Marc Broussard

“Carencro”

Island Records

(two and one half stars)

When Marc Broussard modestly says he’s just “a white boy singing soul music,” the Louisiana native understates his talent. On his debut disc, “Carencro,” the 22-year-old singer is a true soulman.

Nevertheless, this isn’t the perfect soul record. Some songs are so polished that the power of his voice is lost in the orchestration.

But then there are tunes like “Home” and “Hope for Me Yet,” where his baritone is so passionate it sends shivers down your spine. This album begs for a producer like Rick Rubin, whose genius is isolating what makes an artist great. In Broussard, it’s his voice – instrumentals beyond a guitar or piano just seem to be gilding the lily.

Terri Hendrix

“The Art of Removing Wallpaper”

Wilory Records

(four stars)

You might think country singer Terri Hendrix’s new album is about stripping away the masks we hide behind, but the real theme here is even more basic: It’s about being truthful with yourself.

With her musical partner, Lloyd Maines (father of Dixie Chick Natalie Maines), Hendrix presents her songs in stripped-down country arrangements that keep her appealing voice in front of the music. She opens with the powerful “Breakdown,” a song that wrestles with personal angst and emptiness. That might sound gloomy, but the melody lends an optimistic air.

Hendrix really makes her mark on a cover of rapper L.L. Cool J’s “I Need Love,” bridging the gap between The Bronx and Nashville

Santana

“Food for Thought”

BMG

(two and one half stars)

Surprisingly, some of the best recent CD compilations have been released by non-music retailers like Starbucks. Now, the Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is getting in on the act with Grammy grabber Carlos Santana on a CD to benefit California’s Milagro Foundation.

“Food” features music freshly minted for the project as well as archive treasures. There are 10 tracks, and there isn’t a bum in the batch.

The four new Santana compositions are very good, but the highlights here are an unreleased version of “Oye Como Va,” and a rap ‘n’ roll number by Carlos’ kid Salvador Santana.

There’s no Baja Fresh in New York City, but the disc can be ordered for $8 at http://www.bajafresh.com.

Tommy Stinson

“Village Gorilla Head”

Sanctuary Records

(three stars)

With one of the finest pedigrees in rock music, former Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson delivers a record you have to work at to appreciate. The rewards are there, even though on first listen it may seem scattered.

After a few spins, it becomes easy to connect the dots between these stylistically varied tunes. This disc really illustrates Stinson’s musical vocabulary.

Pay attention to the lyrics, and you’ll be impressed by how perceptive they are; the melodies are equally memorable. Listen for the catchy pop of “Hey You” and the jangly rock of “Something’s Wrong.”