“This time, it’s a little looser, a little more experimental, and a lot more self-aware” - Whatever’s Clever, Charlie Puth - Album Review - By The Fans Magazine

Words & Review: Sky Attav

Photography credit to retrospective owner.

Charlie Puth’s Whatever’s Clever feels like a natural continuation of what he’s been building over the past few years—hyper-detailed pop production, brutally honest lyrics, and that unmistakable ear for melody.

But this time, it’s a little looser, a little more experimental, and a lot more self-aware.

The standout strength of the album is still Charlie himself—his production is insanely meticulous. Every snap, harmony, and background vocal feels intentional. You can tell he’s having fun playing with sound again, but instead of it feeling overly polished or clinical, it comes across more relaxed and human. There’s a sense that he’s not trying to prove anything anymore, and that actually works in his favour.

Lyrically, the album leans into self-reflection, relationships, and the messiness in between. Some tracks hit hard with emotional honesty, while others feel more like clever observations than deep confessions. That’s kind of the trade-off here: it’s witty and self-aware, but not always emotionally heavy. If you’re looking for gut-punch ballads, there are moments—but they’re balanced with lighter, more playful tracks.

Vocally, Charlie is as always - strong as ever. His control, layering, and tone are still top-tier, especially in the choruses where everything just clicks. However, there are a few moments where the vocal processing slightly overshadows the rawness—something longtime listeners might notice.

If there’s a weakness, it’s that the album can feel a bit inconsistent in identity. It jumps between introspective, quirky, and radio-friendly without always fully committing to one lane. Some songs feel like instant highlights, while others blend together more than they should.

Overall, Whatever’s Clever isn’t about reinventing Charlie Puth—it’s about refining him. It’s a confident, technically impressive album with flashes of real vulnerability, even if it doesn’t always go as deep as it could.