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April 26, 2007

Review

In the Thicke of it

Singer’s latest disc is more polished than ‘Veteran’

Story by: Anthony Williams

The Shorthorn Scene editor

One singer has followed the paths of many other successful crooners before him, but his latest efforts leave him left in the dust of another, who’s finally catching his own piece of the limelight.

Marques Houston has parlayed his childhood in television and his early work in a boy band into three albums over the past four years, his most recent Veteran. But unlike with the group Immature, later known as IMx, none of his solo tracks have become chart-bangers, or really anything close, save for “Naked” maybe.

Which brings to mind Houston’s blatant attempt to sell by sex alone. He went one past D’Angelo’s infamous “Untitled (How Does It Feel?),” singing nude in provocative poses and in a bath with a woman.

Houston makes sure to package his CDs with DVDs, teasing to more such footage with words like “rough”, “rugged,” “raw” and “uncut.” Not surprisingly there’s very little there, just amateur video of performances and Houston doing random things like going to the gas station. That’s where your $10 or more ends up, at 7-Eleven.

As far as the songs, standouts “Circle” and “Hold N’ Back,” featuring Mya and Shawnna, give their all, but they can’t save this veteran.

Go from that to Robin Thicke, who’s sometimes struggled just to get heard. In 2002, back when he just went by his surname, he was hailed by critics for his single “When I Get You Alone,” and the video even garnered some rotation on TV. His debut album, though, failed to light a fire.

Now, Thicke’s album The Evolution of Robin Thicke has topped several charts over the past few months since its October release, which brought about a re-release in February, leading to its platinum certification.

Listening to Thicke’s material, it’s a wonder why the son of actor Alan Thicke endured any growing pains. “Lost Without U” is the best and likely the most popular love song in some time. Tracks “Complicated,” “Cocaine” and “Everything I Can’t Have” have contagious beats and great vocals. And his guest stars make “Got 2 Be Down” with Faith Evans, “Wanna Love U Girl” with Pharrell and “Shooter” with Lil’ Wayne close to stellar.

Evolution is an album not to be ignored. As Thicke makes his mark on 2007 and the rest of the decade, fans of great music will enjoy the melodies and his hard work — he did write or co-write every song.

Meanwhile, Veteran may be the last straw for everyone, including Houston’s dwindling fan base. You’ll think of his “Sister, Sister” character and most-often heard line, “Go home, Roger!”