At just twenty years of age, Derülo has already made quite an impact on the mainstream music scene, and has    scored substantial airplay which has resulted in several top chart hits. In demand as a song writer as well as a performer, he has also proved adept at finding, selecting and using song samples, such as the Imogen Heap sample from her 2005 album track ‘Hide And Seek.’ The resultant single hit an audience of 30.5 million on American Pop Radio in just one week. The song, ‘Whatcha Say’, leads off the album and represents a powerful intro. What’s so interesting to me is that Imogen Heap’s original album and song, which was one of our best of 2005, won little attention here in the UK, but Derülo found it and used it extraordinarily well.

‘Ridin’ Solo’ is a powerful R&B number that more accurately reflects the singer’s true voice which exhibits tremendous range and the ability to reach A key. Not bad. A monster bass-beat vibe dominates ‘In My Head’ before the familiar sound of ‘Fame’ appears on ‘The Sky’s The Limit.’ The sample is cleverly used as he winds in and out of the familiar song while adding his own handwriting. Nice one. ‘What If’ pulls on the emotions with a love song peppered with orchestral sounds, simple piano passages, fabulous backing vocals and underpinned by intelligent lyrics. A potential hit song if ever I’ve heard one, and destined for wedding ceremonies everywhere..

‘Love Hangover’ goes uptempo love ballad with an expressive vocal, driven by another powerful melody - another mainstream radio song, another potential hit. ‘Encore’ with its flowing piano passages, and deepest bass rhythm hits the bullseye again before the simpler arrangement of ‘Fallen’ arrives and conquers. The UK bonus track, ‘Strobelight’, has a monster dance vibe and is sure to be a massive club hit.

The story here is mainstream R&B and pop at its most competent with fabulous use of song samples, original song writing, superb production and of course a voice of tremendous range and quality. The album is aimed directly at today’s youth and hits its target with pinpoint accuracy. It’s not a great album that you’ll still be listening to in a couple of years time, but what it does it does exceptionally well. It will be interesting to watch where he goes next, and to see how much he will develop - he has talent, tools and age on his side.

3.5/5