Description
The Reckoning is the sophomore studio album by the American singer and songwriter Margaret Becker, released on Sparrow Records in May 1988. The basic tracks were recorded by Csaba Petocz at Cherokee Studios in Hollywood, California; with Dan Posthuma producing. Vocals and overdubs recorded by Dan Garcia at Homestead Studio in Sepulveda and Valley Studio in Hollywood, California. Mixed by Petocz at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. All songs written or co-written by Margaret Becker except the opening track.
Featuring Margaret Becker on acoustic guitar and vocals, backed by a session band consisting of Alan Pasqua and Smitty Price on keyboards, Dann Huff and Tim Pierce on acoustic and electric guitars, John Pierce on bass, and Mike Baird on drums, with David Huff providing additional percussion. Cello provided by Kevin Toufec with backing vocals provided by Tommy Funderburk, Andrea Robinson, Kurt Howell, Bob Carlisle (track B4), as well as Margaret Becker.
Leslie Phillips‘ departure from the Christian music field diminishes the already narrow field of Christian women who can credibly sing rock ‘n’ roll. Margaret Becker has chosen to tread a virtually singular path, and she does so with guts and integrity. More impressive than her rich and powerful voice is the maturity of the lyrics on her second LP for Sparrow Records, ‘The Reckoning’.
It’s been said that to sing (or for that matter, to write) with “soul” involves a decision on the artist’s part to reveal and not to conceal. In that regard. ‘The Reckoning’ can be described as intimate. Though one can never know just how much of an artist’s work is autobiographical, the conviction and reality that infuses Margaret Becker’s gritty songs suggest that she ain’t making this stuff up! A product of the New York music scene, Becker had several years to “woodshed” as a pro, before releasing her first full LP nearly two years ago.
‘The Reckoning’ builds on the theme of simple faith established on ‘Never for Nothing‘. Becker is quite adept at lacing lyrical connections between groups of songs. «You Can’t Take It With You», «Find Me», and «Pico Blvd.» all deal in some fashion with the barriers (whether material or spiritual) that we place between ourselves and God. Several tracks, such as «Take Me Away» and «Til My Feet Don’t Move» capture intense moments of Becker’s private worship time.
Clearly a gifted songwriter, Becker also has the musical goods to back her lyrics. Indeed, Becker’s gruff vocal timbre is equally suited to the many rockers on ‘The Reckoning’, as well as what might be described as “power ballads.”
‘The Reckoning’ displays a seasoning not often evident on sophomore albums. In a world where the list of top female vocalists usually starts and ends with Grant and Patti, make room for Margaret Becker. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, August 1988]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-reckoning/715845621)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Light In The Darkness” – 3:29
A2. “You Can’t Take It With You” – 3:50
A3. “Find Me” – 3:41
A4. “Take Me Away” – 3:20
A5. “Pico Boulevard” – 4:22
A6. “Who Am I” – 4:51
Side Two
B1. “Start The Fire” – 4:19
B2. “‘Til My Feet Don’t Move” – 4:05
B3. “I Don’t Want To Be Without You” – 4:09
B4. “Come Quickly Lord” – 4:43
B5. “Streets Of Innocence” – 3:37
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Sparrow Records.
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