Charlie Puth, “Light Switch” | Track Review

Grammy-nominated musician Charlie Puth entices on his lustful – but not too lustful – first single of 2022, “Light Switch.”

“W

hy you callin’ at 11:30 / When you only wanna do me dirty?” Ooh wee! “But I hit right back / ‘Cause you got that-that, yeah.” Holy sugar honey iced tea – she got “that-that!” The ‘adorkable one’ is back! Yes, that’s pop singer, songwriter, and producer Charlie Puth ! The Grammy-nominated musician has carved out success in the game, while also struggling to find his niche artistically.  Puth would likely admit his debut album, Nine Track Mind (2016), was a mess.  His sophomore album, Voicenotes, was a step in the right direction, with still room to improve.  Who knows what album number three brings?  Regardless, his first single of 2022, “Light Switch”, has plenty to like.

Let’s start thematically. Puth IS relatable as he dabbles in matters of the pants! He co-writes with Jake Torrey and Jacob Kasher. While a true relationship with this girl seems unlikely, the sex is poppin’ you might say.  Puth hungers for her, which is evident on the pre-chorus (“All a sudden, I’m hypnotized / You’re the one I can’t deny”), and confirmed on the memorable, fun chorus:

“You turn me on like a light switch

When you’re movin’ your body around and around

Now, I don’t wanna fight this (No)

You know how to just make me want

You turn me on like a light switch

When you’re movin’ your body around and around

You got me in a tight grip (Yeah)

You know how to just make me want you, baby.”

As always, Charlie Puth sings with an airy, light tone – there’s still a sense of boyish innocence. Nonetheless, I like the sweet falsetto he serves up on the chorus as it suits him.  Besides a naughty but ‘not too naughty’ script, I enjoy the bright, warm pop production ( Puth) featuring some colorful touches (including harmonized vocals) and an infectious pop groove.  Has a minor key joint ever sounded so exuberant?

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Final Thoughts

All in all, Charlie Puth delivers an enjoyable, respectable pop single with “Light Switch”.  No, the game isn’t turned upside down or anything, but it’s fun, a little naughty, and again, a step in the right direction for the musician.  Do any of us see Puth as the type of artists who can convincingly drop f-bombs to pack a punch in his songs? Of course, not – he’s adorkable !

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Charlie Puth • “Light Switch” • Atlantic • 01.21.22
[: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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