This is a review of Marc Broussard’s newest CD Keep Coming Back, released on September 16, 2008. This album was recorded in just 11 days and marks his debut release on Atlantic Records. First a disclaimer: I am neither a music critic nor a writer by trade.
The first thing that came to mind after listening to the title track, ”Keep Coming Back”, was that Marc is bringing funky back! More on this tune later. This CD is a nice mix of up-tempo, mid-tempo, and ballads…all co-written by Marc Broussard.
Two songs on this CD exhibit a familiar theme for Mr. Broussard….being on the road, away from home and loved ones. “Another Night Alone” is a slow and melancholy tune. I favor “Going Home” which includes the lyric “You know I was born to roam”.
“Power’s In The People” is a social/political song about the state of the world today, the plight of the poor, with a message that people can change the world when they get involved. Marc has some soulful background singers with him here. “Hard Knocks” is a great song, a tale of “earning a degree in the street” featuring amazing guitar work and a nice groove.
Two female artists lend their talents on Keep Coming Back. “Why Should She Wait” features Sarah Bareilles and their voices blend nicely as Marc sings about changing his ways and treating his woman better. I prefer the duet with LeAnn Rimes, “When It’s Good”, which has a soulful country vibe.
The mid-tempo tunes are “Real Good Thing”, “Man For Life”, and “Saying I Love You”. The latter two have a hint of 70s soul.
This leaves my three favorite tracks to tell you about. “Evangeline Rose” is a ballad written for and about Marc’s young daughter. This song contains beautiful acoustic guitar and in my opinion is as lovely as Broussard’s fan favorite “Gavin’s Song” (not on this disc) but not quite as emotional for this listener. I have heard rumblings that “Evangeline Rose” will make a great father/daughter wedding dance song…even if the bride’s name is altogether different.
The title track “Keep Coming Back” is up-tempo funk. The best dance tune on the CD, it is featured on Marc’s myspace page player and filled with fantastic horns! The lyric “…listen while the guitar takes a ride” and others are pure fun. I found it interesting that in the CD liner notes it states which brand of instruments are used. Marc plays Gibson and Taylor guitars.
The best song on Keep Coming Back is “Evil Things”. This tune, more than any other, shows off Marc’s gorgeous vocals…he sounds vulnerable but not weak. The piano and gentle swells of orchestra strings are brilliant. “You try to hold me but I cannot sit still”….this song is the shining gem on this album.
If you like real music with real instruments delivered with soul and meaning, you will like Keep Coming Back. If you ever get the chance to see Marc Broussard in concert, do not hesitate! He gives 110% and you walk away feeling like you got a steal on the ticket price. Real music and talented writing from a man who seems too young to have it all within his heart, mind, and soul.