Reference

The lead single "Love and Mercy" by Brian Wilson failed to chart for several reasons:

1. Lack of Commercial Appeal: Despite its positive and heartfelt message, "Love and Mercy" did not possess a strong commercial appeal which often drives chart success. Songs that dominate the charts typically have widespread radio play and public appeal, elements "Love and Mercy" perhaps lacked.

2. Limited Promotion: Effective promotion is crucial for a single's success. "Love and Mercy" might not have received the extensive marketing and promotional efforts necessary to capture the public's attention and airplay on major radio stations.

3. Competition: The music industry is highly competitive, and singles are constantly vying for the top positions. It’s possible that around the time "Love and Mercy" was released, other singles with broader commercial appeal overshadowed it.

4. Brian Wilson’s Audience: While Brian Wilson has a dedicated following, especially among fans of The Beach Boys, his solo audience was not as large. This may have limited the single's reach compared to the broader appeal required to chart successfully.

For a more detailed perspective on "Love and Mercy" and Brian Wilson’s reflections, you can refer to this Songfacts page.

Additionally, here is an image of the single cover that might be of interest.