Charlie Puth, Home | Song Review

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Charlie Puth taps Japanese American musician Hikaru Utada for the assist on “Home,” the fourth single from his fourth LP, Whatever’s Clever!. 

[nx_pullquote]“It ain’t a mystery / That every time you leave / That’s when I feel the most alone.”[/nx_pullquote] Noted, Charlie Puth.  The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer wants her to know, “you’re the one who makes this house a…” Wait for it: “Home”.  “Home” is the seventh track from Puth’s fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever!.  He taps Japanese American singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada for the assist. Puth, Utada, and BloodPop® composed “Home.” Puth and BloodPop® produced it.

“Home” commences with awesome drum programming that’s reminiscent of the pop and R&B of old. Beyond the colorful sound of the musical accompaniment, the harmonic progression – the musical underpinnings – is sweet. But it isn’t the nerdier elements of “Home” that draw most listeners in.  It’s the vocals and lyrics. Charlie Puth draws first blood on this duet, impressing with his smooth pipes, performed in an undertone during the verse and pre-chorus. The melody is tuneful, particularly when the chorus arrives:

“Ooh, don’t you know

That you’re the one who makes this house a home? (House a home)

And so, when you go (When you go)

It feels so cold without the soul

You’re the one who makes this house a home.”

Hikaru Utada performs the second verse, singing in Japanese for most of it.  Like Puth, her voice is smooth and beautiful. I like the way she contrasts and complements Charlie.  She performs the second chorus, singing primarily in English.  Following a post-chorus, Puth and Utada perform a pre-chorus (“It ain’t a mystery / That every time you leave / That’s when I feel the most alone, oh”), before collaborating on the final chorus and outro.  Ultimately, “Home” is a pleasant, well-rounded pop duet by Puth and Utada.  Great vocals, solid songwriting, and strong production earn this single high marks.

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