Charlie Puth, Lipstick | Track Review

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/producer Charlie Puth embraces his R&B era with his sensual single, “Lipstick.”

“We can make it more than rumors / That I’m your man ‘cause I’m your man (Yes).” Um, K… Anyways, the adorkable Charlie Puth is entering a new era – R&B. The first taste of new Charlie is “Lipstick”, which commences with a lovely groove with a sensual vibe but ultimately, non troppo (not too much). As promised, there are clear R&B cues in play on this particular track, which was produced by Puth alongside Happy Perez, and Pop Wansel. The harmonic progression – the underpinnings – are simple, focusing two chords primarily: tonic and dominant . It works, all told. 

As far as songwriting, Puth, Happy Perez, and Pop Wansel composed “Lipstick” alongside Jacob Kasher, known for his pen. The lyrics won’t change your life, but they’re entertaining.  The chorus is infectious to the n^th  degree, easily getting stuck in your head:

“Come and put your lipstick on my neck and my body (My baby)

Just to show these bitches that you’re mine (Mmh-ooh)

Lipstick on my collar, show ‘em you ain’t no hobby (My baby)

You’re the one who gets it all the time (Ooh-ooh).”

Show these bitches that you’re mine, huh? Oh, Charlie! His vocals are playful. As always, he delivers a ripe falsetto, and floats atop the backdrop. He never breaks a sweat, bringing a cool energy. Also amplifying the energy are vocal harmonies, always a pro. Notably, the interlude and bridge sections are  fun, if a bit, um, schmaltzy. Puth spits a bit of game () in the interlude, while the bridge embraces the lips… and sex, of course .  Charlie Puth, who is fit, handsome, and as horny, if not hornier than anybody else, still falls a bit short of sex symbol.  Still, “Lipstick” is far sexier than those sanitized   Nine Track Mind days.

Charlie Puth • “Lipstick” • Atlantic • 8.18.23

[: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Atlantic; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]