Marc Broussard "Momentary Setback"
Compare to: O.A.R., Pseudopod, Brian McKnight
Rating: 7
A quick introduction to the music of Marc Broussard: spicy Cajun vocals can get you hot and sweaty, but often leave you with heartburn. Broussard, a 20-year-old Lafayette, La., native, worked with his father, Ted Broussard, on his first album, "Momentary Setback."
The kid's obviously got vocal talent -- range and flexibility are two words that need not be explained to Broussard.
But as with many young artists, he needs more focus. An eclectic album, "Momentary Setback" runs the gamut from gospel to rock, goes sentimental and regains its footing -- only to fall into more sentimentality.
"Momentary Setback" starts out with a lightly orchestrated vocal-driven track titled "The Wanderer." It's catchy, light and definitely does its part to show off Broussard's golden pipes.
He then builds with the bass-driven "Just Like That" and is in full stride by the time he hits "Blue Jeans," a funky R&B number that evokes junior high memories of Tony! Toni! Ton�! with a new edge.
But just as soon as Broussard is in top form, he stumbles. After he gets you dancing, he slips in a Southern gospel blues ballad, "French Caf�." In its own right, it's a fine song. It just doesn't fit with its placement on the album. It also brings back junior high memories, but this time of "Walking in Memphis," a memory which some of us might have repressed for good reason.
Broussard gets back on his feet with the album's namesake and "Gotta Be More," a full-on rock gospel that almost lets you forget once again the folly of Marc Cohn.
"Jeremiah's Prayer," the album's last track, is another song whose exclusion would have improved the record. After what is a solid and somewhat funky record, he peters out with "May the angels fly to greet you/ You can see it all from up there/ I know you're listening from up above/ 'Cause this is and always will be my prayer."
Next time, Broussard should keep the funky with the funky, and keep the slow and sappy to himself.
James McKenzie/March 12, 2003
Iowa State Daily