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My personal CD player has anticipated the major-label debut from Mark
Broussard, a still-very-young singer/songwriter from Louisiana, for quite some
time. I knew from the moment I first heard this kid exercise his vocal chords
that he had a gift, and I’ve been a fan since. Not only does Broussard soulfully
emulate some of the greatest R&B singers like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, but
he does it in a radio-friendly acoustic pop/rock format. Carencro is proof that
Broussard has the songwriting chops to go along with that monster voice of his.
“Home” is an interesting choice to open the album, sort of a genre cross between
Memphis blues and classic rock, and as the song progresses, Broussard takes
control like a preacher on Sunday. “Rock Steady” is pure pop ear candy, and it’s
flat-out one of the best songs I’ve heard in years. “Save Me” is another
groove-infused pop diddy with a chorus as big as Broussard’s voice. Bluesy
ballads like “The Beauty of Who You Are” and “Rainy Night in Georgia” show off
that soulful side, a side that might make Broussard challenge the date on his
own birth certificate. “The Wanderer” is a great song off his self-released
debut that made the cut onto this record. Then, just when you think it can’t get
any better, there is a hidden track. Broussard wrote “Gavin’s Song” about his
son, and it’s clearly about missing him when he’s on the road. I can almost
guarantee that this acoustic gem will give you goose bumps.
These are songs that instantly make your own life feel like a movie soundtrack.
Broussard, his band and industry veteran Marshall Altman at the producer’s helm
combine to make Carencro a can’t-miss record. Marc Broussard clearly has a gift
to offer music enthusiasts everywhere. Hopefully, that gift will be accepted by
enough of them to give this incredible artist the long career he deserves.
~Mike Farley
mfarley@bullz-eye.com
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