MH 2003 Album

Marques Houston

This is on the better side of stock-standard mid '00s R&B but there is room for improvement. The album begins well with the singles kicking the album off but features a number of songs that just meander through in the second half. Along with the recognisable R. Kelly production, in a time when he was running the game, there are times when I get a Michael Jackson and 'Invincible' vibe on songs like 'Can I Call You'. The added background Tarzan-like 'Ohhhs" from R. Kelly on 'Clubbin' make the song. Marques also does a near-impression of Kelly's vocals from 'Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)' on 'Grass Is Greener'. 'I Can Be the One' reminds me of another R&B legend's song, 'Stutter' by Joe, with the way Marques sings at the beginning of the verses. The worst moments are 'Tempted' and 'Actin' Up' that try to add more energy after a number of slow jamz but fail to be anything of note. R. Kelly's remix of 'That Girl' unfortunately doesn't live up to his history of his remixes being better than the original either so the album finishes limply after a consistent first two-thirds. It's a decent debut solo project that has grown on me, but even the hit, 'That Girl', written by a Ne-Yo, isn't something I love. There are many decent-good moments, but it's lacking anything amazing enough for me to rate this higher. Best Tracks: Clubbin', Pop That Booty, That Girl, Love's a Game