In the musician’s first record since 2022, Puth finds his sound — and his authentic voice.
In the musician’s first record since 2022, Puth finds his sound — and his authentic voice.
After wooing America’s heart with his rendition of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” at last month’s Super Bowl, the name Charlie Puth was at the forefront of the music industry just in time for his latest work. “Whatever’s Clever!” — Puth’s fourth studio album and first record in nearly four years — released March 27.
Puth, who learned to play piano at the age of four and earned himself a degree in music production and engineering from Berklee College of Music, skyrocketed to fame with his 2015 hit “Marvin Gaye” featuring Meghan Trainor.
The singer and pianist followed up his breakout song as a vocalist on Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again,” which sat at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks straight and remains Puth’s only No. 1 hit.
In an interview with Billboard, the singer shared that his newest record is heavily influenced by jazz, and he hopes listeners will learn more about him as a person when they hear the music.
“What’s funny is I don’t consider any of these 12 songs to be clever, I consider them to be real,” Puth said.
The record opens with lead single “Changes,” which holds an intrinsically ‘80s pop sound in its glossy keyboard notes and soulful melody.
Warm synths create an ambient foundation as Puth sings about “new directions and lessons,” reflecting on the unique experience of his life growing and shifting as he prepares for fatherhood.
The retro sound continues on “Beat Yourself Up” as energetic saxophones and trumpets meld with rhythmic bass to produce a funk-soul atmosphere fit for dancing around the kitchen without a care.
“Cry,” featuring Grammy-winning saxophonist Kenny G, is a tear-jerking dedication to Puth’s father. Soft saxophone layers over heart-rending piano as melodic vocals colorfully paint the ears with poignant lyricism.
The track is heartfelt and moving, intentionally encouraging listeners to cry and relaying a timeless reminder that “for a tree to grow, sometimes it just has to rain.”
Snappy percussion enters the scene on “New Jersey,” featuring Chicago’s own R&B artist Ravyn Lenae, where distorted bass and silky keyboard progressions assist in packing a pleasant punch.
Puth and Lenae bounce off one another’s velvety vocals as they sing of Puth’s perception of his home state’s monotonous and dull nature.
“Don’t Meet Your Heroes” is a nostalgic track fueled by a serene tempo and quieter instrumentation, peaking in the chorus with a deep bass and then slowly fading out as the song comes to a peaceful end.
Resonant drums begin “Home,” as the return of sultry saxophone melodies alongside refined string instruments build an intimate melody. Puth and Japanese-American singer Hikaru Utada blend English and Japanese lyricism with angelic harmonies throughout.
In a similar vein, “Hey Brother” winds through sentimental emotions with a groovy percussion beat broken up by twangy electric guitar. An upbeat anthem of connection and loyalty, the track reminisces on the childhood of two brothers, and the people they’ve grown into as the years wear on.
“You can always keep it in the family / ’Cause blood is thicker than water / Hey, brother / Need you to listen please / I wish you could see in you what you see in me,” Puth sings.
Up to this point, the album has lured listeners in with ‘80s pop elements and rich instrumentation, ranging from saxophone to modern electric guitars. With captivating melodies and quick tempos, the record shifts towards smooth rock before a tranquil ending track.
“Until It Happens To You” is old-school soft rock, evocative of Katrina & the Waves’ 1983 hit “Walking on Sunshine,” and brought to life by Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Puth adds his own flair with falsetto and dynamic vocals, creating an infectious summertime tune.
The album comes to a raw close on “I Used to Be Cringe” with a vulnerable Puth reflecting on his past habit of altering his character in exchange for fame and “a seat at the table” in the music industry.
Puth makes a glamorous return on “Whatever’s Clever!,” bringing back ‘80s dance pop with style. An instrumental masterpiece enhanced by Puth’s electrifying vocals, the record showcases his knack for producing entertaining and distinguishable tunes.
Likely to be heard blaring from beach blanket speakers and car radios as the weather turns warm, “Whatever’s Clever!” supplies a carefree, euphoric groove for summer worth pressing play for.
“Whatever’s Clever!” is available to stream everywhere.
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