GospelFlava.com - Reviews - William Becton (Broken II)

William Becton
Broken II

It seems as though this is the year of the sequel. With movies such as X-Men, The Matrix, and Bad Boys all releasing sequels in 2003, it only seems right that the music industry would follow suit.

Enter William Becton, who gives us the long awaited follow up to his debut project, Broken.

Ok...it's been 9 years and three albums since the first Broken project and the industry has changed a lot since 1994. Regardless of time, the Broken concept still has a way to find you and this project amazingly picks up where the original left off. Let's just hop to it.

Pastor Becton returns to a live format with this recording from the Community Christian Church in Greenville, North Carolina. There are some other marked similarities with this sequel. Like the first one, it’s also an independent release.

The project is the debut for Becton's new label, Becthoven Music, and marks it by moving more towards ballads, and doesn’t do so on his own. Becton is backed by his longtime group Friends on "The Next Level","Sacrifices of God", and "What Shall Separate Me?". The Judah Choir backs Becton throughout the remainder of the project.

Becton detours from the urban vibe of his previous projects and moves to a powerful praise and worship feel. Easily, one of the highlights of the project is an appearance from former Radical For Christ vocalist Kim Rutherford. Rutherford adds her anointed vocals to "Sacrifices Part II" and "Next Level Part II" and gives potent exhortations that ushers in God's presence in an awesome way.

Brent Jones of Brent Jones and the TP Mobb drops some hot vocals on "Blessing Me". This urban slow jam highlights Jones' vocal skills and shows Becton's versatile writing skills.

William Becton

Becton has other friends who join the project as Erick Matthews (see album review) lends his vocals to "Show Yourself Mighty In Me". Matthews shares lead vocals on this uptempo track with Melanie Wright and Pastor Charles Lyles. An alumnus of John Kee's New Life Community Choir, Matthews fits in perfectly on this catchy songs.

Speaking of infectious numbers, Becton moves to an old school traditional vibe with "Joy In the Morning!". This hand-clappin', foot-stompin' number sees Scot Moore and Becton on lead vocals. You'll definitely rock this track en route to service on Sunday morning.

Becton does not fear diversity as he brings a number of different flavors to this release. He even adds some latin flavor with "Garment of Praise".

He drops a nice groove with "Our God Can". This encouraging track speaks to God's ability to do the impossible and features stirring lead vocals from Charisse Nelson McIntosh (see album review).

Make no mistake though, the DC-based pastor thrives in the ballad arena. Songs such as "Move With The Cloud" and "The Next Level" really demonstrate this as Becton expresses his passion to be in the presence of God. As with his previous efforts, Becton penned all of the songs on this project and also served as producer.

If that's not enough, Broken II features a 10 minute EPK which has a video interview with Pastor Becton, his wife, and his spiritual leaders, Pastors Randy and Manon Gurley. Shot primarily in his studios, Becton gives extra commentary on the making of Broken II and his inspiration to returning to Broken concept.

It's very safe to say that in this case, if it's Broken, don't try to fix it. Becton has found his niche with this album and the result is a powerful project slated to have a more potent impact than its predecessor. Don't sleep.

Producer: William Becton album release date: May, 2003
Becthoven Records

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —