selling  single, "Im a Believer," written by Neil Diamond (qv) with the  backing track recorded in New York City by Don Kirshner (qv). Mike  was intended to sing lead, but at the vocal session in October 1966  he argued with producer Jeff Barry (I) (qv) and stated, "Ive  produced records and that aint no hit." Barry eventually asked Mike  to leave and Micky replaced him at lead vocal. The song hit #1 and  became the biggest single of 1967 but the battle with Jeff Barry  reflected the growing animosity between the group and their musical  directors at Columbia.