But it's not like Mary had the majority of leads. Scherrie sang lead or partial lead on seven cuts on the album to Mary's five full and partial leads.
In her second book, she writes about her confidence struggles with lead singing were still on going at this time, so it would seem weird to me that she would push for her leads to outweigh Scherrie's. Plus, when do the artists choose the tracks for their albums at Motown when they aren't the producer? Isn't that the producers' job? I haven't even heard stories of Diana having final say on any of her Motown albums, so surely Mary Wilson didn't. The producers liked the work and Motown compiled it and released it.
I'm going to always disagree on "Early Morning Love". I think Mary did a great job with it, really showing that she was capable of singing more uptempo songs. Rumor had it that Scherrie recorded a lead for it and if it does exist and is discovered and released, it will be interesting to hear the difference. No doubt Scherrie would have tore it up, but I do love it as is.
I also disagree on "He's My Man", but not as adamantly as I do "Early Morning Love".
I think Mary on the toned down verses fits just fine, while Scherrie is perfect on the chorus. I do think Scherrie would have done just as fine a job if she had sung it all, but I really don't think it would have made much difference, certainly not with the public. To my ears it doesn't sound like a surefire hit no matter who was singing it.
Absolutely agree on "This Is Why". Mary had no business singing that one. It should have been Scherrie, no question. I also agree that "Mr. Boogieman" showed off Mary's chops very well. I think it should have made the album over "This Is Why".
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