Charlie Puth has launched his fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever!, which he describes as his most intimate and revealing work to date. The album was released on March 27 through Atlantic Records, marking a significant milestone for the singer who recently became a father and performed at the Super Bowl.
In creating this record, Puth stepped outside his usual boundaries both musically and emotionally. He reflected, “I had to take a closer look at myself to make this record and sing about things I normally wouldn’t sing about. Audiences knew my music more than they knew me. This is the chance.”
The album was co-produced with BloodPop, who inspired Puth to experiment with new sounds and themes, resulting in a more layered and exploratory project. Whatever’s Clever! includes a diverse lineup of collaborators such as Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Jeff Goldblum, whose spoken-word contribution adds a distinctive touch. Other featured artists include Kenny G, Ravyn Lenae, and Hikaru Utada.
Prior to the album’s release, Puth previewed its sound with a performance of the track “Sideways” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside Coco Jones. He described the album as “incredibly honest” and noted its jazz influences, signaling a departure from his previous style.
Despite the album’s title, Puth emphasized that the songs are not meant to be clever but rather authentic reflections of his personal experiences. This release also paves the way for his upcoming Whatever’s Clever! world tour, which kicks off on April 22 in San Diego before continuing through Europe later in the year.
With over 35 billion career streams and numerous chart-topping hits, Puth’s latest album is anticipated to attract considerable attention as fans experience a more unfiltered side of the artist.
