Jason Derulo Makes Case for His Artistic Legacy on ‘Platinum Hits’

 Jason Derulo reminds us of his impact in pop music on greatest hits compilation, ‘Platinum Hits.’

Jason Derulo is a ‘singles’ artist.  What does that mean? – It means that Derulo has experienced his success with hit singles as opposed to albums.  According to the RIAA, none of Derulo’s albums have been certified at the time of publication.  The silver lining is that Derulo has numerous platinum and multiplatinum singles.  Naturally, a greatest hits album makes perfect sense for Derulo.  Platinum Hits does an exceptional job of showcasing the impact he’s had as a pop artist over the years; it gives him just due.

Platinum Hits

Platinum Hits is soundly assembled – only the key hits are included.  Prudently, “Want to Want Me” (Everything Is 4) opens the effort, in all its “head voice” glory.  Megahit “Talk Dirty,” featuring 2 Chainz, follows. Naturally, given the signature, funky sax riff, it’s déjà vu all over again.  Capping off the jam-packed opening trio is the ridiculously infectious “Wiggle,” featuring Snoop Dogg.   

Keeping the ‘Talk Dirty’, “Trumpets” – co-written by Jon Bellion – precedes Derulo’s first hit, “Whatcha Say” (Jason Derulo).  Like the sax of “Talk Dirty,” we’re reminded of the genius Imogen Heap sample. “Whatcha Say” was produced by J.R. Rotem, who also produced follow-up “Ridin’ Solo,” another early career hit. Together, “Whatcha Say” and “Ridin’ Solo” makes a mean one-two punch.

“It Girl” is one of only two hits (“Don’t Wanna Go Home”) that appear from sophomore album Future History.  Future History lacked the caliber of hits of the rest of Derulo’s projects, but rightfully, needed representation.  Missing is “That’s My Shhh,” arguably the best song from the project.  That said “That’s My Shhh” wasn’t a big hit so its absence is somewhat justified.

“Marry Me” and “The Other Side” reappear from Talk Dirty, clearly the richest source of hits for the urban-pop artist. With so many hits from one album, it reminds us that perhaps we underappreciated that project.  After “Don’t Wanna Go Home” “In My Head” makes its appearance – it would have been a travesty had it been left out.

https://youtu.be/L5NdDMVAMpE

Platinum Hits closes with an excellent new song, “Kiss the Sky.” Energetic, exuberant, and loud, “Kiss the Sky” amplifies the falsetto Derulo masterfully capitalized on “Want to Want Me.” Like every other hit single Derulo has released, “Kiss the Sky” masters the formula.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Platinum Hits is clearly Jason Derulo’s best album.  Why? It captures all the hits that make Derulo the artist that he is.  Generally, there are no major snubs, particularly considering Everything is 4 hasn’t experienced the same success as Talk Dirty. Did anyone really miss “Get Ugly?”

Gems: “Want to Want Me,” “Talk Dirty,” “Wiggle,” “Whatcha Say,” “Ridin’ Solo” & “Kiss the Sky”

Jason Derulo • Platinum Hits • Warner Bros. • Release: 7.29.16

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.