Miami born Jason Derulo is sweeping the world with his soothing voice and great songs. Studio controlled and finely auto tuned, the youngster has got a package on his hand that he’s handling really well. Derulo tackles an array of pop and R&B well, more as he’s got company with his mentor songwriter – producer Johnathan Rotem (Rihanna, Britney, Leona Lewis)who are now famous names at least for the moment.

With just 9 songs, a bonus track and playtime of 35 minutes, the album is relatively short and just the right dose to gauge an artist’s capability to make music. Very much R&B addressed to the ladies, Derulo has a polished album, fusing superb melodies and immaculately sculpted vocals, not forgetting minimal facial hair and a pencil thin beard. The  chart-friendly melodies which have heavy synths are Whatcha Say the catchy sample from Imogen Heap Hide & Seek and In My head that are sure to bowl anyone. The auto tune makes the difference. Derulo thus excels on this hit parade.

His voice supplements the songs with ease dwelling totally on girls and how Derulo gets swayed by them, probably in a story telling sort of way. Some of the other standouts are In My Head that talks of fascinations that Derulo has for a girl he sees over and over again. What If is a fantasy about a girl and how life would be if they had got married, some of the songs are sure to bring a smile to your face. That is what music can do.

On the vocal front, Ridin’ solo is the one that makes Derulo’s voice really shine through. Fallen shows Derulo’s voice to the extreme where he pleads to his girl. A very powerful piece for those in love. Blind, the last of the play list is a sassy end to a great album despite some rather corny lyrics, while Strobelight the bonus here, is a dance hall piece that pitches Derulo on a different note where his voice is mixed with the vocoder. The Sky’s The Limit' begins with a sample from Irene Cara’s What A Feeling making it a punchy piece.

Derulo's self-titled effort is nothing extra ordinary from those playing around, but for the time being it’s the sought after bait around, more due to the couple of brilliantly catchy and dance-worthy tunes you can get hooked onto.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira