Jason Derulo - "Don't Wanna Go Home"

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There is really nothing original here, but the entire package is delivered with such upbeat energy and fun it is nearly impossible to avoid succumbing to the charms of "Don't Wanna Go Home." Jason Derulo should have no problem taking back his place on pop radio playlists and pulling the Beluga Heights sound back into the spotlight. It looks like a party pop summer of 2011 and Jason Derulo will be in the mix.

"Don't Wanna Go Home" pulls together two musical reference points to help create a new dance party hit. A prominent sample from the Robin S. house classic "Show Me Love" runs throughout the song, and the chorus is partially constructed from lyrics that go back much further to "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" best known through a 1950s recording by Harry Belafonte that became one of his signature songs. The effect is not as powerful as the impact of borrowing from Imogen Heap on Jason Derulo's blockbuster debut "Whatcha Say," but fans of club music will recognize the "Show Me Love" figure instantly, and it is likely to bring a smile to their face.

Jason Derulo is working with upcoming production team the Fliptones, and this is likely to be their first major hit. It seems a bit surprising that J.R. Rotem is not present here in credits, but the sound does not venture far from the standard for his label Beluga Heights. "Don't Wanna Go Home" is the first single from an upcoming sophomore album by Jason Derulo to be titled Future History.

A strong argument can be made that Jason Derulo is one of today's underrated artists. His debut album produced three double platinum and beyond singles. They have resulted in him being one of the most played artists on pop radio. This sprightly workout will likely be welcomed with open arms by pop radio programmers as it takes a slot on playlists throughout the summer of 2011.