(I Know) I’m Losing You

The Zoo Crew is spinning the groovy vibes of "I Know) I’m Losing You" by Rare Earth from their 1970 album Ecology, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging this psychedelic soul classic. This track, a cover of The Temptations’ 1966 hit, was transformed by Rare Earth into a heavier, rock-infused jam with a raw edge. According to Pete Rivera, the band’s lead vocalist and drummer, the song was originally a sprawling 45-minute recording. Producer Norman Whitfield, a Motown legend, whittled it down to 12 minutes for the Ecology album and a tight three minutes for the single, showcasing his editing prowess. Rivera noted that Whitfield pushed the band to carve out their own sound, telling them to ditch imitating The Temptations and lean into their unique rock-soul fusion. The result? A Top 10 pop hit and a Top 20 soul chart slot, proving Rare Earth’s ability to bridge genres.

Another cool tidbit comes from a 2016 twist when Kanye West sampled Rivera’s vocals from "I Know) I’m Losing You" for his track "Fade" on The Life of Pablo. Rivera, thrilled by the nod, started dedicating live performances of the song to West, as he shared in an interview with Classic Motown. Fans on Reddit have also praised the track’s distinctive energy, with users like u/MileenasFeet highlighting its blend of late ’60s rock and soul, and others noting Rivera’s powerful voice as a standout. The song’s echo chamber effect on Rivera’s vocals, as mentioned by a Power Pop blog, gives it a haunting, memorable quality that still resonates with listeners.

Rare Earth got their start in Detroit as The Sunliners in 1960, a club band grinding it out on the Motor City circuit. By 1968, they rebranded as Rare Earth, inspired by edgier band names like Iron Butterfly, and signed with Verve Records for their debut album, Dream/Answers, which flopped. Their big break came in 1969 when Motown scooped them up for a new rock-focused subsidiary. When the label needed a name, the band jokingly suggested “Rare Earth,” and to their surprise, Motown ran with it. The core lineup—Gil Bridges (saxophone, flute, vocals), Pete Rivera (drums, lead vocals), John Persh (bass, trombone, vocals), Rod Richards (guitar, vocals), and Kenny James (keyboards)—crafted a hard-driving sound that mixed classic rock, R&B, and psychedelic elements. Their 1969 album Get Ready, with its 21-minute cover of The Temptations’ "Get Ready," hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing their status as Motown’s first major white act.

You can keep up with Rare Earth through their official website, where they share tour dates and band updates. They’re active on Facebook, posting about gigs and merch, and on Instagram, where they share throwback photos and performance clips. Their X account keeps fans in the loop with quick updates and music links. For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with fellow fans, check out the Rare Earth Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group where enthusiasts swap stories, vinyl finds, and concert memories. Another fan hub is the Rare Earth subreddit, though it’s smaller, with fans discussing discographies and rare tracks. These communities keep the Rare Earth spirit alive, perfect for any Zoo Freak vibing to "I Know) I’m Losing You."