MAMA (Single)

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Genesis

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Description: "Mama" was the first single from Genesis' 1983 self-titled album (often referred to as the "shapes album" or simply "Mama", after the first track). Instantly recognizable from its harsh drum machine introduction, which leads into minimalist synthesizer lines in minor keys and finally Phil Collins' reverb-laden voice, "Mama" serves notice that the album which follows will be considerably darker than previous efforts. The song's theme involves a man's longing for a particular prostitute. Over the years, additional themes have been suggested, including drug addiction, abortion, and even in "Mama" was the first single from Genesis' 1983 self-titled album (often referred to as the "shapes album" or simply "Mama", after the first track). Instantly recognizable from its harsh drum machine introduction, which leads into minimalist synthesizer lines in minor keys and finally Phil Collins' reverb-laden voice, "Mama" serves notice that the album which follows will be considerably darker than previous efforts.

The song's theme involves a man's longing for a particular prostitute. Over the years, additional themes have been suggested, including drug addiction, abortion, and even incest.[citation needed] The song is remembered by many fans for Phil Collins' sinister laugh. On the DVD The Genesis Songbook, the band and producer Hugh Padgham revealed that the inspiration for the laugh came from rap music pioneer Grandmaster Flash's song "The Message".

The track also has a powerful final verse punctuated with a live drum kit (modified by effects), comparable to Collins' earlier solo recording "In the Air Tonight".

The music video for the song essentially plays out the lyrics, showing Collins singing to a mysterious woman while Banks and Rutherford play in the background. One memorable sequence involves an extremely evil-looking Collins, cloaked in shadows and illuminated by a greenish light, performing the aforementioned sinister laugh. When performed live, white lights were shone from underneath the stage so Collins could re-create the sinister laugh.

There are at least three versions of the studio recording of "Mama": the original, full-length cut (7:28, released as a 12" single, backed by the full-length version of "It's Gonna Get Better", also from the "Shapes album"); a somewhat early-faded version (6:48, released on the "shapes album" itself); and a heavily-edited version (5:18, released as a 7" single). A live version appears on Live/The Way We Walk, Volume One: The Shorts (1992); a rehearsal take, dating from 1983 and referred to as a "work in progress", is included at the end of the third disc of Genesis Archive 2: 1976-1992.

Illusionist David Copperfield has used the song during one of his stage segments.

The song was also featured in an episode Magnum P.I., a popular television show in the 1980s starring Tom Selleck.

It has resurfaced in 2007 as part of the Turn It On Again tour.
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Manufacturer: Atlantic
Release date: 22 August 1983
EAN: - UPC: -

Tags: Own 12" And 7" (1)

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Darth Brutus rated this 10/10 2 years, 6 months ago

sh56 rated this 10/10 5 years, 8 months ago

Agent Kermit D. Fonz added this to a list 5 years, 8 months ago

Favorite Pop Songs: 80's: Vol. 9 (95 music items)

"Written by: Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins"

Dino Jones rated this 10/10 5 years, 9 months ago

Agent Kermit D. Fonz added this to a list 5 years, 9 months ago

Favorite Rock Songs: 80's: Vol. 5 (95 music items)

"Written by: Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins"

Agent Kermit D. Fonz added this to a list 5 years, 9 months ago

Genesis: Favorite Songs (18 music items)

"Written by: Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins"

Dino Jones added this to a list 8 years, 2 months ago

Genesis Singles (42 music items)

Dino Jones added this to a list 8 years, 2 months ago

Songs That Made Me Cry (36 music items)

""MAMA" was a song that made me cry due to the sheer emotion of the music. Tony Banks' keyboards really did it for me with this one. I was sat down watching the music video for it on YouTube during June 2007. Everyone was asleep and I must have watched the video a good few times and went back and listened to my favorite section a few times too. The part where Phil laughs followed by the keyboard and guitar bits were just powerful to me. Great track. "

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