Charlie Puth, “Smells Like Me” | Track Review 🎵

Though still ‘adorkable,’ Charlie Puth shows some growth regarding relatability on the scent-driven, “Smells Like Me.”

The gifted, and the talented are different.  The rich too. 🎙 Charlie Puth is gifted, talented, rich, and also, pretty easy on the eyes (eyebrow included).  He is also incredibly horny. Lots of people are, so, we won’t hold that against this ‘adorkable’ 30-year-old.  After working through some schmaltz over the course of two albums, Puth looks to take another step forward on his third album, 💿 Charlie. A single like 🎵 “Smells Like Me” finds Charlie balancing his more innocent persona and a more mature one.

The thing with Charlie Puth is, there’s still a sense he’s trying to find his footing. His musicianship is through the roof, and he has a beautiful voice, but putting it together as a ‘pop superstar’ has been the rub.  In “Smells Like Me,” Puth does a lot of things well.  Initially, seeing the name of the single, I had my doubts about what he was delivering – it seemed a bit corny and schmaltzy.  After listening, what Puth serves up is relatable, not only to teens in puppy dog love but also to adults navigating through missing their ex.  This relatability is something in the past that hasn’t always been there for Puth, but he musters it up here as he hopes she’s “Lonely when you’re in his arms,” hopes “We can reconsider [the relationship], if you want,” and “Hope(s) your jacket smells like me.”  Additionally, he sings well, particularly the harmonized vocals, the production is classy, and the chorus is tuneful and incredibly memorable.

Final Thoughts 💭 

So, should we give Charlie Puth a fair shake on his third album, Charlie? Why, of course! Can’t keep bringing up 💿 Nine Track Mind forever, right? 🎵 “Smells Like Me” isn’t groundbreaking pop by any means, but it does show growth for a talented musician.  Plus, I dunno, there’s just something about Charlie…

🎙 Charlie Puth • 💿 Charlie • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 10.7.22

[📷: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]