JDIZZY's 365 # 209: Lady Willpower

Lady Willpower - Gary Puckett & The Union Gap (1968)

There has always been a part of me that loves MOR pop rock. I would include the mighty Gap, along with Blood, Sweat & Tears (after their first album) and The Grass Roots as the finest examples of the genre. Gary Puckett wanted to write his own songs with his band, but with a record contract in their face, they recorded the triumvirate of Jerry Fuller-produced classics "Woman, Woman", "Young Girl" and "Lady Willpower". "Lady.." wins out here because, although the three songs are essentially the same, Willpower is less creepy and more positive than the former two. Of course the selling point is Gary's baritone, which is often overlooked in rock vocalist lists, but is one of the all time greats. He's still out there today on the oldies circuit and there are worse things you could do than go and enjoy an hour or two with some great music.