Charlie Puth releases his fourth studio album Whatever’s Clever!, including standout tracks “Sideways” with Coco Jones and “Love In Exile” with Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins.
GRAMMY-nominated and multi-platinum singer-songwriter-producer Charlie Puth releases his fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever!. Through the record, he confronts personal truths and explores themes he rarely touches on, offering a more honest and intimate look into who he is.
Immersed in classics from Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, and Philip Bailey, and experimenting with the Yamaha CP70 and new techniques in his home studio, Charlie Puth aimed to create a rich, warm, and expansive sound. He found the ideal partner in co-producer BloodPop®, who encouraged him to explore sonics he’d never tried, tackle subjects he’d avoided, and write songs that once felt uncomfortable. Charlie adds:
The best singers don’t flawlessly sing on pitch, the guitar goes out of tune, or the record skips. If A.I. is going to take over the world, we decided to be as human as possible. It only took a couple of songs with BloodPop® pushing me, then I was pushing myself.
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“Sideways” featuring Coco Jones
The multi-Diamond, award-winning Charlie Puth appeared as the lead guest and performer on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, delivering his latest single “Sideways” with Coco Jones. This blissed-out, ’90s-inspired R&B love song first came to life during his Blue Note LA underplay shows last winter, where Coco joined him for the live debut.
Coco Jones describes Charlie Puth as an incredible artist who is always refining his craft. She recalls enjoying the process of bringing “Sideways” to life and considers it an honor to have debuted the song with him at his Blue Note show in Los Angeles. She adds that she’s thrilled the world can finally hear the track.
Meanwhile, Charlie Puth praised Coco Jones as an incredible artist, saying it’s been a joy collaborating with her:
I love working with vocalists who can take a song to the next level – and Coco did just that. When writing Sideways, I wanted to evoke a very cinematic picture through the chords and melody. And this vision came alive the moment Coco sang into the microphone.
Other Whatever’s Clever! Standout Tracks
Other standout tracks from his latest release include the timeless yacht rock gem “Love In Exile” (featuring Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins). Driven by loose guitar riffs and glowing neon keys, the song builds into a vocal masterclass, with Charlie confidently standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside two legends. As the collaboration unfolds, it closes on a wistful refrain: “We had it all for a while, but now it feels like love in exile.”
He played around in the studio when Kenny suggested letting Mike step in and add his own style. So, he followed the advice, and it immediately elevated the track. As they started singing, he felt amazed by their vocals. “My mind was just blown when they each sang, but they are the humblest guys ever. To me, it’s like a classic record from the seventies or eighties,” he added.
Meanwhile, “Until It Happens To You” blends spoken words from Jeff Goldblum into a bright and upbeat Charlie anthem. As the track plays, his words bounce naturally alongside the vocals, lifted further by rich choir harmonies. Instead of acting, Jeff delivers a heartfelt, unscripted monologue, speaking directly from the heart to his two young sons—one of whom is named Charlie. He notes:
Thematically, you’re watching a loved one go through hardship. This person has guided you through so much turbulence. The tables have turned though, and you need to help.
What Whatever’s Clever! Means for Charlie Puth
For the first time on “Hey Brother,” he directly speaks to his younger brother, Stephen. He opens up and urges him to see his own worth, just as he sees it in him. At the same time, he reassures Stephen that their bond will always remain strong. While reflecting on it, he shares that he recognizes his brother’s potential, just as Stephen sees greatness in him.
Although singing about it feels a bit uncomfortable, he hopes the message brings his brother comfort. In the end, he emphasizes that Stephen is his own person.
Charlie Puth closes Whatever’s Clever! by reflecting on his journey and sense of self. He shares that after exploring different styles, he has returned to who he truly is, believing everything happened for a reason.
With a ring on my finger, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been and the most at-ease. These are real songs. They’re about my brother, my dad, my wife, and people who aren’t in my life anymore that I thought I needed. This is finally me.
Moreover, Charlie Puth kicks off his WHATEVER’S CLEVER! World Tour at Viejas Arena in San Diego on April 22. After that, he heads to Europe, continuing the tour across June and July.
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