If a tornado came through and took my home and all my possessions, and all that the wind had decided to leave me was the shirt on my back, I’d be alright. That’s the feeling I got from the sounds of Marc Broussard’s S.O.S 4, Blues For Your Soul. This album is a potpourri of the many shades and hues of blues music. Much of the music we love originated from the blues. This album contains many of those different colors. It is indeed a whirlwind of soul.
The album opens with a song called “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination”. I was surprised on my first listen with the heavy guitar tone. I wasn’t expecting it. The sound I was preparing for was something more on the rock n roll side. But this was my first listen to Marc Broussard’s music, and I sure wasn’t expecting the soul that emanated from his voice when the vocals came in. But this album is a deep well of soul and spirit. It’s got it all. With traditional elements of blues sounding from the deep south then heading up the highway north into Detroit to experience some Motown. I thought it was pretty cool.
“I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water” is the second song on the album, with a deep dive into what I thought was a traditional blues kind of song, where the piano and guitar seem to have a duel against each other, than Marc’s vocal comes over the top to mediate the whole thing. The next song – That’s What Love Will Do To You – was probably my favorite. Maybe because the You Tube video of the song gave a sense of being at a live performance. Seeing Joe Bonamassa’s guitar solo adds even more to it than just listening only. That guy can bend a guitar string.
I really enjoyed the songs “Love The Time Is Now” and “I like To Live The Love”. It made me think back to when I was a kid listening to oldies radio in my mom’s car, and the songs I would hear over again. Sixties Motown was a staple in my house along with Elvis. Even though back then I may have rather listened to something else. Nostalgia brings a richness and appreciation for things I never thought I would have ever enjoyed, but now seems to be the things I cherish the most.
I want to commend whomever made the decision to choose the final song on the album. “When Will I Let Her Go.” I’ve always thought how the songs are ordered is one of the most important things in the production of an album. This song was the perfect way to end it. I think you’ll know what I’m talking about when you listen. It’s powerful.
Maybe what the essence of blues music is, could be the expression of both the triumph and tragedy that fall hand in hand in life. Something at some time or another we’ve all experienced. When a soulful voice like Broussard’s is heard, we know what that feeling is.
About the author: A lover of grit and romance. A seeker of life lived fully. The story of hard times and good times. Of perseverance, and the art that’s created by it all.