Hubbry Logo
Everything Is 4Everything Is 4Main
Open search
Everything Is 4
Community hub
Everything Is 4
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Everything Is 4
Everything Is 4
from Wikipedia

Everything Is 4
Studio album by
ReleasedMay 29, 2015 (2015-05-29)
Recorded2014–2015
Genre
Length38:44
Label
Producer
Jason Derulo chronology
Talk Dirty
(2014)
Everything Is 4
(2015)
Platinum Hits
(2016)
Singles from Everything Is 4
  1. "Want to Want Me"
    Released: March 9, 2015
  2. "Try Me"
    Released: May 26, 2015
  3. "Cheyenne"
    Released: June 30, 2015
  4. "Get Ugly"
    Released: December 15, 2015

Everything Is 4 is the fourth studio album by American singer Jason Derulo. It was released on May 29, 2015, by Beluga Heights Records and Warner Bros. Records. The lead single "Want to Want Me" which reached number one in six countries, was released on March 9, 2015. The album is a follow-up to Derulo's previous studio album, Tattoos (2013) in the international market and Talk Dirty (2014) in the United States.

Background

[edit]

The first song produced for the album was the first single, "Want to Want Me", which Derulo made the lead single after listening it to with several friends. For the song "Painkiller", a duet featuring singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor, the singer revealed that he decided to include her on the song after meeting her backstage at a couple of shows. The collaboration with Stevie Wonder in "Broke" was born during a dinner at the White House.[2]

Derulo explained the significance of the title saying: "It's called Everything is 4 because it's my fourth album, but there are also other meanings. All happens for a reason, everything is for my mom, and everything is for my fans. Everything is for myself to prove that I can do it. Everything is for the future. I could go on, but in the end the meaning is "Everything happens for a reason". Then there is also the meaning of the number 4: a chair has four legs, a table even. They are also 4 seasons, representing change. So 4 is a number that follows us everywhere. 4 is symmetrical. Then, Everything is 4."[2]

Singles

[edit]

"Want to Want Me" was released on March 9, 2015, as the album's lead single. Commercially, it was a success, reaching top positions in Austria and the United Kingdom. The song debuted at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100, with 50,000 copies sold, since then it has peaked at number 5. The song's music video premiered on March 23, 2015.[3][4] As of June 2015, "Want to Want Me" has sold 1.1 million digital copies in the United States.[5]

The album's second single "Cheyenne", was released on June 30.[6][7][8] The song peaked at number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100.[9]

"Try Me" was released in October 2015 as the album's third single outside of the United States.[10] It reached the top 5 in Norway and Poland, and was certified 2× Platinum in Norway.[citation needed]

"Get Ugly" was released in December 2015 as the album's fourth and final single. It was certified Gold in the US and Silver in the UK.[citation needed]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?5.8/10[11]
Metacritic67/100[12]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[13]
BillboardStarStarStar[14]
Clash2/10[15]
Knoxville News SentinelStarStarStarHalf star[16]
NewsdayB+[17]
Pitchfork6.6/10[18]
Rolling StoneStarStarStar[19]
Slant MagazineStarStarStarStar[20]
Spin8/10[21]
ViceA−[22]

On Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 to reviews from music critics, Everything Is 4 received an average score of 67, indicating "generally favorable reviews", based on 9 reviews.[12]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Everything Is 4 became Derulo's highest-charting album on the US Billboard 200, where it debuted at number four and sold 22,000 copies in its first week.[23] The album also debuted at number ten on the Canadian Albums Chart, with 2,500 copies sold.[24] In its second week of release, the album dropped drastically to number 23 on the chart, selling 6,000 more copies.[25] In its third week, the album dropped to number 39 on the chart, selling an additional 4,000 copies.[26] In its fourth week, the album dropped to number 43 on the chart, selling 3,000 copies.[27] As of June 2016, the album had sold 80,000 copies.[28]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Want to Want Me"Kirkpatrick3:27
2."Cheyenne"
3:35
3."Get Ugly"
Ricky Reed3:20
4."Pull-Up"
3:06
5."Love Like That" (featuring K. Michelle)
3:59
6."Painkiller" (featuring Meghan Trainor)
  • Carlsson
  • Mag
3:23
7."Broke" (featuring Stevie Wonder and Keith Urban)
Puth3:06
8."Try Me" (featuring Jennifer Lopez and Matoma)
3:20
9."Love Me Down"
Kirkpatrick2:45
10."Trade Hearts" (featuring Julia Michaels)Pop & Oak3:30
11."X2CU" (includes hidden track "Angel Wings" starting at 3:35)
  • Desrouleaux
  • Floyd Hills
  • Marcella Araica
  • Douglas
  • BJ Mekk
  • James Roston
  • Sonny Alves
Danja5:13
Total length:38:44

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[57] Platinum 80,000
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[58] Platinum 20,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[59] Platinum 15,000
Norway (IFPI Norway)[60] Gold 15,000
Poland (ZPAV)[61] Gold 10,000
Sweden (GLF)[62] Gold 20,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[63] Silver 60,000
United States (RIAA)[64] Gold 500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Version Format Label
Australia[65] May 29, 2015 Standard edition Warner Bros. Records
Canada[66]
United States[67]
Japan[68]
Belgium[69]
Finland[70]
Germany[71]
Netherlands[72]
New Zealand[73]
Denmark[74] June 1, 2015
Italy[75]
France[76]
Norway[77]
Sweden[78]
South Africa[79]
United Kingdom[80]
Spain[81] June 2, 2015

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Everything Is 4 is the fourth studio album by American singer , released on May 29, 2015, through and Warner Bros. Records. The album features 11 tracks blending pop, R&B, and influences, with production from collaborators including , , and . The record includes high-profile guest appearances from artists such as K. Michelle, Meghan Trainor, Keith Urban, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Lopez, and Julia Michaels, showcasing Derulo's emphasis on collaborative songwriting and production. Lead single "Want to Want Me" became a major international hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart, while follow-ups "Cheyenne" and "Get Ugly" also achieved notable chart success. Derulo co-wrote most of the songs, drawing from personal experiences to explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment. Critically, Everything Is 4 received mixed reviews, with praise for its catchy hooks and genre versatility but criticism for lacking a distinctive artistic identity. Commercially, it debuted at number four on the , selling 22,000 copies in its first week, and was later certified gold by the RIAA in 2016 for 500,000 equivalent units. The album also earned platinum certification in .

Background and recording

Album development

Everything Is 4 was positioned as Jason Derulo's fourth studio album, following his international release Tattoos in 2013 and its US counterpart Talk Dirty in 2014. The success of these prior projects, which included over 50 million singles sold and 14 entries on the , motivated Derulo to evolve his approach toward greater artistic depth. Derulo conceived the album as an exploration of personal growth, purpose, and transformation, drawing from life experiences such as the end of his relationship with and a desire to embrace change. In interviews, he emphasized shifting from a singles-driven career—dominant since his 2010 self-titled debut—to crafting a cohesive that reflects a more mature perspective at age 25, allowing for clearer emotional expression and self-discovery. He described the project as "real talk" derived from failed and new relationships, aiming to help listeners relate through themes of learning from mistakes and self-love. The title Everything Is 4 carries multifaceted significance, primarily denoting Derulo's fourth studio effort but also invoking numerological symbolism of completion and foundation, such as the four seasons representing change or the four directions providing stability. Derulo explained it as a reminder that "everything is for a reason," encompassing dedications to his mother, fans, and personal purpose, while echoing the idea that life's elements align purposefully. The album was announced on April 8, 2015, through initial discussions with his labels and , setting the stage for its June release. Derulo highlighted this phase as a new beginning, feeling rejuvenated and focused on balance after previous commercial emphases.

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for Everything Is 4 spanned approximately eight months, beginning in late 2014 and extending into early 2015, with Jason Derulo initiating work on his tour bus to capture the live energy of his performances. Sessions were held at key locations including The Gift Shop in , associated with producer , and MXM Studios in for tracks involving collaborators like Johan Carlsson. Producers and were involved early in the process for track ideation and production, with Kirkpatrick handling vocal production on lead single "" and Reed producing "Get Ugly." Derulo played a hands-on role throughout, personally tracking vocals and co-writing several tracks. The sessions presented logistical challenges, requiring intensive effort over the extended period to refine the album's sound while integrating high-profile features such as on "Painkiller," recorded together in a single booth, and and on "Broke," with Wonder contributing at his home studio. These collaborations were planned during recording to enhance the album's diversity, ultimately resulting in a 11-track standard edition that balanced Derulo's R&B influences with broader pop elements.

Musical style and themes

Genres and influences

Everything Is 4 primarily blends and , incorporating elements of EDM and to create an energetic, versatile sound. The album's , "Want to Want Me," exemplifies this with its groovy, funk-infused basslines and upbeat rhythm, drawing from groove-oriented production styles reminiscent of Michael Jackson's influential work. This track, produced by , highlights Derulo's shift toward a more audacious pop juggernaut, moving away from the harder-edged R&B of his earlier albums like Talk Dirty. Tropical house infusions are evident in collaborations like "Try Me," featuring and producer , whose signature sunny, melodic style adds a laid-back electronic layer to the R&B base. The album also experiments with country-pop on "Broke," where contributes and guitar, infusing a twangy, acoustic vibe that contrasts the electronic elements elsewhere. Stevie Wonder's harmonica solo on the same track further emphasizes this pivot toward live , marking a departure from the synth-heavy production of Derulo's prior releases. At 38:44 in length, Everything Is 4 balances uptempo anthems with mid-tempo ballads, pacing the 11 tracks to maintain momentum while showcasing Derulo's chameleonic adaptability, akin to the upbeat, genre-blending style of Maroon 5. This structure allows for a sonic palette that feels both contemporary and rooted in pop's collaborative traditions.

Lyrical content

The lyrical content of Everything Is 4 centers on themes of romantic desire, heartbreak, personal resilience, and , often drawing from Jason Derulo's personal experiences to explore the complexities of love and self-growth. Tracks like "" capture intense lust and infatuation, with Derulo expressing an obsessive yearning for mutual desire, as in lines where he pleads for the object of his affection to reciprocate his passion despite her hesitations. This theme of romantic desire is contrasted with heartbreak in songs such as "," which reflects on an unpredictable and fleeting relationship, evoking through of wind-swept unpredictability and unintended emotional entanglement, where Derulo laments against his intentions. These elements are informed by Derulo's recent breakup with in 2014, which he has described as influencing the album's introspective narratives on love's purpose and emotional turmoil. Autobiographical threads run throughout, emphasizing growth and finding "purpose" in love amid adversity, as Derulo has explained that personal life events directly shape his songwriting, turning pain into a catalyst for resilience. In "Trade Hearts," featuring and co-written with , the lyrics delve into personal resilience by imagining an exchange of hearts to bridge misunderstandings in a strained relationship, highlighting and the struggle to maintain connection despite emotional barriers. This track, along with others co-written by such as "Painkiller," adds layers of emotional depth through collaborative perspectives on and recovery, underscoring Derulo's journey toward self-empowerment after relational setbacks. The album's title itself symbolizes this motif, representing completion and purpose—everything happens for a reason, for , fans, and personal proof of capability—as Derulo articulated in interviews, framing love as a path to renewal rather than defeat. A key contrast emerges between playful, party-oriented and more introspective moments, unified by an overarching motif that celebrates agency in romance. Upbeat tracks like "Pull-Up" employ seduction metaphors, such as "pulling up" in a to allure a partner, blending flirtatious energy with confident pursuit to empower the narrator's desires. In contrast, "Broke" uses metaphors of financial and emotional ruin—questioning loyalty beyond wealth, with imagery—to critique superficial relationships while affirming inner worth and resilience. This duality allows Derulo to navigate desire's highs and lows, ultimately promoting self-discovery and emotional strength as central to romantic evolution.

Release and promotion

Singles

The lead single from Everything Is 4, "", was released on March 9, 2015. It peaked at number 5 on the Hot 100. By June 2015, the song had sold 1.1 million downloads in the United States. The music video, directed by Colin Tilley, features Derulo in a retro-inspired setting and premiered on March 23, 2015. "" (featuring and ) was issued as the second single on May 26, 2015, primarily targeted at international markets. It achieved top 5 positions on charts in and , and was certified 2× Platinum in by IFPI. As promotional singles, "Painkiller" (featuring ) and "Broke" were released on May 26 and May 2015, respectively. "Broke", co-written by , features on harmonica and explores themes of relationship fallout. "Cheyenne" followed as the third single, released on June 30, 2015. It reached number 66 on the Hot 100. The accompanying , an acoustic performance emphasizing emotional , was also released on June 30, 2015. The fourth single, "Get Ugly", arrived on December 15, 2015. It earned Gold certification in the United States from the RIAA and Platinum in the from the BPI. The promotes through diverse and empowering . Release strategies for the singles emphasized heavy radio airplay, with "Want to Want Me" becoming one of the most-added tracks in Top 40 radio history, alongside targeted streaming campaigns on platforms like to boost digital consumption.

Promotional activities

To build anticipation for Everything Is 4, engaged in extensive pre-release promotion through teasers and media interviews. On April 8, , he announced the album's title and June release date via , simultaneously streaming the track "Get Ugly" to generate early buzz. In a May interview with DuJour Magazine, Derulo discussed personal themes of relationships influencing the album's content, providing insight into its emotional depth. He also teased collaborations, such as his work with on "Painkiller," during a radio interview that highlighted the album's diverse features including . Beyond singles, Derulo promoted album tracks through official audio releases and live television appearances. The non-single "Pull Up" received an official audio premiere on June 1, 2015, ahead of the album's launch, emphasizing its energetic vibe as part of broader track promotion. He performed album material on shows like The Voice, delivering an opening performance alongside contestants India Carney and Kimberly Nichole to showcase the new songs' live energy. In July 2015, during Australian promotional activities, Derulo appeared on the morning program Sunrise, where he delivered performances and engaged in lighthearted segments to connect with international audiences. The Everything Is 4 Tour served as a key post-release promotional vehicle, launching in with a European leg spanning January and February. Shows included stops in at HMH on February 9, at 3Arena on January 26, and at the Arena on February 4, where Derulo was hospitalized after injuring his leg at a in but continued the run. The setlist blended new album tracks like "," "," "Get Ugly," and "Pull Up" with prior hits such as "Talk Dirty" and "Trumpets," creating a high-energy mix that highlighted the album's pop-R&B fusion. Additional tie-ins included digital pre-orders available from late May 2015, allowing fans early access to the album set for June 2 release in the , with platforms like Amazon and offering instant gratification tracks upon purchase. These efforts, combined with merchandise bundles tied to pre-orders, extended the campaign's reach by integrating physical and digital fan engagement.

Critical reception

Professional reviews

Upon its release, Everything Is 4 received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning a Metacritic score of 67 out of 100 based on nine reviews. Critics praised the album's polished production and Derulo's ability to craft radio-ready pop-R&B tracks, particularly highlighting the lead single "Want to Want Me" for its infectious disco-infused energy and the overall mastery of featuring high-profile collaborators like Jennifer Lopez and Stevie Wonder. Billboard noted that the record demonstrates Derulo's formula for creating hits, with standout moments providing "newfound definition" to his sound through confident vocal performances and genre-blending flair. Slant Magazine commended its "precision-tooled" songs that update Derulo's style to align with contemporary trends, calling tracks like "X2CU" a "funk rave-up right up there with the year's best Prince song" for their ambitious and exciting execution. However, some reviewers criticized the album for inconsistency and a lack of depth, arguing that it prioritizes formulaic appeal over innovation or emotional substance. described it as continuing Derulo's shift toward "audacious pop juggernaut" territory but pointed out that bizarre choices sometimes result in moments that "fall flat," diminishing the album's cohesion. acknowledged Derulo's enthusiastic delivery across tracks but found the set lacking groundbreaking elements, with his voice adapting easily yet the material feeling like a safe extension of prior work rather than a bold evolution. AllMusic highlighted Derulo's vocal confidence as a consistent strength, stating that "his fourth album is his most consistent set to date," though it stops short of true innovation in the pop-R&B landscape. The overall consensus positioned Everything Is 4 as a fun, accessible pop-R&B effort ideal for casual listening and dance floors, but one that doesn't push boundaries or offer significant artistic growth beyond its hit-driven formula.

Accolades

While Everything Is 4 did not secure any major award wins, it and its lead singles garnered several nominations at prominent music award ceremonies in 2015, recognizing Derulo's evolving pop-R&B artistry. Derulo received a nomination for Best Male at the , competing alongside , , and for his contributions to contemporary pop, including tracks from the album. He was also nominated in the Best World Stage category for his Isle of MTV performance in , which featured material from the record. At the , Derulo earned nods for Choice Male Artist, pitting him against , , and others for his vocal and performance prowess across the album's singles-driven sound. The ceremony further acknowledged his summer dominance with a nomination for Choice Summer Music Star: Male. The album's artistic impact was affirmed through inclusions in prominent year-end critic lists, underscoring its role in Derulo's shift toward more cohesive, genre-blending songwriting. It placed at No. 20 on 's 20 Best Pop Albums of 2015, lauded for its "easy charm" amid R&B innovation. Similarly, ranked it No. 24 on their 25 Best Albums of 2015, noting its precision-tooled pop structures. SPIN included it at No. 33 on their 50 Best Albums of 2015, highlighting Derulo's disciplined approach to hooks and production. Internationally, the album received a gold certification from IFPI in 2016 for sales exceeding 15,000 units, reflecting its strong performance on the Norwegian albums where it reached number one.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Everything Is 4 debuted at number 4 on the US in the issue dated June 13, 2015, marking Jason Derulo's highest-charting album in the United States at the time. It also topped the Dance/Electronic Albums upon release. The album's performance was bolstered by the strong showing of its lead single "Want to Want Me," which helped sustain its visibility on multiple s. Internationally, the album achieved significant success in several markets, particularly in . It reached number 1 in and peaked at number 3 in both and . In , it attained a peak of number 10. The album entered the top 10 in at number 8, the at number 6, and the at number 14.
CountryPeak Position
(Billboard 200)4
(VG-lista)1
(Hitlisten)3
(Sverigetopplistan)3
(Billboard)10
(ARIA)8
(MegaCharts)6
(OCC)14
On year-end charts for 2015, Everything Is 4 ranked number 135 on the US . It also placed in the top 20 on year-end album charts in several , reflecting its regional popularity. The album maintained a presence on the for 36 weeks overall, with streaming activity playing a key role in its extended chart run.

Sales and certifications

In the United States, Everything Is 4 debuted with 22,000 pure album sales in its first week. By June 2016, the album had accumulated 80,000 pure sales. It received a certification from the RIAA on November 23, 2016, for 500,000 album-equivalent units, which include traditional album sales, track equivalent album sales (), and streaming equivalent album sales (), where 1,500 on-demand audio and/or video streams count as one unit. Globally, the album surpassed 500,000 equivalent units by the end of , with total reported sales reaching 705,000 across seven countries by that period. The album's performance was bolstered by significant streaming activity on platforms like and , which contributed substantially to its metrics under the updated formula incorporating streams.
RegionCertificationUnits/ShipmentsDateSource
Canada ()Platinum80,000July 3, 2015Music Canada
Denmark ()Platinum20,000August 16, 2016IFPI Danmark
New Zealand (RMNZ)Platinum15,000-BestSellingAlbums.org
Norway ()Gold15,000-BestSellingAlbums.org
Poland (ZPAV)Gold10,000-BestSellingAlbums.org
Sweden (GLF)Gold20,000-BestSellingAlbums.org
United Kingdom ()Silver60,000-BestSellingAlbums.org
United States (RIAA)Gold500,000November 23, 2016RIAA
As of November 2025, no additional major sales milestones or certifications have been reported, though sustained streaming continues to support its long-term equivalent unit totals. As of November 2025, the album has accumulated over 1.8 billion streams on Spotify, supporting its equivalent unit totals, though no additional certifications have been awarded since 2016.

Track listing and credits

Track listing

All tracks are written by Jason Derulo (as Jason Desrouleaux), except where noted.
No.TitleFeaturingDurationWriter(s)
1"Want to Want Me"3:27Desrouleaux, Sam Martin, Lindy Robbins, Mitch Allan, Ian Kirkpatrick
2"Cheyenne"3:35Desrouleaux, Johan Carlsson, Ross Golan
3"Get Ugly"3:20Desrouleaux, Sean Douglas, Ricky Reed
4"Pull-Up"3:06Desrouleaux, Charlie Puth, Andrew "McG" McGinnis, Daniel "Daniel D Sr." Johnson
5"Love Like That"K. Michelle3:59Desrouleaux, Christian Ward, Michael Hernandez, Rico Evans, Arin Ray, Lyrica Anderson
6"Painkiller"Meghan Trainor3:23Desrouleaux, Trainor, Carlsson, Golan
7"Broke"Keith Urban, Stevie Wonder3:06Desrouleaux, Puth, McGinnis, Johnson
8"Try Me"Jennifer Lopez, Matoma3:20Desrouleaux, Lopez, Thomas Telle, Tommie Catfish, William Lobban-Bean
9"Goner"3:35Desrouleaux, Justin Tranter, Jordan Johnson, Stefan Johnson
10"Love Me Down"2:45Desrouleaux, Kirkpatrick, Tranter
11"Strings"Julia Michaels4:10Desrouleaux, Michaels, Jason Evigan
The deluxe edition, released in select regions, appends additional tracks including "Trade Hearts" (featuring ; 3:30) and "X2CU" (5:13), as well as remixes such as the acoustic version of "."

Personnel

The production team for Everything Is 4 included , who produced tracks 1, 9, and 10; for track 3; and The Mekanics for track 5; Johan Carlsson and Mag for track 6; for track 7; for track 8; and Danja for track 11. Featured and guest artists comprised on track 5, on track 6, and on track 7, and on track 8, and on track 11; Sam Martin contributed backing vocals on track 1. Engineering and mixing duties were led by John Hanes, who assisted on the mix for tracks 1, 6, 7, and 9, alongside , who mixed those same tracks; handled mixing for tracks 3, 4, and 11; mastered most tracks. Other key contributors included Sean Douglas, who provided backing vocals on track 3; , who played six-string on track 7; and Lee England Jr., who performed additional on track 11. Production coordinators Donnie Meadows and Tanisha Broadwater worked on track 11.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.