Mama

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Genesis

About Mama

"Mama" was the first single from Genesis' 1983 self-titled album. It is recognisable for its harsh drum machine introduction composed by Mike Rutherford, which leads into minimalist synthesizer lines in a minor tonality and finally Phil Collins' reverb-laden voice. It remains the band's most successful single in the UK, peaking at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. It also made the top 10 in Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Ireland and the Netherlands. It was less popular in the U. S. , only reaching No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100. A 1992 re-release of the single managed to reach the Top 40 in Germany. Former Genesis member Steve Hackett in interviews said "Mama" was his favorite song from the band after his departure, calling it "beautifully haunting." The song resurfaced in 2007 as part of the Turn It On Again tour, albeit transposed down a whole tone to account for the deepening of Phil Collins' voice. 


Year:
1983
6:47
107 
#2

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Genesis

Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently consists of its three longest-tenured members - Tony Banks (keyboards) and Mike Rutherford (bass, guitar), who were founder members; and Phil Collins (vocals, drums), who first joined in 1970. Past members Peter Gabriel (vocals, flute), Steve Hackett (guitar) and Anthony Phillips (guitar), also played major roles in the band in its early years. Genesis are among the top 30 highest-selling recording artists of all time, with approximately 150 million albums sold worldwide. more »

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10 facts about this song

Band Background
The song "Mama" was created by the band Genesis, which is a British rock band founded in 1967. Phil Collins, the vocalist of the band, was instrumental in the song's creation and performance.
Song Details
"Mama" was released in 1983 as the first single from Genesis's self-titled 1983 album. The song was written by band members Tony Banks, Phil Collins, and Mike Rutherford.
Chart Performance
The song was very successful, reaching number four in the UK Singles Chart. However, it failed to make a similar mark in the U.S, only reaching 73rd position in the Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrics Inspiration
The song's dark and sinister lyrics were inspired by a song about a prostitute from the 1972 musical "Cabaret". However, according to Collins, the song isn't about anyone in particular and is merely a work of fiction.
Notable Style
The song is noted for its chilling and sinister sound, which was achieved through the use of a drum machine, synthesizers, and Phil Collins' laughing.
Vocal Trivia
Collins' laughing in "Mama" was influenced by the song "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash, giving the song a unique and memorable character.
Live Performances
"Mama" was a staple during live performances, often used as an opener for concerts in the 1980s. The band would extend the song's ending for dramatic effect.
Album Influence
The song is noted for its departure from Genesis's progressive roots, shifting towards more pop-oriented music. This stylistic change was later reflected in the rest of the band's self-titled 1983 album.
Music Video
The music video for the song was the first Genesis video directed by Stuart Orme, who would go on to direct a lot more videos for the band in the future.
Legacy
Despite the mixed initial reception, "Mama" is now considered one of Genesis's signature songs and is loved by fans for its dark lyrics and Phil Collins' memorable vocal performance.

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    Mama

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1983

    Billboard #73


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