Charlie Puth, Girlfriend | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-nominated pop artist Charlie Puth continues to become more mature on his 80s-infused, falsetto heavy single, “Girlfriend.”

Charlie Puth is adorkable. He puts in work where fitness is concerned, and certainly isn’t shy about ripping his shirt off (“Mother”), yet never comes off as douchey. Among the more sensitive male musicians, in the past, his sensitivity worked against him (Nine Track Mind).  He made improvements on Voicenotes, though I’d argue that Puth has yet to hit his home run.  That said, he continues to show growing maturity on his single, “Girlfriend.” I must say, where the cover art is concerned, that’s a calf – and some thigh… 

“Girlfriend” features sleek production that’s led by keyboards – sweet, sticky-sounding synths.  Produced by Charlie Puth himself, he’s indeed true to self.  How so? “Girlfriend” always sounds balanced and uncluttered – perhaps even spare at times.  Never are Puth’s vocals inhibited, yet occasionally, you wish there was just one more instrument or instrumental line just to pack a little more punch.  Nitpicking, of course.

Listening to “Girlfriend,” it sounds as if it could’ve easily launched in the 1980s.  That’s clearly the vibe that Charlie Puth is going for, and being a 80s baby myself, I admit, the sounds are pretty dope from that era. Even though it’s retro, “Girlfriend” still sounds refreshing and most importantly, it sounds good on Puth.  He’s definitely ‘sexy’ here, but still, sexy without crossing any lines.  Perhaps some of us are waiting for that truly raunchy song that breaks away from any of the schmaltz that has plagued his music in the past.  I personally don’t see it happening, but I do think “Girlfriend” shows continual maturity. His falsetto is absolutely awesome, while the chorus is infectious to the nth degree.

“Baby, would you ever want to be my girlfriend?
I don’t wanna play no games
This is more than just a phase
Baby, would you ever want to be my girlfriend?
If you want it, let me know
We could make this official.”

Yes, admittedly I nitpicked that the production at times could use another instrumental line to make it even better, but the chorus itself is strong – and very 80s.  Prince influence much?

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Girlfriend” is an enjoyable, more mature track from Charlie Puth.  I’m not convinced he’s still totally shed the miscues of his debut Nine Track Mind (I realize Voicenotes arrived in between, thank you), but he’s going the right direction.  Great vocals, catchy chorus, and sexy cover art – can’t go wrong with that.

Charlie Puth • “Girlfriend” • Atlantic • Release: 6.26.20

Photo Credit: Atlantic