Marques Houston

At only 25, Marques Houston has earned the right to call himself a veteran -- and not just because he's been at this business for 15 years already. The bigger testament to the smooth-talking crooner's experience is the emotional and musical maturity that characterizes his third solo album. Gone are (most of) the get-wit-u bangers and post-boy band ballads; in their place are rich, romantic songs about love and commitment. (Look ma! No explicit version!) Maybe Houston found a special lady, maybe he just realized he could catch more honeys with honey. Either way, he sounds grown-up -- and good.