In the 12 years since the debut of “I Believe I Can Fly,” there’s been a void in motivational, mainstream R&B. Enter Jason DeRulo, whose pop-rock sample and catchy, easy lyrics are a recipe for success. “Ridin’ Solo” deals with feelings of freedom and high self esteem following a breakup. Instead of bemoaning a broken heart or celebrating the girls with whom he can now score, DeRulo lets out lines like, “So flex how I spread my wings, loving myself makes me wanna sing.” Such decidedly un-hip, simply phrased declarations make the whole song strangely endearing. To top it off, DeRulo sets his message over the unforgettable violin strains of “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve. It might be unsophisticated and a bit ridiculous, but dammit, it works.

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