Former teen idol Marques Houston had successfully transitioned to a credible R&B vocalist with their second solo album, “Naked,” in the fall of 2005. Houston continued to make a name for himself two years later with this third album, “Veteran,” this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.
For the album’s inaugural single, “Like This,” Marques Houston delved into the prevalent Crunk R&B genre. Corey Bold and Houston’s longstanding mentor, Chris Stokes, produced this track, marking a collaborative effort. Additionally, it served as a reunion with rapper Yung Joc. The song conveys a celebratory atmosphere, exalting the nightclub scene and fostering an enjoyable ambiance. The lyrics advocate for embracing one’s sexuality and engaging in uninhibited dancing. Yung Joc accentuates the male perspective, promoting self-assurance, while Marques Houston articulates his appreciation for women with curvaceous physiques.
The second single from the album, “Favorite Girl,” signified Houston’s return to balladry. Co-authored with Brandon Howard, this melodious love song conveys deep admiration and affection for a specific woman. The lyrics emphasize the exceptional qualities of this woman in comparison to others encountered by the artist. Given the singer’s celebrity status and romantic success, the song was a fitting successor, particularly if the artist contemplated a more settled relationship.
The third single, ‘Circle,’ is a poignant exploration of unresolved emotions and the struggle to move on from a past relationship. Co-written with the talented Bryan Michael-Cox, the song delves into Houston’s internal conflict when memories of his former love resurface. Despite new relationships, the emotions from the past persist, creating a relatable narrative of heartache and healing.
For the album’s final single, “Wonderful,” Houston reunited with one of the most-demanded songwriters at the time, Ne-Yo. The two found success four years earlier with Houston’s debut solo single, “That Girl.” Featuring production from The Stereotypes, “Wonderful” was a spiritual sequel to “Favorite Girl,” as both celebrations of love and admiration for your partner.
The song delves into the theme of romantic appreciation, highlighting the profound influence one can wield over another’s life. Houston articulates the crucial importance of his partner, extolling her beauty, charm, and the happiness she brings. Ne-Yo’s lyrics center around the notion that love can elevate one’s existence, essentially fostering a sense of completeness, accentuating Houston’s smooth vocal performance.
Houston keeps the good vibes coming for the remainder of the album as he croons about typical R&B tropes. The theme of commitment comes through The Underdog’s production “Always & Forever” and the Lil Misap-penned “So Right For Me.” Sensuality is the theme of “Kimberly,” while “Miss Being Your Man” centers on regret. While “Veteran” would become Houston’s first number-one solo album, outside of his core fans, the album is rarely mentioned.
Nevertheless, “Veteran” is a solid project that, sadly, was overshadowed by Houston’s contraries at the time. It is worth revisiting.
Final Grade: B+
