Charlie Puth recently opened up about a significant childhood wish during an interview with Variety, reflecting on his early career and the desire to be recognized seriously as an artist. The 34-year-old singer discussed how his personality has evolved since first gaining fame, particularly following the release of his fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever!
He recalled writing a song at age 26 that expressed his frustration about not being taken seriously by others. Puth described his younger self as hot-headed and eager to prove his worth, saying, “As a young man, I was hot-headed, and I wanted to prove them wrong. I should be taken seriously. I’m pretty cool, is what I would tell myself.”
Notably, Charlie, who performed the Star-Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl earlier this year, emphasized how much he has matured since those early days in the music industry. He stated, “I think I’ve definitely changed as a person.” He also credited those earlier, more impulsive experiences for inspiring his most personal work to date, which is showcased on Whatever’s Clever!
He elaborated, “I’m thankful for those songs because I don’t think there would be I Used to Be Cringe. I don’t believe I would have ended up singing in that way and about that topic had it not been for those songs that preceded it.” The album features collaborations with notable artists such as Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Kenny G, and Jeff Goldblum, marking a clear departure from the polished pop sound of his previous records.
Charlie explained his artistic intentions behind the album, saying, “I wanted things not to be so pristine on this fourth album. I didn’t want to remove the emotion.” This shift highlights his commitment to authenticity and emotional expression in his music.
