Review by Annar Veröld.
Lelia Broussard’s style in her new album, Masquerade, expresses the heart of the songstress in versatile ways. The album travels from singer-songwriter, to indie rock, and then to an indie-jazz style with her sultry voice, providing a range of diversity from song to song.
The album begins with the title track, “Masquerade”, a catchy and upbeat song with which the audience is exposed to the Lelia’s songwriting skills and powerful voice. Following is Lelia’s fun album single, “Satellite”. From the beginning of the album, listeners get a taste of Lelia Broussard’s potential. However, the rest of the album dives into an instant miss.
Songs such as “Something true”, “You’re not fooling anyone” and “Heart Collectors” sound as if they would be perfect for wrapping up a season finale for a locally televised drama. Unfortunately, “Spiderwebs”, “Rosey” and “Shoot for the moon” are nothing particularly special or different from what you can find being performed in your local bar on a Monday night.
The album has a song co-written by Rob Fusari (who has produced work with Lady Gaga and Beyonce), and features production by Dan Romer (who has worked closely with Ingrid Michaelson and Bess Rogers). Dan Romer’s influence is evident in the sense that Broussard sounds just like every other singer-songwriter he has produced.
Sadly, the greatest fault is that the band does not match up to the artist’s voice. Without a doubt, Broussard can carry her own rather well during an acoustic performance; however, the band does not reflect the same talent as the voice of the songstress. Throughout the album, it sounds as though the instruments are Broussard’s weak and lagging sidekick.
Lelia Broussard has a beautiful voice, but listening to this album is like looking someone steady in the eyes as they lie to you—it feels annoyingly degrading. Whatever it is the album is trying to express, it doesn’t quite sell it. Regardless, the playful rhythms, simple performance, and decent lyrics make it tolerable for “close-to-mute,-but-still-loud-enough-to-not-feel-lonely” study music on an average Tuesday night. Though pleasant and bearable, generally, the album is nothing inspiring, and tragically short of a masterpiece.
Rating: 5/10
I think this album is fantastic.
I have been listening to Masquerade non-stop and it doesn’t get old. In fact with each listen I discover a new subtlety of Lelia’s voice or a new musical lick that perks me up.
Each song has it’s own unique charm and still flows together into one unified work.
This reviewer is right, Lelia has a fantastic voice and is amazing to see live. But in my opinion the album is a wonderful capture of Lelia’s talents. I hear a lot of indie artists putting out albums that all sound the same and Lelia’s voice and songwriting marries perfectly with the production to elevate Masquerade above the throngs. It has something special that keeps me putting it on repeat.
Favorite jams: Everybody I have played the album for stops and asks “what’s this song?” when Satellite is playing,and then ask me to play it again. I like Masquerade (the song) even more though. But my all time favorite on the album is Armor On My Heart. This really showcases Lelia’s vocal prowess. I don’t know if it’s ever going to be a single, but it stops me in my tracks every time. The only song I don’t totally love is Hipster Bitch, but it’s still fun.
So, I love it. I’m going to play it loud right now. Try it on for size.
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