Marques Houston has released his new album The Best Worst Year Ever via Phoenix Music Group.
The 14-track offering includes the singles “Last Drop,” “Admit It” and “Cowgirl.”
Regarding the latter track, Houston tells Rated R&B, “‘Cowgirl’ is one of my favorite tracks on the album. You can’t have an R&B record without a classic. The entire song is a double entendre, making it all the more enjoyable. It’s grown and sexy without being overt.”
He adds, “The record samples Bobby Brown‘s ‘Rock Wit’cha.’ I wanted to lean into the record’s sensuality, add a touch of playfulness, and uphold the choreographic integrity, creating a track that’s both intriguing and exciting.”
On The Best Worst Year Ever, Houston invites listeners into his world, where he navigates life’s ups and downs. He takes an optimistic approach, focusing on finding the good even amid adversity.
Opening with “Tired of Hollywood,” Houston vents his frustrations about La-La Land. “I can’t do this no more / If it ain’t ’bout no racks, don’t even ask, no / I heard this thing before / You’re talking money / But that ain’t gonna last,” he sings.
“So Alive” evokes the spirit of early Drake as Houston brushes off naysayers and former flings. “All of these dudes talk behind my back / And all my exes, still they just want me back / I can’t help that they get too attached / I feel alive, so alive,” he sings in a velvety tone.
Speaking on his new album, Houston explains to Rated R&B, “The Best Worst Year Ever is not just a title; it is a reflection of the successes and challenges I experienced during my best yet worst year. I had the highest of highs while simultaneously experiencing such deep sadness in my personal life, which I explore on the album.”
He continues, “When it felt almost overwhelming, I leaned on my family, which expanded with my son being born, putting life back into perspective for me. This album is a testament to my personal growth and resilience, a personification of who I am now and all I’ve surmounted. It is my favorite album to date.”
The Best Worst Year Ever is the follow-up to Houston’s 2022 album, ME. The project, which marked his first album since 2013’s Famous, was released without warning on Feb. 4, 2022, and was accompanied by four visuals.
That June, Houston returned with ME (Deluxe Edition), which included 13 extra tracks. Keeping the momentum going, the “Naked” singer dropped his ME: Dark Water EP in November of the same year.
The six-track project featured a collaboration with Ray J, plus the single “Coming Back,” which also appears on The Best Worst Year Ever.
“I know a lot of people want that nostalgic R&B feel, which the EP still has, but I wanted to step out of my comfort zone,” Houston told Rated R&B. “It was really fun recording this project. ME: Dark Water is more of an edgier side.”
In other news, Houston is gearing up to release a new documentary, The World of Marques Houston.
The two-part doc, which will premiere on Tubi in September, will explore the highs and lows of his decade-spanning career.
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Further, Houston is gearing up to announce his Lovers Only Tour, which will kick off at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. A specific date has not been announced yet, but Houston is asking his fans for feedback on his setlist, which he’s working on.
Stream Marques Houston‘s new album The Best Worst Year Ever below.
