Charlie Puth, Hard on Yourself | Track Review 🎵

Charlie Puth continues to show musical growth and maturity on the positive single “Hard on Yourself,” featuring blackbear.

“I can see you’re struggling / Promise you’ll find love again / Yeah, it will be alright / Why are you so hard on yourself?” Charlie Puth continues to become a much more mature pop musician.  “Mother” and “Girlfriend” were two singles that really showed big-time growth for the Grammy-nominated artist.  Puth surprises us once more on “Hard on Yourself,” which features blackbear.  On paper, this is an unlikely collaboration by all means.  However, paper doesn’t speak to the success of this short, but ultimately sweet pop joint.

Charlie Puth handles the production – no surprise, of course.  What is surprising, or at least impressive, is how his skill is growing in this department as well. “Hard on Yourself” is sleek, featuring with many urban sensibilities including a contemporary, ‘trap-oriented’ beat.  Also, the electronic palette Puth works with is, well, celestial. Those are just some of the awesome sounds concocted. There are some beautiful harmonized background vocals throughout, which further ornament this record.

It’s not just the sound that makes “Hard on Yourself” a winner. The performances by both Charlie Puth and blackbear are noteworthy.  The record begins abruptly without any introduction of any sort. This certainly makes you pay extra attention to what Puth is about to serve up.  Notably, him and blackbear trade lines that bring some game and swagger.  This isn’t far-fetched for blackbear, but it’s definitely a different ‘jam’ for Puth.  As always, Charlie gives us smooth vocals – we’d expect no less.  That said, blackbear is also relatively smooth which is something considering he’s more known for his grittier, cutting vocal delivery. Also, worth noting, there’s a nice harmonic shift during the bridge section which adds an additional level of musicianship. Furthermore, the ending is dynamic – a pretty sweet fever pitch to say the least.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, there’s lots to like about “Hard on Yourself.” The biggest takeaway, having followed Charlie Puth for years, is seeing his growth. He’s nowhere near as cringy as he was during his Nine Track Mind days. “Hard or Yourself” is another winner, further amplified by its positivity toward women.

Charlie Puth • “Hard on Yourself” (Ft. blackbear) • Atlantic • Release: 8.14.20

Photo Credit: Atlantic