Whatever's Clever!

Whatever's Clever!
Studio album by
Charlie Puth
ReleasedMarch 27, 2026 (2026-03-27)
GenrePop[1]
Length37:59
Language
  • English
  • Japanese
LabelAtlantic
Producer
Charlie Puth chronology
Charlie
(2022) 		Whatever's Clever!
(2026)
Singles from Whatever's Clever!
  1. "Changes"
    Released: October 16, 2025
  2. "Beat Yourself Up"
    Released: January 16, 2026
  3. "Home"
    Released: March 9, 2026
  4. "Sideways"
    Released: March 27, 2026

Whatever's Clever! is the fourth studio album by the American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, released on March 27, 2026, through Atlantic Records.[2] Produced by Puth and BloodPop, the album features guest appearances from Kenny G, Ravyn Lenae, Hikaru Utada, Coco Jones, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Jeff Goldblum.

Whatever's Clever! serves as a follow-up to his third studio album, Charlie (2022), and his four-night Blue Note Jazz Club residency in 2025. It is supported by a world tour and four singles: "Changes", "Beat Yourself Up", "Home", and "Sideways".

Background and release

Puth first gave fans a preview of the album via the first show of a four-night residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York, where he played "Changes"[3] and "Beat Yourself Up."[4] He debuted a third song, "Sideways," during a follow-up Blue Note residency in Los Angeles.[5]

Whatever's Clever! was announced on October 16, 2025, alongside the first single, "Changes",[6][7] with an initial album release date of March 6, 2026.[8] It was announced alongside an announcement that Puth's wife, Brooke Sansone, was pregnant. During an interview with ABC News, Puth stated that people can "expect the truth" on Whatever's Clever!. "It's fun because I'm always figuring out what the sound is going to be first and then I fill in the lyrics after," he said. He described this approach as a change in his formula, saying, "This album is the first time where I'm putting life first and letting melody follow."[9] The album is available on CD, LP, and cassette as well as streaming.[10]

In January 2026, the release date of the album was pushed back to March 27, 2026.[11] That same month, "Beat Yourself Up" was released as the album's second single.[12][13] "Cry" with Kenny G was released on February 6, 2026, ahead of his performance at Super Bowl LX.[14] It was issued as a promotional single.[15][16][17] The album's third single, the Hikaru Utada-assisted "Home" was released on March 9, 2026,[18] while the Coco Jones-assisted "Sideways" was serviced to radio airplay on March 27.[19]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic78/100[20]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[21]
Associated Press[22]
PasteB−[1]
PopMatters8/10[23]
Rolling Stone[24]

According to the review aggregator Metacritic, Whatever's Clever! received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 78 out of 100 from 4 critic scores.[20] Jon Dolan of Rolling Stone called the album Puth's "best work yet".[24]

Sam Rosenberg of Paste Magazine described Whatever's Clever! as a "bright and bouncy" record that shows greater thematic maturity and sonic refinement, highlighting its focus on adulthood and personal change.[25]

Cedric Joshua of Melodic Magazine praised its commitment to an authentic 1980s-inspired sound, blending soft rock and yacht rock influences with polished pop production.[26] Writing for Showbiz by PS, Tim Strong commended the album's high-quality production and smooth vocals, while noting that its nostalgic style can feel somewhat diluted and its lyrics remain relatively safe.[27]

Track listing

All tracks produced by Charlie Puth and BloodPop, with the exception of "Reply to This", which is produced solely by Puth.

Standard edition[28]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Changes"
  • Puth
  • BloodPop
3:04
2."Beat Yourself Up"
  • Puth
  • BloodPop
2:58
3."Cry" (featuring Kenny G)
  • Puth
  • Kenny G
  • BloodPop
3:07
4."Washed Up"
  • Puth
  • BloodPop
3:00
5."New Jersey" (featuring Ravyn Lenae)
  • Puth
  • Lenae
  • BloodPop
2:15
6."Don't Meet Your Heroes"
  • Puth
  • BloodPop
3:18
7."Home" (featuring Hikaru Utada)
  • Puth
  • Utada
  • BloodPop
3:44
8."Hey Brother"
  • Puth
  • BloodPop
3:24
9."Sideways" (featuring Coco Jones)
3:55
10."Love in Exile" (featuring Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins)
  • Puth
  • Loggins
  • McDonald
  • BloodPop
3:17
11."Until It Happens to You" (featuring Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra)
3:23
12."I Used to Be Cringe"
  • Puth
  • BloodPop
2:34
Total length:37:59
CD bonus track and expanded edition[29][30][31]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."Reply to This"
2:58
Total length:40:57
Japanese exclusive bonus track[32]
No.TitleLength
13."Holding on for Dear Life"3:16
Total length:41:05

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[31]

Musicians

  • Charlie Puth – vocals, keyboards, programming
  • Michael McDonald - vocals (track 10)
  • Kenny Loggins - vocals (track 10)
  • Pastor Funk – bass
  • Stanley Rudolph – drums
  • Curt Chambers – guitar
  • Leddie Garcia – percussion
  • BloodPop – programming
  • Ashley Morgan – choir vocals (tracks 1, 3, 4, 11)
  • David Lee – choir vocals (1, 3, 4, 11)
  • Eric Copeland II – choir vocals (1, 3, 4, 11)
  • LaKesha Nugent – choir vocals (1, 3, 4, 11)
  • Rachel Gonzalez – choir vocals (1, 3, 4, 11)
  • Revel Day – choir vocals (1, 3, 4, 11)
  • Ronald O'Hannon – choir vocals (1, 3, 4, 11)
  • Whitney Wood – choir vocals (1, 3, 4, 11)
  • Steve Hackman – orchestra leader, orchestra management (2, 4, 6, 7, 9–11)
  • Brad Ritchie – orchestration (2, 4, 6, 7, 9–11)
  • Jeff Driskill – saxophone (2, 4, 11)
  • Ido Meshulam – trombone (2, 4, 11)
  • Rob Schaer – trumpet (2, 4, 11)
  • Wayne Bergeron – trumpet (2, 4, 11)
  • Katie Sloan – concertmaster, violin (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Adam Millstein – violin (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Ji Young An – violin (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Kerenza Peacock – violin (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Mark Robertson – violin (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Maya Magub – violin (2, 6, 7, 9), viol (10)
  • Michael Siess – violin (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Misha Vayman – violin (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Radu Pieptea – violin (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Sara Parkins – violin (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Stephanie Yu – violin (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Carolyn Riley – viola (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Corinne Sobolewski – viola (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Drew Forde – viola (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Emily Williams – viola (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Ben Lash – cello (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Christopher Ahn – cello (2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
  • Juan-Salvador Carrasco – cello (2, 6, 9, 10)
  • William Nathan Farrington – double bass (2, 6, 9, 10)
  • Thanh Tran – orchestration (2, 7, 10)
  • Joy Payton-Stevens – cello (2, 10)
  • Kenny G – featured saxophone (3)
  • Sophie Giuliani – guitar (4, 8)
  • Coco Jones — featured vocals (9)
  • Ravyn Lenae – featured vocals (5)
  • Mia Barcia Colombo – cello (6, 7, 9)
  • Hikaru Utada – featured vocals (7)
  • Akira Miyake – vocal direction (7)
  • Jeff Goldblum – vocals (11)
  • Mauro Mengotto – drums (6)
  • Antoine Bourachot – drums (4, 7, 8, 9)

Technical

  • Charlie Puth – production, mixing
  • BloodPop – production
  • Ben Sedano – engineering
  • Damien Lewis – engineering (1)
  • Yuva Saito – vocal engineering (7)
  • Eric Eylands – engineering assistance
  • Manny Marroquin – mixing
  • Ramiro Fernandez-Seoane – mixing assistance
  • Zach Pereyra – mastering

Charts

Chart performance
Chart (2026) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[33] 33
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[34] 133
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[35] 76
Croatian International Albums (HDU)[36] 6
French Physical Albums (SNEP)[37] 64
Hungarian Physical Albums (MAHASZ)[38] 11
Japanese Digital Albums (Oricon)[39] 7
Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan)[40] 35
Japanese Western Albums (Oricon)[41] 15
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[42] 33
Scottish Albums (OCC)[43] 45
UK Albums Sales (OCC)[44] 25
US Billboard 200[45] 46

References

  1. ^ a b Rosenberg, Sam (March 27, 2026). "Charlie Puth loosens up as he settles down on Whatever's Clever!". Paste. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
  2. ^ "Charlie Puth Announces New Album Whatever's Clever!, Brings Out Jeff Goldblum For Cyndi Lauper Cover In LA". stereogum.com. October 18, 2025. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  3. ^ Hiatt, Brian (September 26, 2025). "Charlie Puth Debuts New Songs, Duets with Babyface at New York Club Show". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  4. ^ Buaa, Jane (October 6, 2025). "Charlie Puth's Overdue Jam Session". The New Yorker. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  5. ^ "Charlie Puth & Coco Jones Debut Stunning Duet "Sideways" Live". YouTube.
  6. ^ Atkinson, Katie (October 16, 2025). "Charlie Puth Announces 'Whatever's Clever!' Album & Reveals Big Life 'Changes' in Music Video: He's Going to Be a Dad". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
  7. ^ "Changes – Charlie Puth" (Press release). Warner Music Italy. October 16, 2025. Retrieved March 10, 2026 – via EarOne.
  8. ^ Blistein, Jon. "Charlie Puth Embraces Big 'Changes' on First Single From New Album, 'Whatever's Clever!'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  9. ^ ABC News (October 23, 2025). Charlie Puth discusses new album and the big changes he's facing becoming a father. Retrieved November 29, 2025 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ Cuevas, Gabi (October 17, 2025). "Charlie Puth reveals latest "Changes"; a new album and baby on the way » // MELODIC Magazine". Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  11. ^ Hiatt, Brian. "Charlie Puth Interview: New Album, Taylor Swift, and The Super Bowl". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  12. ^ Brandle, Lars (January 16, 2026). "Charlie Puth's 'Beat Yourself Up' is a trip back in time: Stream it now". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 9, 2026. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  13. ^ "Beat Yourself Up – Charlie Puth" (Press release). Warner Music Italy. January 16, 2026. Retrieved March 10, 2026 – via EarOne.
  14. ^ Atkinson, Katie (February 8, 2026). "Charlie Puth Performs National Anthem at 2026 Super Bowl". Billboard. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  15. ^ "Charlie Puth Releases 'Cry' featuring Kenny G ahead of Super Bowl performance" (PDF) (Press release). Atlantic Records. February 6, 2026. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 10, 2026. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
  16. ^ Go, Mayks; Regis, Ralph (February 6, 2026). "8 New Songs You Should Tune In To This Week: Zayn, Eliza Maturan, Illest Morena, Joji, And More". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  17. ^ Smith, Carl (February 6, 2026). "New Music Friday: sombr, ZAYN, Joji, Niall Horan and more". Official Chart. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  18. ^ Kaufman, Gil (March 9, 2026). "Charlie Puth pines for his long-distance love in moody video for 'Home' single featuring Hikaru Utada". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 9, 2026. Retrieved March 9, 2026. The singer dropped the third single from his upcoming fourth studio album, Whatever's Clever!, on Monday morning (March 9) and it finds him teaming up with Japanese pop star Hikaru Utada for a story about distance making the heart grow sadder.
  19. ^ "Sideways – Charlie Puth, Coco Jones" (Press release). Warner Music Italy. March 27, 2026. Retrieved March 27, 2026 – via EarOne.
  20. ^ a b "Whatever's Clever! by Charlie Puth". Metacritic. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
  21. ^ Yeung, Neil Z. "Whatever's Clever! Review by Neil Z. Yeung". AllMusic. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
  22. ^ Ryan, Elise (March 27, 2026). "Music Review: Charlie Puth shows off his bag of musical tricks on 'Whatever's Clever!'". Associated Press. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
  23. ^ Dwyer, Matthew (April 7, 2026). "Charlie Puth Embraces Change on 'Whatever's Clever'". PopMatters. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  24. ^ a b Dolan, Jon (March 27, 2026). "Charlie Puth Finally Finds His Sweet Spot". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
  25. ^ Rosenberg, Sam (March 27, 2026). "Charlie Puth loosens up as he settles down on Whatever's Clever!". Paste Magazine. Retrieved March 30, 2026.
  26. ^ Joshua, Cedric (March 27, 2026). "Pop precision meets vulnerability on Charlie Puth's 'Whatever's Clever!' — Album Review". MELODIC Magazine. Retrieved March 30, 2026.
  27. ^ Strong, Tim (March 30, 2026). "Album Review: Charlie Puth – Whatever's Clever". Showbiz by PS. Retrieved March 30, 2026.
  28. ^ Puth, Charlie (March 27, 2026). "Whatever's Clever!". Retrieved March 26, 2026 – via Apple Music.
  29. ^ Puth, Charlie. "Whatever's Clever! - bonus track CD". Retrieved March 26, 2026 – via Official Webstore.
  30. ^ Puth, Charlie (March 27, 2026). "Whatever's Clever! (expanded)". Retrieved March 30, 2026 – via Apple Music.
  31. ^ a b Puth, Charlie. "Whatever's Clever! (expanded) | Credits". Retrieved April 2, 2026 – via Tidal.
  32. ^ "Charlie Puth - Whatever's Clever! (Japan Special Edition) (CD)". MusicJapanet. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  33. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. April 6, 2026. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
  34. ^ "Ultratop.be – Charlie Puth – Whatever's Clever!" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  35. ^ "Ultratop.be – Charlie Puth – Whatever's Clever!" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  36. ^ "Lista prodaje 13. tjedan 2026" [Sales list week 13, 2026] (in Croatian). HDU. April 7, 2026. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  37. ^ "Top Albums Physiques (Semaine du 3 avril 2026)" (in French). Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  38. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista (fizikai hanghordozók) – 2026. 14. hét". MAHASZ. Retrieved April 9, 2026.
  39. ^ "Oricon Top 50 Digital Albums: 2026-04-06" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on April 1, 2026. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  40. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums – Week of April 1, 2026". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  41. ^ "Oricon Top 30 Western Albums: 2026-04-13" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved April 8, 2026.
  42. ^ "Official Top 40 Albums". Recorded Music NZ. April 3, 2026. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
  43. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart on 3/4/2026 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 4, 2026.
  44. ^ "Official Albums Sales Chart: 3 April 2026 – 9 April 2026". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 4, 2026.
  45. ^ "Charlie Puth Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
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