Brian Alexander Morgan: Why Coko Sang lead on SWV Songs
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- In this segment Brian Alexander Morgan discusses why only Coko sang lead vocals on the tracks he wrote and produced, but also the importance of the background vocals.
Part 1: • Brian Alexander Morgan...
Part 3: • How SWV Influenced Aal...
Part 4: • Brian Alexander Morgan...
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Brian Alexander Morgan is an American record producer that was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, United States. He was discovered by Club Nouveau founding member Jay King, who got Morgan's group a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1987. When his group's album failed to chart, they were dropped and Morgan was mentored by producer Robert Brookins.
Morgan was also labelmates with singer Chanté Moore at Warner Bros., but her album never saw the light of day due to Jay King losing the production deal over the failure of the second Club Nouveau album. Morgan- who had feelings for Moore- penned the song "Weak", which later became a hit for R&B group SWV. He originally intended to use the song for Charlie Wilson.
In the early 1990s, Morgan wrote and produced songs for Lalah Hathaway, Martha Wash, and Usher, among others. Outside of R&B, Morgan also worked in house music in the mid 2000s. Around the early 2010s, he was summoned by DJ Khalil to work on a few projects with him. Khalil's desire to work with him caused Morgan to relocate from Sacramento back to Los Angeles. Due to the move, Khalil and Morgan worked on Aloe Blacc's major label debut Lift Your Spirit.
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As a singer, I LOVE SINGING BACKGROUND!!! Harmonizing is my specialty. Y’all can have the lead!
😊👏🏾👏🏾
I feel you 💯 on that!
Same.
A strong harmony is so important.
When I listen to music I always listen to the background vocals.
Brian Morgan is a background vocal genius. He's absolutely right . Taj and Lelee complete the SWV sound. and yes Background Vocals matter !
They are back up singers.
But there are lead singers who takes the background vocals too like 99% of time
"Use Your Heart" is one of my favorites because Taj also sang.
Exactly. I sometimes rewind so I can hear her part again.
"Just a second, I look at my watches dial..." I loose it every single time it comes on... My favorite SWV song *because* of Taj's part and adlibs.
He danced all around directly answering that question. He worked on the first album so he should have "came in the door" with all of them doing lead...that way there would be nothing to change later, smh.
Fine Time is hands down my all time SWV favorite! Sorry 😞 And it's because of the backgrounds. Even Brian Alexander Morgan's part.
@@Akamemaru1 Same, I’m still mad it wasn’t a single 😩
@@zionharris2362 I'm not. I used to hate when I had a song that I loved on an album and then the single would drop and now everybody's singing it. I love the intimacy of finding the true jewel on an album
To be fair, Coko has one of the best and unique voices of our generation. It makes sense. Even though Coko was lead it never felt like “Coko and the other girls”. SWV was a trio and everybody knew it. Unlike The Supremes and Destiny’s Child
I think it's because the other two have more personality than Coco and are entertaining so it all meshes well.
It didn’t work because solo is what the artists do when the group doesn’t work the way it was supposed to work. Coko knew that group wasn’t going to last after the first three albums. Coko had her own contract separate from the rest of the members because of this. Taj and lelee were singing lead quite a bit before coko’s voice came through with her clear, strong, and bright natural soprano. Taj and lelee didn’t like the fact that coko was getting more shine even though Taj and lelee had no problem with coko being in the background when they were singing. That’s just the honest truth of it.
I don’t think it was LeLe and Todge vocals that made CO CO fail as a solo artist it was LeLe and Todge presence that made her fail. We need LeLe and Todge in the picture. Same as Xscape. The Scott sisters had the strongest voices but they need Kandi and Tiny to complete that group. Even with the original envoge. They all can blow. But as a group they was a powerhouse . Some groups need each other. Some groups can break off and still make it. 🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
@M C her solo album was called hot CoKo and it was released in august of 99. Her solo album was similar to a SWV album. That’s why it didn’t work without Todge and LeLe. I was a teen!! I was a SWV and R&B fan. Bobby Brown and Beyoncé was able to find success after their group because they were totally different solo artist then they were in a group. Those were two artist who was able to find success after being in a successful group. And Bobby wasn’t even a lead singer.
@@nicolemoore5033 Now, the Supremes were separated into two different decades. You have the first decade with Diana, and then, you have the second decade of the '70's with Jean Terrell, Mary Wilson and Scherrie Payne, whom all sung lead in that time. So they were not like Destiny's Child either.
SWV's backgrounds and melodies are just amazing.
Those backgrounds were COLD!
Right!
It’s crazy because even though Coko sang a lot of the lead vocals, it still felt like a trio. The harmony is definitely EVERYTHING!!! 💕
Honestly, when I first heard "Weak" I thought it was sung by a solo artist.
Listen no one is saying Lee Lee and Taj, should have lead the song, but it was quite ok for them to have larger singer parts. CoKo said herself she was tired of singing EVERYTHING. There were so many parts, small parts, that CoKo didn’t have to sing.
Exactly like ‘All Night Long’ she didn’t have to sing the whole song the bit towards the end “do you everywhere all kinda way” etc could have been another member. And Taj could have sang Rain or a verse at least. Still I love allll their records 😍
@@April417Baby Boom! There it is! FRFR All we really need is for Koko to belt at the end (& the soprano harmony), which the other two don't have. Everything else is up for grabs and listeners will be A ok!
@@rahneff3952 like boyz 2 men. Wanye had the strongest vocals so they always had him singing the bridge or belt at the end. Everyone else got to sing equally.
@@cecelo3922 Since Coko's voice is always the highlight she could have just sung mostly the bridge and the end.
He's right about the background vocals, especially on Downtown and Anything.
Totally those backgrounds really brought those records to life...and I like how he specify HIS records...because the way he PRODUCED the vocals is still to this day the best they have ever sounded.
I concur
YES!!!
I love the back ground on Downtown " Oooou you can't stop til you find My Love That's The Love That you've Been Dreamin Of"
He’s confusing what he wanted with what a lot of us wanted. En Vogue & Xscape proved that it doesn’t matter who’s singing lead as long as the song is DOPE. Hell Dru Hill did it too.
He’s the producer. It’s his stuff, not ours. 🤣😂. If we were producing the records, we would do it our way.
Swv we're not en vogue. When I say that I mean not everybody in the group was a strong singer in SWV.
They all took turns singing lead in that song All About You. That song was probably the weakest selling single. Coco was the signature voice and Coco was the one who put the asses in the seats and sold the units.
💯. He just don't want to say HE preferred Coko's voice.
Exactly.
It was just a bad move for the group, Coko is the group. She can't be replaced or have a fill in. And I heard Taj once say she was fine singing background lol. I just get the feeling that Leelee and Taj don't really understand their potential.
I always think that in a group, every member should have an opportunity to sing leads. Of course the stand out voice should showcase all the hits to elevate the group but it is just wrong to deny other members the opportunity to showcase their talent too. Any skill comes with a use it or lose it tag. I have seen so many singers deteriorate vocally by not being allowed to develop as an artist.
I totally agree
It didn’t work because solo is what the artists do when the group doesn’t work the way it was supposed to work. Coko knew that group wasn’t going to last after the first three albums. Coko had her own contract separate from the rest of the members because of this. Taj and lelee were singing lead quite a bit before coko’s voice came through with her clear, strong, and bright natural soprano. Taj and lelee didn’t like the fact that coko was getting more shine even though Taj and lelee had no problem with coko being in the background when they were singing. That’s just the honest truth of it.
Also, singers voices don’t deteriorate by not using their voice. You can always train it back to the way it was supposed to be.
@@WilliamBrown-vb5ws That's not always true or possible. Sometimes, the voice becomes very complex and fragile once time, age and the lack of usage sets into a singer. One case I know of right now is singer Monica "Mimi" Dolby. She was never given a chance to truly sing lead in Brownstones' debut album and after over 25 years of not singing and performing, her voice has deteriorated greatly from the powerhouse soprano she used to be to only a very moderate mezzo-soprano who can not sing and hit those notes that she did in her youth. She's now a 50+ year old mother with her own 20 something year old sons. Now, can she develop her voice through vocal training? Yes, she can. But, will it ever be able to sing the notes she did in her youth with the same power, flexibility, agility, control and tone as she did in her hey day in her 20's? Well, that's a strong maybe or maybe not!
@@Calvin375 Actually it is false to say what the universe can and can not do once the voice has been exercised to its capacity. I’ll leave you with that.
I remember being in high school and we would do an acapella version of Weak...of course, everybody tried to sound like Coko!!! But, the song didn't really come together until we got to the chorus...those background vocals is what everyone was waiting for!!! To be able to harmonize and "flesh" out the song wasn't the easiest thing at all...Leelee and Taj definitely did their thing on all those SWV albums!!! IMO, background vocals help set the tone of the song...BTW, Coko's vocals are very distinct and she would have stuck out anyway...
I loved "New Beginning" still to this day!!
Yes!!!
THE 2ND ALBUM WAS FIRE TOO
it really was... You Are My Love, Fine Time, Love Is So Amazing were great records
The second album was alright it was'nt as good like their 1st album
@@sarahsimpkins1311 the second album was great the only one I listen too because the first album was played sp much
MAN! Folks slept on the "New Beginning" album. I have many favs from that album but the intro to "That's What I'm Here For" is the shyt.
New Beginning was a classic album...Brian singles Fine Time and Whats It Gonna Be should have been singles!!! 💯
So funny I say the same thing, Fine Time for sure. The only reason I can think of why they didn’t was it sounded very close to his other songs but on our end it was their signature sound.
@@telockett9850 It appears there was an issue with RCA. SWV said on Unsung how after they dropped New Beginning the label fired the whole team and brought in a new team. So New Beginning didn't get the promotion etc then a year later they dropped Release Some Tension which the label didn't promote well either!!! .....
Brian also says in a follow up segment how he felt hurt that none of his singles got released. The title of the album New Beginning was a slight dig at him. Their old manager claimed that Brian made all the money and was to blame for them not getting paid
They dropped the ball on fine time and where is the love
"What's it gonna be" is my top 3 SWV
Their voices were essential to SWV’s sound
Yeah BUT, even the background sound mostly like Coco.🤷
I've always felt that any group should consist of singers who can hold it down on their own individually, regardless of if they choose to have one singing most of the leads... when everyone in the group can blow, there's more you variety you can do with songs, creativity, etc.
My point exactly
I love SWV's discography, I love the cohesion but it kinda lacked some variety.
Brian is right!! Those Backgrounds were and are this Ish! They are just as pivotal as the lead!
Brian is correct. Not releasing his songs as singles for the NEW BEGINNING (1996) album was a "fatal mistake". "Fine Time", which in my estimation is the sequel to "Weak" (in terms of the instrumentation), would have BLOWN that album UP!!!! "Fine Time" and "Weak" are the quintessential sound of SWV. NEW BEGINNING, nonetheless, is one of their best projects.
Further, If you start with a formula, you keep that formula; you don't change it completely. When SWV debuted back in 1992, people fell in love with Coko's voice on lead (I being one of them) and when you start out with a voice so unique, you keep the flow going. Thus, success is engendered. As Brian pointed out, you can "add" to the formula, and that is what they did with the sophomore album (NB). The other girls (Taj and Leann) were given more upfront parts to sing. Taj shines, for example, on the bridge for 'Use Your Heart; she killed it.
The group is SISTERS WITH VOICES. All three ladies can sing. However, Cheryl Gamble has the best voice. It was what it was, and it is what it is.
So New Beginning is their second album??? I play that album till this day and absolutely LOVE Fine Time!
However, I also really like It's All About You with Taj. It's a fun, high energy song.
The best voice is subjective. Coko became a coloratura soprano. It’s not better or the best. People are just impressed by vocal acrobatics in the highest key.
Sorry, but I disagree. Coko is the most talented singer, hence her being the lead since their 1992 debut. And it is not only about vocal gymnastics. She has a distinct /unique voice and tone. Even Taj acknowledged Coko during their "Unsung" episode. Taj said , "Coko has an amazing voice. I will never sound like her no matter what I do. This is me; this is what I have to offer you. Take it or leave it. All three ladies are talented, but I am sorry-Cheryl Gamble has the edge. Just my opinion. @@vonmorris5948
He's absolutely correct! Lee Lee & Taj's vocals were very important to the SWV sound. "Weak. I lose control. Take over me. Amazing love. Stay with me. My pride. Knocks me right off of my feeeeeeeet. Can't explain why your loving make me weak"
I love Lelee's voice and tone.
😂
@@joshuamcdowell9745 she does have a BEAUTIFUL tone.
lol Why did I read this in harmony!
Come on!!! We leave Coko right after "I get so..."! Lol we pick back up with her during the ending and the ending adlibs. I truly hope Lee Lee and Taj never felt slighted.
*black genuis. man was a yoda with the background vocal layering and harmonizing. getting 3 black ladies on the same page is oscar nominated & deserving*
Thanks. I love our artists . I know they have private lives and I really don’t care. Not my business, not what I pay for. I accept what they bring to the stage or the screen or the record or the CD or streaming, whatever, and that’s it and that’s all. One exception: R Kelly. Because I was once that 15 year old... not his but you know that life...
Even the great Brandy stated that she would prefer to sing background because she loves to harmonize and adlib and riffs.
Taj and LeLe’s background vocals are the shit!! 🔥🔥🔥 💯💯 They are my favorite part of the Weak and Im So Into You hooks and other songs as well. . The background is what I sing along to the most. Remember, Coko tried to go solo and even she admitted that album flopped. There’s something about them singing those background vocals that is the icing on the cake. The picture isn’t complete without their contributions
Yep. They compliment coko very well.
I can't remember the last time I sang: "I get so weak in the knees I can hardly speak". I'm usually singing: "Weak... I lose control..."
Coko has a unique voice but.... so do Lee and Tahj . Lee has a smooth tone made for bedroom music (Surprise Me , Can We) and Tahj has a blues and jazz sound (Use Your Heart , Give it Up ) to hers as well which is why collectively they all worked well . If BAM only wanted Coko for his songs fine , but there were plenty of other songs on the first album that could have been lead or shared between the three . I've always felt that Leele could have took a verse of Weak because her and Coko have a tendency to sound pretty similar (Mystery) .
EXACTLY 💯. Plus, producers are hired to CRAFT s song TO FIT the voices of the singer(s) they're writing for. So Brian can't get away with "Oh, Coko's voice just ✌🏾FIT✌🏾 the songs better. Especially by the 2nd album when he was TAILORING the songs 4 her voice. Same way he tailored the songs for her voice, he could have tailored some specifically for Lee Lee & Taj 🤨!
And I agree --- Coko & Lee Lee do sound a LOT alike at times depending except Lee Lee's voice doesn't have as much vibrato & resonance as Coko's. It took me YEARS to figure out it was Lee Lee singing 🤯 & N🔇T Coko on the intro song "New Beginning" off their 2nd album of the same name cuz they sounded so much alike! Kelly sounds like Beyonce's in her lower register but sounds different in her mid-register. Same way Dawn and Terry from En Vogue pretty much have the same tone to their voice in all their registers except their lower registers which Terry has a more solid grasp of & the fact Terry's voice is fuller & more resonant than Dawn's. But their mid & upper registers sound almost identical tone-wise.
Lelee fits the Neo-Soul, Taj fits Jazz and Blues sound.
@@dominiquedevereux7205 Destiny's Child figured it out as soon as they became a trio and they reach their commercial peak as a trio with their new group dynamics. The first lineup with the original was like a unit with Beyonce mainly the brand, Kelly co-lead and LeToya and LaTavia as the soprano and alto once they became trio lineup which is mostly known by the general public til this day they were like 3 independent singers their songs are divided always with Kelly mostly pre-chorus or the second verse (except 'Bootylicious') and Michelle the bridge
Lelee and Taj could have sung the two verses of 'Weak'.
"I Missed Us" features SWV's best music since "It's About Time" IMO. Unlike Brian, Lamb knew how to use all three ladies' vocals masterfully with the leads and it resulted in a more nuanced, richer sound. I wish Brian had done the same with SWV's earlier music.
Taj should’ve sang lead more.
🧢
@@jacobTheeCreole what’s cap about it?
@@kahmariwalker5088 The idiot doesn’t even know what cap means…
@@MrBean617 Ik what it means!
@@kahmariwalker5088 I wasn’t talking about you…
I honestly don’t understand after all these years what’s the big deal. They still a group and they all sung! Coko just happened to have the most powerful voice.
It wasn't a big deal but an inquiry about why some groups have multiple lead vocals and SWV didn't when Brian Alexander Morgan wrote and Produced for them
@HalftimeChat we know the answer though lol. No shade but I prefer coko's voice. Everyone doesn't have lead singer energy.
Leelee had an incredible voice and as a producer you didn’t develop it. I would have put her in vocal training and forced her to use it more. Coko’s voice is the hook. It would’ve been an asset to have Leelee lead some songs. Coko has an excellent backing voice as well. See Leelee singing Guy on the Arsenio Hall Sow
Lelee was killin that song and Written All Over Your Face.
And when they sang Weak on Apollo.
I agree 💯. If only BAM would’ve written songs she could lead as well, I believe she would’ve been more confident and developed as a lead singer, Lelee has a beautiful voice.
LeLee's voice is raw; it had character and soul. I'd like to see her sing lead half of the time as her voice is both untraditional and captivating. So many levels to her register.
Same with Destiny’s Child. It was the background singers that hold it down. Even though Beyoncé and Kelly sung lead. But LeToya and Latvia and Michelle sung background held the songs down.
Who’s to say those songs wouldn’t have been a hit with any of the other girls singing? Taj was the highlight of Use your heart. My favorite SWV cd is I missed us because of the different voices being used more
@SaintBeysus TO ME she was
@SaintBeysus yes she was because her voice was smooth and iff coko would have song the whole song it wouldn't have been what it was when Taj came in there was a difference
@SaintBeysus lol right! I hated when she came in on that song.
hell everyone waits on the bridge of use your heart cause Taj breaks it down on it
@@nicolemoore5033 Because we are use to the pitch and range of Coko BUT see it this way Taj voice is an alto i.e Anita baker, Oletta Adams, Toni Braxton, Jill Scott, Sade and Gladys Knight...Its a smooth, jazzy sound. She did a great job on the song. However, I get what you are trying to convey.
He sound like a church queen my lord Coko didn’t have to sing lead on all them song Coko with that voice was gon shine and Standout regardless
Church queen 😂😂😂😂
Lol NOT a church queen 😭😭😭😭😭
I was just about to type this comment. The SAHPRANUH SISSY! ONLY praising the SAHPRANUHS
He is definitely family
@@kc-jv1rn ☠️
Taj was always my favorite voice in the group honestly!
Word! My favorite SWV song is "Give It Up" off of Release Some Tension album. Taj sang lead feat. Lil' Kim
When a group is named SWV ( sisters with voices. ) all members should have a small part lead at some point beside background. I get Coco has. The voice but let the other ladies show their talent sometimes
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Nah New Edition switched up with Johnny Gill singing lead we loved it.
I love the background arrangements on his songs. They do make the SWV sound 🔥🔥🔥
Great video thanks for asking new and good questions 😀
I love his voice on "Always on my mind"
Yasss. He killed it!
Brian is right the background really is important . SWV it will never be another group like that . ❤❤❤
He still coulda gave them a lead part, every now and again
If it ain't broke don't fix it. they eventually got some shine, so it worked out in the long run.
But here’s the thing: Brain said why mess up your money and change the voice but you never gave the audience a choice to hear. We don’t know until u put it out. The album is being made before it hits the stores so how we know what’s a hit as a consumer..truth be told there is no way T Boz sound better than Chilli but TBoz was the lead AND IT WORKED. So strong voice doesn’t mean better. I loved SWV because of the background and Coko but I still would of love to hear the other girls..that goes for all groups..THIS IS WHY ENVOGUE WILL FOREVER BE THE BEST GIRL GROUP THAT EVER DID IT BECAUSE THEY ALL SANG HAVE HITS FOR EACH VOICE.because someone wasn’t concern on one sound.
SWV's most recent albums are some of their best because all three ladies sang lead.
Period…. I couldn’t of said it any better.
well they got to sing on the 2nd and 3rd album and the songs with all them singing underperformed minus the ones coko led on.
It takes a very special singer with a great voice to record a song without background vocals. I remember, after listening to it a hundred times, realizing “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” by Whitney doesn’t have background vocals. Neither does “Miracle” and “I Have Nothing”. I was so entrance but her voice I didn’t even notice. And most of her earlier songs’ backgrounds were so far back they aren’t noticeable, like “The Greatest Love of All.” Coko has the power, range, and distinctive quality, but as proven by her not very successful solo career, LeeLee and Taj truly added much more than they got credit for. Their voices, especially Taj, were distinctive as well. Theirs were the perfect foundation for CoKo’s leads.
Agreed. But chile, I was listening to the album version of Whitney's "Miracle" a while back, and when she starts the second verse, there's an angelic voice singing in the background. I couldn't stop playing that part.
@@79mraw I've listened to that song a millions times and never heard any voice in the background. And I've got good ears, especially for Whitney. Maybe it's a part that she doubled.
On New Beginning and albums thereafter you can hear Taj & Lelee vocals clearly on backgrounds, adlibs, and singing half notes. Ex: If u listen to Use Your Heart and You're The One it is Taj Alto that really carries the chorus 🎶🎶 💯
💯💯💯
Right! I like your comment!
Yes, Taj is actually singing lead on "Use your heart" they all have very nice voices and it wouldn't be SWV without all of them! Love SWV and their sisterhood...real genuine!
Taj killed use your heart
@@natashajohnson5119 thanks Queen 💯
I love SWV all his joints are amazing, now he says that he didn't want to mess with the formula of having Coko sing every song ...but TLC killed that theory Chill sung their biggest hit to date "No Scrubs" and T Boz was still there lead singer
I think he meant that unlike TLC, only Coko sang lead on all their tracks. Chilli and T-Boz from the first album would mix it up
@@HalftimeChat thank u and tlc was equal no one was over the other member
Thanks Brian, never thought about the background vocals explanation.
The formula is exactly right Brian, the recipe! Why screw it up when the formula is bangin! Ego and bruised feelings about limelight? You explained it perfectly when you brought up Diana Ross the voice, the background being the cement. I get it and understand it- Mychaeltodd
I met Brian through Steve Williams in San Francisco. Well done Steve.
He's a trip...just say you liked Coko's voice better than theirs. Leelee and Taj should have had more opportunities to lead. Their more recent albums include them singing lead more.
And they are EXCELLENT albums! Cainon Lamb did a great job incorporating all three ladies vocals masterfully into their new music
Agreed, it's very obvious he had the vocal arrangements in all of his songs as Coko as the lead and Taj and Lelee on the background. Coko and Taj both lead on "Use Your Heart" and wasn't produced by him, done quite well and one of their signature songs.
EXACTLY. He going all through the woods & over the bridge 🌉 to "get 2 grandma's house 🏠" trynna make up cockamamey 😑 reasons that hold NO "water 💦" as 2 why he didn't base his formula on the foundation of all 3 ladies singing lead from the get-go when the simple & ONLY reason he let Coko hog the leads is cuz he WANTED to. Plain & simple 🙄🤦🏾♂️!
Most of those songs were like written for Coko
Coko's voice was the female version of Aaron Hall & R. Kelly...very nasal sounding and strong...it fit in for early 90s r&b
BGV's are more important than leads. Its more challenging to write and arrange BGV's.
Interesting point
Exactly!!!
So true!
Leads are more important in songs, the melody/lead is what most people sing along with.
Anyone who witnessed SWV sing "There'll Never Be" on New York Undercover knows how well Taj and Lelee sing lead. It was truly a missed opportunity IMO.
I agree. I told him that I don't like the one lead singer because it puts everyone else in a vulnerable position.
Literally just saw that and I was so surprised… I never heard Taj sing. She has such a strong voice and sings very well.
@@ptq888Lee Lee taught CoCo how to hit those high notes. So she's smooth and has range.
No denying that Coko's voice is crazy, but at the end of the day, LeeLee and Taj should have gotten have at least gotten some verses on some of the songs on their debut album. His explanation was trash in my opinion. That's how you set up resentment in groups
Sometimes a lead singer's voice becomes synonymous with the overall brand of a group. I personally feel that this works for the better in most cases in terms of aesthetics but should never be used to cause division amongst the group for example one member being treated better over the others. Can you imagine if someone other than Lionel Ritchie sang lead for The Commodores? Earth Wind and Fire had a dozen members but only two sang lead can you imagine if ALL members were given an equal shot at the lead vocal? Wow what a thought.
I've never been happy with a group and a lead singer, it puts everyone in a vulnerable position if something happens to the lead singer. InTro, Jacksons, Queen, Dru Hill, Mint Condition, Profyle, Guy etc.
I prefer mixture within the group 112, Boys II Men, Blackstreet, En Vogue, TLC, Xscape, etc.
Well said. People create unnecessary divisions. In the industry artists were asking for Koko specifically. What’s she supposed to do? Say no. Stop playing! And cease and desist with the haters. We have enough real challenges. No need to create new ones.
@@HalftimeChat exactly
Clyde Orange sung a few leads with the Commodores like Brick House and Too Hot Ta Trot and he and Lionel traded leads on several songs but I get your point.
@@HalftimeChat I definitely understand. But you must admit, most "groups" are nothing but a strong DISTINCT lead singer with added vocalists. The only groups I respect all the vocalists in are Take 6 and Boys 2 Men these are groups consisting of all lead vocalists acting as a group but again I most definitely understand where you're coming from.🙏🏿
Worked for En Vogue and Xscape
But they STARTED THAT WAY, swv wasn’t that kind of group
@@da12nvmp actually before the record deal Lelee was singing lead. If you knew their history you would know. Even in the versus she mentioned she used to do the soprano notes. Coko agreed.
@@nathc540 WOW
This is a great example of a person who doesn't like change much. Seems like they could have and should have been allowed to use both formats equally.
And En Vogue still couldn't stay together
He's right the best thing about the group and the reason why I think SWV is the best girl group of all time is their blend and harmonies. They are the coldest and they stand out more than any other girl group.
"It's All About You" from the New Beginning album was lead mostly by Taj, and then Coko breaks into the bridge with "I know what you're going through" as the key changes.
The point in the long run, the lead singer of a song can always sing those songs for a lifetime and have the nostalgia those songs had on the public.
BAM is right, it didn’t matter what group Coko was in (SWV, Xscape, EnVogue, TLC) Coko’s voice was gonna be the star voice of that group, she just had it. Lelee and Taj add a great dynamic to SWV and when all voices blended together, they sound absolutely amazing. SWV was a sound. Outside of SWV, Coko didn’t last. SWV is where it’s at, so all 3 of those ladies are better together.
Even Coko's gospel albums didn't sell. People didn't want to see her solo.
Coko would’ve had some work w/ Xscape. Those Scott sisters are POWERHOUSES.
People weren't seeing her as a solo artist.
This man was a GENIUS!!! PERIOD. Would love to pick his brain 🧠
Apart from the 2hr interview which he did you can contact him on IG
Yes he will talk to you on IG I’m on his page
Brian is right. I will slightly disagree on Weak at karaoke tho lol. People sing Coko’s part because you can’t really hear the background lyricsas clearly. The background ain’t just adlibs and humming. They actually saying major words. It wasn’t until I watched an obscure Arsenio segment where he asked them to sing a capella. Where Brian is on point is, them background lyrics is now more appreciated and my favorite parts to sing NOW.... all these years later. The karaoke bit may be true for say, Jodeci, Forever My Lady. People sing the “background” singers part because it is easier to learn. There’s not a layering of lyrics in the chorus the same way as Weak.
This brother is 100% on point!
Lee Lee should have sung lead on aleast 1 single from the 2nd album
She did, which I actually like and wish they would have released it. She sung lead on ‘Don’t Waste Your Time’
@@telockett9850 they also all three sang on Its All About U
@@ddoctriness yep but many people didn't hear that album
There’s really no excuse for him not giving Taj and LeLe at least 1 lead on the first album. Lot of solo artists have great background vocalists working for them. The irony is they probably would have made wayyy more money if Coko was solo, and the other girls were her permanent BGVs. Look at Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz 🤷🏾♂️
My fav..B. Morgan!!!! All the classic joints.
SWV is truly not SWV without Coko, Lelee, and Taj. The look the feel and texture of the group is the construct of SWV.
I'm sorry but I prefer vocal arrangements that include all voices. It sounds like he too the easy way.
Me too. Why place the others in a position of weakness within the group? Hence only Coko had a solo album
I literally was just humming “weak “in my head and thinking how great the backgrounds are.
All vocals should be highlighted every once in a while. I know Coko was positioned to lead most of the songs, but it would have been nice to hear the other girls add more to the lead.
Diana Ross and Beyonce would struggle to get leads with Coko in the group. Coko had a very strong unique identity. Even now nobody sound like her or sings like her. However SWV's soulful, angelic and youthful harmonies are so beautiful and are just as important as the lead. Watch any video of them sing Weak accapella and you can see how amazing their voices blend together. Its just as important. Not releasing "Fine Time" was such a huge mistake. That song was so outstanding largely due to the backgrounds!
Well said. I just think it puts too much pressure on the group to have the one lead singer
Diana and Beyonce were in groups with people who actually have stronger voices than them but they were the ones with the personality within the group. Just Saying
The vocalist that sounds the closest to Coko is Lil’ Mo.
@@diijaithesinger yes but she doesn't resonate with me and I don't see her even close. Lil Mo has a high nasal voice but the pure tone Coko has is brighter and purer. Coko has much more light and shade in her singing too.
@@MrAntbluntfreaks there are many great singers that have power and range but they aren't successful because they don't have a unique tone and or personality. What I liked about The Supremes, Destiny's Child and SWV were the fact they had a unique identity in a competitive market thanks to a distinctive lead singer so you can easily identify them on the radio and buy their music.
I love everybody in SWV, but let’s be real, Coko was and is that lead voice, Period
He’s right!!! Background vocals are just as important as lead vocals.
Just because someone doesn't have a soprano range doesn't mean they can't sing...
This is like guitar folks. Don't you dare mistake the rhythm section for the "back up". They MAKE IT as much as the lead
Brian is right, he made their harmony all-time great 👍
Having all the girls with individual parts make the catalog more diverse in sound
Coco is the best ! That's why he chose the best for the best outcome
Most of the time the lead is done by Sopranos for an example (Beyonce, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross....) because of the range and pitch. A producer wants to grab the attention of the listener. Taj is an Alto...think of it this way Anita Baker, Cher, Toni Braxton those artist music had to be done at that vocal range. I could not imagine a Soprano singing an Anita Baker's song. So we are use to Coko's register. I totally get what you are saying, I prefer Coko to sang the lead BUT I understand the importance of the other ranges as well. This harmony. Their harmony is priceless. NO SWV without those harmonies. Alto, Soprano and tenor. Music is NOT music without Chords. Its the chords that bring Music to life. You hear the chords in the background
Coko always reminded me of Shirley Murdock. She updated that industry voice to 90’s new jack. B Alex Morgan could sing too and really made the background vocals on his songs sound like one instrument.
He is 100 % correct backgrounds do matter
A saying if it ain’t broke don’t fix it
It was an excellent balance & that's what made them legendary!!
Nice interview. I was about to walk out on my background gig because my situation had a brotha feeling like Flow , Ralph , or LeLe& Taj. Now I feel important!
Thank you for doing this interview!! I love their albums!!!!
The 2nd album was more cohesive. I actually love all the songs Brian wrote/produce
I think Brian defended his point, but he devised the formula based upon his vision. However, I actually think that the formula was too restrictive from the outset and was destined to implode, creative people dislike being controlled and sidelined.
Weirdly enough I actually didn't enjoy Coko's voice more than the other members on the 2nd album as she has a distinctive voice but it's not my favourite mainly because I like slightly lower-pitched female vocals.
Interesting point of view
That's what I SAID 😐!! The PRODUCER usually devises the formula, so if he WANTED to, he could have created the formula to include all 3 on leads from The Jump 🤨!!
The way that Coko sang" you are my love" forever told me that she was able to be smooth and soft. To me, Coko sounds the best she ever has on that track. And also, I do love I Missed Us as an album. It was such a perfectly put-together collab.
I agree I have always been a fan of the background vocals , on many of the r&b songs of the 70 's to 90"s and had wished the Grammy 's had a category for Best Background Vocals on a Song would have been great for the Genre
He’s talking some bull shit. He’s trying to justify just giving CoKo the lead verses.
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@@HalftimeChat lol
@@HalftimeChat U know I’m right.
Exactly
I think they crippled their voices and them by not challenging or having them practicing at lead. If Coko refused to sing, they couldn’t perform..
I don't think their voices were crippled because they can definitely sing just wasn't given the opportunity. Like Coko said Lelee taught her to sing in those notes. She didn't have that tone she's know for
@@dionnemccain3264 i agree they can sing but they also lip sync quite a bit in the background. When you sing more, it can help strengthen your voice. Leading requires another set of skills thats good to have if possible.
Thank you Brian! This is a perfect explanation of why Diana Ross had to lead The Supremes, the other girls did not have it like she did vocally. Diana sounded better as lead. If they all could, they would have but it simply wasn't there for Mary or Flo on records.
Thank you Brian for the amazing 🤩 music 🎶
Another great video love to here about my fave groups and producer's love it
Thank you 🙏🏾
Coko was SWV, no matter how you look at it. Coko voice was the money maker. That second album was good, and he's right their background was as important but Coko made u feel it all in ur soul!
I get what he is saying.... Background singers do make a difference to a song..
Well-said! It's the same battle in every music group: egos!
I sang lead in a Baltimore based band but had more fun when I recorded my own background vocals. Singing harmony is it for me. When I sing to the radio now, I sing harmony!!! ❤🎵😄
Lol hes finessing us like he did L and T! Dude didnt rate them as leads. Thats it
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This guy's a genius... love his work 👍👍👍
Backgrounds are absolutely as important as the leads. Folks don’t even remember the lead parts half the time. Harmonies and those background vocal arrangements have real impact and deserve more credit. There’s even a difference in SOME Beyoncé songs where the harmony that Destiny’s Child could’ve provided needs to be there. And that’s the case with MOST Coko solo tracks.
Great point, the backgrounds of "Weak" are relentless
Just a small suggestion, would love you to release the whole interview. Then you could cut it up into different topics for views. I think I miss most of these interviews getting them in bits and pieces.
I understand. The problem is the Interviews average almost 2hrs and sometimes I'm asked to edit things out by the guest before broadcast which in it's self loads of work. Brian Interview was 2hrs and 20mins. Eventually I'll take time to broadcast the entire interview like I did with Cassandra Lucas and others
Really great interview job asking those tough questions 🙏🏿
Glad you enjoyed it!😊🙏🏾
I totally get what Brian is saying if you're going to display all voices on the record you have to come in the door establishing yourself as that kind of group where everybody has a part! Like Envogue! Every girl can sing lead! and they all have hits! Cindy leads HOLD ON TO YOUR LOVE! Maxine leads Never going to get it! Dawn Robinson leads giving him something he can feel! Terry leads Dont go! and all the girls have a part on Free Your Mind!
We didn’t want the formula to change we wanted the other girls to be incorporated more. Look at New Edition they incorporated the others under pressure those singles became smashes. Let’s admit sometimes as a producer you can become a bit lazy it requires work to incorporate the others it’s easier to just work with one person and basically finish the track while in the studio and it may cost more to bring the others in more frequently. The industry does a good job of telling us why not but never a good job of telling us possibly so until it happens.
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@SaintBeysus Use your Heart was a #6 song on r&b and #22 on pop and #19 on rhythmic. For an R&B/New Jack Hip Hop group that was a solid hit.
@SaintBeysus That single was more geared to R&B audience and it was a ballad. Not every song Coko song full leases landed in the top five but for a R&B group that was a successful single. Top 10 R&B and nearly top 20 pop missing it by two spots.
BECAUSE HER VOICE IS THAT DAMN AMAZING HELLO😎😎👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑
Thank you Brother for informing folks..
He’s telling the truth most people don’t even know the lead verse to the songs we all know the background and the chorus