Marques Houston - MH (CD)

All Music Guide

On the strength of the easygoing "That Girl" and the R. Kellyproduced "Clubbin'," Marques Houston's longdelayed solo debut got off to a strong start. Beyond that, there's the tobeexpected, sexuallyforward, "See how I've matured now" single in the form of "Pop That Booty," where Jermaine Dupri adds a verse that crosses a suggestive track over into raunchy territory. Though the upbeat club tracks gained most of the attention, the softer, more sincere tracks such as the sweet "Can I Call You," where Houston effortlessly flexes his considerable vocal skills are just as effective. Houston doesn't have much in the way of originality to offer, but he and his collaborators have put together a respectable album that should retain his original fan base while adding some new admirers. The fact that Houston coproduced and wrote a handful of the songs some of which are among the album's best bodes well for a future that he's been keeping in mind ever since the Immature days. (Remixes of "That G...irl" and "Clubbin'" are appended to the album proper, sweetening the deal for fans.) - Andy Kellman , All Music Guide Read more Less