French singer-songwriter Ben Mazué has a universality that goes far beyond his soulful croon. An eclectic, ever-growing songbook is marked by hurried whispers (“Quand je marche”) and frank, spoken-word stories (“14 ans”) along with other experiments with rhythm and rhyme that make for an intimate, conversational—if not confessional—vibe. But Mazué’s vocal dexterity also punctuates the mood and style of each song, whether he’s rapping to rapid effect (“73 ans”) or gently floating in a dreamlike lilt (“La mer est calme”). Either way, he inspires rapt attention with every word.