July 2007
Broussard has a great voice for this music -- he sounds older than 25 -- and he has wisely chosen a mixture of soul chestnuts (Al Greens "Love and Happiness," the Staple Singers "Respect Yourself") and lesser-known tunes by great singers (Bobby Womacks "Harry Hippy," Rance Allens "Let the Music Get Down in Your Soul"). He bravely throws in a tune of his own, "Come In From the Cold," which manages to hold its own in such august company. Broussards band, along with a few guest musicians, nails the urban sophistication of Motown and the grit of Stax/Volt with equal aplomb. It stays close to the original arrangements, but injects enough of its own personality to keep the disc from becoming a pale imitation. S.O.S.: Save Our Soul is cleanly recorded, with the instruments well separated and Broussards voice clearly focused. Youthful enthusiasm leads Broussard to over-emote occasionally, but most of the disc shows a singer with a deep understanding of classic soul. GO BACK TO: |