With the diversity of Pop music right now, it’s quite the challenge to get a dose of the British boy band, the whiny Adult Contemporary chart-topper, the bass-clad club favorite, and the recurrent single that makes your day every once in while all in one sitting. As much of a feat as it may seem, Jason Derulo, back with his fourth project, does it almost effortlessly. Supported by an awesome production team, including tracks from Cirkut (“Part of Me”), RedOne (“Just Dance”), Timbaland, and DJ Mustard, the 24-year-old star’s vocals, whether crooning, in lothario, or showcasing some rap skills, maximize the great music behind him.
By mostly omitting his signature nominal adlib throughout “Talk Dirty” — not even considering his newly ripped body, it’s evident that JD has evolved into a full-fledged Casanova. His content has also matured since we last heard him, implementing concepts that tied into this album packed with ardor. One has to look no further than the eponymous single to find the impassioned concepts. “Trumpets,” full of the horny zeal the title implies, finds Jason comparing his love interest to his Pop faves while the accompanying brass capers along during verses that he wrote while looking at the proverbial “you.” The ode to booty featuring strip club favorite Tyga, “Bubblegum,” also sticks to the script as he begins “Tell me how you pop like that/ you do it like it ain’t no sweat/ I never seen a bubble so fat.”
Complimenting that banger almost to a fault in that they sound very similar is “Wiggle” with a gyrating, buzzing bass that fits the feature of the coolest Dogg of them all (Snoop) perfectly. Interestingly enough though, these two don’t comprise the “feel” of the album. We’re taken for a turn when we get to a track like the Gold-selling “Other Side” full of the idyllic details of an adolescent relationship that unfold over the synthesized rhythms that make up the aforementioned British boy band hits. Jason Derulo one-ups these guys though in that his vocal range and overall ability is simply superior.
Vocals help bolster the familiar that have been given a refreshing twist that we’ve come to love over the years, but at times his range fails to match the level of the guys who’ve made the styles that Jay alternates through their own. Case in point being the twangy-stringed and light weeping vocals of “Stupid Love” that mimic something we might’ve heard on Justin Timberlake’s “Justified.” But since more than a decade has passed since we were introduced, it works really well. Again, the familiarity of sax horns and the very Eastern, snake charming sounds of the smash “Talk Dirty” bring the listener to ease, making for a fetching tune that solidifies this collection as a reputable Pop album. And when it comes to the Kid Ink-featured “Kama Sutra,” the super bubbly boops and doops quickly refer you back to the recent “Show Me” but also satisfy the longing created by the half urban, half poppy, but totally sensational track.
“Talk Dirty” delves into every realm of Pop we’ve seen recently, faltering on none of them and that’s precisely why it should be regarded so high. Having the LP on demand will relieve the impulse to change your dial every few seconds while delivering the array sounds you want.
RECOMMENDED: If you’re someone that spends much time either driving around with friends, can’t seem to satisfied with one station, or dig variety that doesn’t require the assembling of a playlist nor the massive use of your data, “Talk Dirty” shall suffice for you.
