While it’s a very nice shot, I would also wonder if the MSS title and the closeup caused buyers to wonder who they were buying. The ambiguity of the HE cover was more clever in that it emphasized the image and sound without pointing out specifics.
Its a nice photo, but also perhaps a bit dark and serious looking, not reflecting the fun to be found inside.

HDH really went for it on MSS, Motown should have at least worked it from that angle , an ad reading : from the writers of fifty [or whatever the number ] top ten Supremes hits and list them .
Original question :
I think moving on to the next album was right. Disco evolved rapidly in its sound and sitting on it another six months would only age the product. WALKING had them a current club fave. They needed to continue the momentum found in that genre. HIGH ENERGY was anything but, a strange song title for a sultry breezy number. It didn’t continue the high energy of WALKING.