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]