Charlie Puth calls latest album his 'most challenging' yet

Charlie Puth has opened up about the emotional journey behind his fourth studio album, Whatever's Clever!, calling it the “most challenging” project he’s ever tackled.

The 34-year-old singer told Variety that the album’s creation was unlike anything he had done before. “What was at times most challenging for me was just how unmusical it started. We didn't start with the chords, we didn't start with sounds. We started with the topic of what we wanted to talk about,” Puth said, reflecting on the deeply personal nature of the record.

Known for performing the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl, Puth admitted that opening up emotionally doesn’t come easily. 

“It's not the easiest thing for me to do to talk about what I'm going through. Even with my closest friends, there always has to be a little bit of sound playing in the background,” he said.

Despite the hurdles, Puth calls Whatever’s Clever! his favorite album yet. 

“This is the first time that I have had just a few months to sit and tell the truth. I didn't want to remove the emotion,” he explained.

Described by Puth as “yacht rock 2026,” the album was executive produced by BloodPop and features collaborations with Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Kenny G, and Jeff Goldblum.

Puth is preparing to hit the road for an arena tour, but acknowledges the challenges of balancing life as a new father with wife Brooke and their first child. 

“There's gonna be times when I don't get to see the baby, which is gonna be tough on me,” he said.

Still, he remains optimistic. “I'm so grateful for the strong bond that I have with my family. I believe that's what's gonna get me through this tour,” Puth added.

Whatever’s Clever! is now available across streaming platforms.