Charlie Puth returns with a bold new chapter in his musical journey, releasing his highly anticipated fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever!, via Atlantic Records ahead of his upcoming global tour.
The album marks a more personal and introspective era for the multi-award-winning artist, who describes the project as an opportunity to finally let audiences get to know him beyond his music. “I had to take a closer look at myself to make this record and sing about things I normally wouldn’t sing about,” Puth shared. “Audiences knew my music more than they knew me because I never really gave them a chance to know me. This is the chance.”
Inspired by the sounds of Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, and Philip Bailey, Puth crafted a rich, warm, and expansive sonic landscape, experimenting with vintage instruments like the Yamaha CP70 and exploring new creative directions alongside co-producer BloodPop®. The collaboration pushed him to embrace imperfection and authenticity, leaning into a more human, expressive sound.
Leading the album rollout is “Sideways,” a smooth, ’90s-inspired R&B track featuring Coco Jones. The two recently performed the song live on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, delivering a standout performance that highlighted their vocal chemistry. Coco Jones praised the collaboration, calling Puth “an incredible artist” and expressing excitement for fans to finally hear the track. Puth echoed the sentiment, noting how Jones elevated the song and brought his vision to life.
Whatever’s Clever! features a diverse lineup of collaborations, including Kenny G, Ravyn Lenae, Hikaru Utada, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Jeff Goldblum. Tracks like “Love in Exile” channel classic yacht rock influences, while “Until It Happens to You” blends spoken word and uplifting melodies. Meanwhile, “Hey Brother” offers a deeply personal message to his younger sibling, reflecting the album’s intimate themes.
Puth describes the album as his most honest work yet, drawing inspiration from his relationships with family, his wife, and his personal growth. “These are real songs,” he said. “This is finally me.”
The release comes just ahead of the WHATEVER’S CLEVER! World Tour, which kicks off April 22 in San Diego before traveling across North America and Europe. The tour will bring Puth’s new music to fans worldwide, with stops in major cities including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, and more.
Following a standout performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LX, Puth continues to build momentum heading into this new era—one defined by authenticity, evolution, and a deeper connection with his audience.
