Originally signed to Philly Groove Records via a production contract with Norman Harris, the group came with Harris when he signed onboard the newly formed Salsoul. Most of Harris' work would be issued on the Gold Mind subsidiary of Salsoul - First Choice were no exception. The bulk of the group's offerings came from the stable of Baker/Harris/Young, but other producers and mixers would feature prominently, such as Tee Scott and Tom Moulton (whose mix of "Dr. Love" is the all-time favorite of Salsoul Label head Ken Cayre). "Let No Man Put Asunder" would not reach it's penultimate destination in every urban DJ's front crate until Shep Pettibone re-worked it inthe early 1980's. The group had recorded a Southern Soul styled version of Al Green's "Love and Happiness" for their sole Philly Groove album, where it sat alongside the major hit "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" and the minor hit "Smarty Pants". Salsould would eventually re-mix and re-issue all three tracks in various incarnations, leading to the misconception that they were vintage Salsoul cuts. In fact, they were vintage Baker/Harris/Young productions that preceded Salsoul and were acquire by the label after the fact.
Lead vocalist Rochelle Fleming enjoys a reputation as one of the legendary disco divas, and still lends vocals to the occassional one-off house track, such as Tom De Novy's "Summer Love".
First Choice was an American girl group vocal music trio from Philadelphia. The group produced the disco hits "Armed and Extremely Dangerous", "The Player", "Love Thang", "Let No Man Put Asunder" and "Dr. Love".
Career
Fleming was the main vocalist. The group was originally known as the Debronettes.
Philadelphia DJ Georgie Woods introduced the trio to Norman Harris, guitarist with MFSB, to produce their debut single, "This Is The House Where Love Died". Although it sold poorly, the record led to a recording contract with the Philly Groove record label, and the release of Armed and Extremely Dangerous. Also produced by Harris, the song was a hit first in the UK, where it reached the Top 20 in the UK Singles Chart on Bell Records.
U.S. success followed and the later singles, "Smarty Pants" and "The Player," sold equally well.[citation needed] While producer Harris was associated with numerous hits during the disco boom of the late 1970s, the only later chart entry for First Choice was "Dr. Love," and, in 1984, the group split up.
In 1983, however, the group's 1977 album cut "Let No Man Put Asunder" was remixed by Shep Pettibone and Frankie Knuckles for club play, and became a staple for urban DJs and a classic for listeners. The centerpiece vocals and bass riff of the song were among the most sampled expressions of the emerging Chicago house music scene in the 1980s. Steve "Silk" Hurley used this bass line in his 1987 song "Jack Your Body," which went on to become the first house record to top the UK charts.
In 1987, Fleming re-formed the group with her cousin Laconya Fleming, and Lawrence Cottel, to record Love Itch (Prelude Records). In the same year, a reissue of "Let No Man Put Asunder" was a dancefloor hit in the UK.[citation needed]
Over the years, the group has seen some new success, as many of their songs have been remixed and re-released. Larry Levan remixed its "Double Cross" (Gold Mind, 1979) track, plus Tee Scott's first studio mix was "Love Thang" (1979)). It was also remixed by Tony Humphries in 1993 for the Salsoul remix project, two albums released on Double J Records. First Choice benefitted somewhat when Rhino Records put its Armed and Extremely Dangerous into the Soul Hits of the 70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind series, and also when the Salsoul catalog was digitally remastered and released in the 1990s.
Fleming has also provided guest vocals for the occasional house music release over the years.
Great Expectations
First Choice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know he's mums too right
He's gonna work out fine (mama) my (mama)
I fell in love at first sight
They say it must've fit him they met him
For nobody else expect me
It only took one kiss just one kiss
I knew there and then love was real
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Great Expectations
Great Expectations
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Don't ask me how I know just I know
It's the feeling I've got in my bones
A woman's intuition a sixth sense
An instinct just something I know
Yeah, maybe I'm a fool (mama) fool (mama)
What if he's my Mister Wrong
No matter what you say (mama) hey (mama)
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Great Expectations
Great Expectations
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do
Remember what you said (mama) when (mama)
You fell in love with my Dad
He took you to your door (mama) your (mama)
Warned you that love could turn bad
But heaven must've sent him
Meant him for nobody else except you
It only took one kiss just one kiss
And you knew then and there love was true
Great Expectations
Great Expectations...
(Repeat until fade).
The lyrics to First Choice's song Great Expectations describe the feeling of falling in love and having great expectations for the relationship. The singer describes meeting a man and falling in love at first sight, feeling like he is the right one for her despite any doubts others may have. She has a strong intuition about the relationship and even though others warn her about the possibility of it going wrong, she trusts in her feelings and expects the best.
The repetition of the phrase "Great Expectations" throughout the song emphasizes the theme of high hopes and optimism for the relationship. The use of "mama" after certain phrases adds a sense of intimacy and familiarity, as if the singer is confiding in her mother or a close friend.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of hopefulness and trust in one's instincts when it comes to love.
Line by Line Meaning
Last night I met a man (mama) man (mama)
Yesterday, I met a man whom I believe is right for me
I know he's mums too right
I am certain that he is the perfect match for me
He's gonna work out fine (mama) my (mama)
I am confident that things will be great with him, and he is mine
I fell in love at first sight
I instantly fell in love with him when I first saw him
They say it must've fit him they met him
Some people claim that he was made for me because of how well we match
For nobody else expect me
He is right for me, and no one else could be his perfect match
It only took one kiss just one kiss
I knew our love was real and true after just one kiss
I knew there and then love was real
I instantly recognized the legitimacy of our love
It's the feeling I've got in my bones
I have an intense feeling and intuition that he is the one for me
A woman's intuition a sixth sense
I have a strong sense of intuition about him that is particular to my gender
An instinct just something I know
I have an innate sense that he is the one for me
Maybe I'm a fool (mama) fool (mama)
I might be foolish for falling for him so quickly
What if he's my Mister Wrong
I worry that he might not actually be right for me
No matter what you say (mama) hey (mama)
Regardless of what others say, I believe he is right for me
Remember what you said (mama) when (mama)
You once told me this when you fell in love with Dad
He took you to your door (mama) your (mama)
He made sure to take care of you by walking you to your door
Warned you that love could turn bad
Dad warned you that love can be difficult and may not always be easy
But heaven must've sent him
You were meant to be with Dad by a higher power
Meant him for nobody else except you
Dad is only meant to be with you, and no one else
Great Expectations
I have high hopes and aspirations for my relationship
(Repeat until fade)
The chorus is repeated until the song fades out
Writer(s): Bellotte Peter, Baldursson Thorir, Bjoerklund Mats
Contributed by Bentley D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.