He Will Break Your Heart

Personnel: Jerry Butler (vocals).Jerry Butler's sophomore effort, and his first recorded for Vee-Jay, is more suited to his talents than his debut. True, there are several tracks packed with an over-reaching orchestra, similar to Jerry Butler, Esq. Still, the addition of old friend Curtis Mayfield as a co-composer (and backing vocalist) for four tracks gives an edge to Butler's grand, sweeping performances. Three Butler/Mayfield tracks -- the title song, "The Gift of Love," and "I Found a Love" -- are the highlights here, along with Butler's own "Sweet Was the Wine." As usual, the strings and vocal choruses aren't much of a stumbling block to Jerry Butler's gentle swing and powerful voice. ~ John Bush