Charlie Puth is back — and this feels like him fully in his element.
STREAM
TOP 5 SONGS
5. Changes
If you follow Charlie Puth on TikTok or have seen any of his interviews, you might’ve caught the process behind this track — and honestly, that just makes it hit even harder.
But even without that context? This song is undeniable.
“Changes” is such a strong opener. It leans heavy into those 80s-inspired synths, with a funky groove and a chorus that latches onto your brain immediately. It’s one of those tracks that feels effortless but is clearly crafted with intention.
Lyrically, it’s exactly what the title suggests — everything shifting, everything feeling unfamiliar, life moving whether you’re ready or not. There’s a lightness to it sonically, but the message still lands.
It sets the tone for the album perfectly: reflective, catchy, and just a little bit nostalgic.
4. Cry
This track slows things down, and it does it beautifully.
“Cry” feels deeply personal, almost like a quiet conversation. Charlie pulls from something his dad told him as a child, and you can feel that sincerity throughout the entire song. It’s not overdone or overly dramatic — it’s simple, honest, and comforting.
The message is one that everyone needs to hear at some point: it’s okay to feel. It’s okay to break down. Everybody goes through something.
And then that Kenny G solo comes in… yeah. That was the moment.
It lifts the track in such a beautiful way, adding warmth and emotion without overpowering it. It feels like a release — like everything the song is trying to say finally gets to breathe.
3. New Jersey
I’m sorry, but this song is hilarious.
A diss track… to a girl and an entire state? That’s wild.
Charlie really said there’s nothing to do in New Jersey and he’s never coming back — and we all know that’s not the full truth. This is 100% situationship drama disguised as regional slander.
And I love that.
The dynamic between Charlie and Ravyn Lenae makes this track even better. There’s a natural push and pull between their vocals that makes the story feel real — like an actual back-and-forth rather than just a feature.
It’s petty, it’s playful, and it adds personality to the album in a way that makes it memorable.
2. Home
This one hits in a quieter way.
“Home” is about that person who transforms a space into something meaningful. Someone who brings comfort, warmth, and peace just by being there. And once they’re gone… everything feels different.
Empty. Still. Off.
It’s such a relatable feeling, and that’s what makes the track land so well. There’s nothing overly complicated about it — it’s just honest. Bittersweet in the way that makes you sit with it for a second longer than expected.
It’s soft, emotional, and very real.
1. Sideways
This track has a completely different energy — darker, moodier, a little more grounded.
There are strong soul and jazz influences here, and they really give the song depth. It feels richer, more layered, like something you sink into rather than just listen to.
Lyrically, it’s about love that endures even when things fall apart. Even when everything goes sideways, there’s still this belief that the connection is strong enough to find its way back.
That kind of love.
And when Coco Jones comes in? Yeah, she elevates it. Her runs, her tone, her control — it adds a whole new layer of emotion to the track.
Together, they really sell the message.
SONG BY SONG RATING
Changes (4/5)
Beat Yourself Up (4/5)
Cry (4/5)
Washed Up (3/5)
New Jersey (4/5)
Don’t Meet Your Heroes (4/5)
Home (4/5)
Hey Brother (4/5)
Sideways (4/5)
Love In Exile (4/5)
Until It Happens To You (3/5)
I Used To Be Cringe (4/5)
RGM RATING
(C+)
Whatever’s Clever! is a reflection of Charlie as both an artist and a musician. You can hear his love for sound all over this album — the layering, the instrumentation, the attention to detail. It’s not just about the vocals (even though, yes, they are pitch perfect as always), it’s about how everything comes together.
Sonically, the album blends pop with jazz, funk, and heavy 80s influences. There’s a musicality here that feels intentional and personal — like he’s leaning into the sounds he genuinely enjoys rather than chasing trends.
And it works.
The project feels well-rounded, moving between fun, lighthearted tracks and more introspective, emotional moments. He touches on love, relationships, self-reflection, and personal growth, all while keeping things accessible and easy to listen to.
What stands out most is how natural it feels.
Nothing feels forced. Nothing feels out of place. It’s just Charlie being Charlie — and honestly, that’s when he’s at his best.
With strong features, catchy hooks, and thoughtful writing, Whatever’s Clever! is a solid, enjoyable listen that shows both growth and confidence.
And yeah… I’m not gonna lie. I’ll definitely be spinning this one again.
Ileyah is a mom, a writer and a musician. She loves late nights and gluten free snacks.
Discover more from RGM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.