recording sessions for the album started in  at marvins recording studio some of the songs were constantly reworked by gaye until he was satisfied with what he had recorded "why did i choose you" was recorded twice as was "i wish i didnt love you so" "i wont cry anymore" and "the shadow of your smile" other songs gaye recorded were songs of his own compositions including "stranger in my life" "walkin in the rain" and "just like"