier Rare Earth Post for their 'Ma' LP.

One World Album 

Their third LP, 'One World' was released almost one year after Ecology, and yielded another huge hit single in a longtime classic, "I Just Want to Celebrate." The song peaked on the pop charts at number seven and the album broke the Top 50 in the U.S.

One World is an underrated album produced by Tom Baird with a brilliant long version of "What I'd Say" by Ray Charles, and original cuts like "If I Die", a remarkable song written by Rivera since the prospect of a soldier at war (supposedly from Vietnam) about to die ... rain is falling on my head, pretty soon I might be dead, the end is here, Lord, it's plain to see, I guess my country's made a fool of me .... which could be interpreted by Crosby, Stills & Nash.

"Any Man Can Be a Fool" rhythmic, melodic rock composition with soul influences by the bassist John Persh in which it speaks of the wise advices of his mother, or "The Seed", another great theme by Pete Rivera with funk rock, jazz rock and blues traces and a phenomenal synergy between first-rate instrumentalists and outstanding solo guitarist Ray Monette ... tell me where will it go from here

One unique feature regarding this album is the song writing contributions by all members of the band, each contributing to at least one track on the album, all exibiting unique styles and catchy tunes backed by strong lyrics. This is my favourite Rare Earth album by far and it gives me great pleasure in sharing it with you. So enjoy.

This post consists of FLACs ripped from my near mint vinyl, purchased back in the 70's from a record store located in a small arcade running off Ryrie St in Geelong, now long gone. It's name escapes me but it was the only record store in Geelong to stock imports, mostly German and US pressings, and was the main source of my record collection at that time. 

It was here that I heard "I Just Want To Celebrate" for the first time, and was why I purchased the album. Good Times !

Full artwork for CD and vinyl are included, along with label scans and choice photos of Rare Earth. 

As a Bonus, I am also including their 1969 hit "(I Know) I'm Losing You', freshly ripped from my Motown 45.  

NOTE: the inner gatefold of the LP features artwork by the great Roger Dean. Another bonus folks !

Tracks Listing:

1. What'd I Say (Ray Charles) - 7:14

2. If I Die (Pete Rivera) - 3:30

3. Seed (Pete Rivera) - 3:32

4. I Just Want To Celebrate (Dino Fekaris, Nick Zesses) - 3:37

5. Someone To Love (Gil Bridges) - 3:47

6. Any Man Can Be A Fool (John Persh) - 3:35

7. Road (Tom Baird) - 3:36

8. Under God's Light (Eddie Guzman, Ray Monette, Mark Olson) - 4:51

9. (I Know) I'm Losing You [Bonus Track] (Gran, Holland, Whitfield) - 3:37

Rare Earth :

Gil Bridges - Woodwinds, Vocals, Percussion, Flute

Ray Monette - Guitars, Vocals

Mark Olson - Keyboards, Vocals

John Persh - Bass, Vocals

Pete Rivera - Drums, Lead Vocals, Percussion

Ed Guzman - Conga, Percussion  

Rare Earth Link (225Mb)