Every time I hear the opening strums of the titular track from James Taylor’s 1970 sophomore record, I’m taken back to the passenger seat of my dad’s Nissan Xterra, his old Sweet Baby James CD in the player, long ago scratched but somehow emitting Taylor’s tender croon perfectly. This and nearly all of the eleven tracks that comprise Cajun singer-songwriter Marc Broussard’s November release, A Lullaby Collection SOS III, prompt a fond reminiscence of memories dormant for far too long.
The newest record from the Carencro native was released jointly with his first book, a children’s story aptly titled I Love You For You, which teaches young readers to value their identity and individuality. Half of the proceeds from the book will benefit Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. The album is stacked with covers of time-honored classics, including “Moon River,” “What a Wonderful World,” and “When You Wish Upon a Star,” as well as two originals from Broussard. Lafayette songstress Lauren Daigle is featured, in addition to Lily Kershaw, Sammy Rae, Mykal Kilgore, and Mary Broussard.
Broussard recalls the steady grace of beloved bygone musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Andy Williams, and his smooth, sweet lilt feels exactly like a lullaby should: singing you to sleep as you drift into dreamland. Whether you have little ones of your own, or you want to take a trip down memory lane during this holiday season, A Lullaby Collection appeals to the inner child present in all of us.
This is the third album in Broussard’s Save Our Soul series, a philanthropic mission which raises money for charities Broussard supports with each record. To stream the album or purchase I Love You For You, head to marcbroussard.com.