Famous,
Marques Houston's sixth solo album and first for Shanachie, is a little more
D'Angelo and a little less
R. Kelly than previous release
Mattress Music. Almost all of the tracks involve newcomer producer and songwriter Immanuel Jordan Rich, who grants
Houston a set dominated by mature slow jams. A few of the ballads are sleepy and nondescript. "Only You" gets the album off to a poor start; the lyrical quotes from
Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" are so extensive that
Houston seems as if he can't be bothered to add his own touch. The remainder, thankfully, is a little more creative and memorable. The easy-gliding falsetto showcase "Take Your Love Away," which ranks with
Houston's best work, is the album's standout. ~ Andy Kellman