Charlie Puth delivers an enjoyable sophomore album with Voicenotes that features songs that are ‘true to self’ and play to his artistic and musical strengths.

“I was unapologetically myself in this album. I was just tired of faking it.” That’s what pop singer, songwriter, and producer Charlie Puthtold Nicole Sands in a People Magazine exclusive upon the release of his highly-anticipated sophomore album, Voicenotes.  Clearly, the 26-year old perfect-pitched, golden-voiced singer is on an upward trajectory, sounding more authentic and ‘true to self’ on Voicenotes compared to his so-so debut, Nine Track Mind.  Voicenotes isn’t without flaw or a pop masterwork, but generally it’s an enjoyable set of pop songs that play to his strengths.

“The Way I Am” 

On opener “The Way I Am”, Charlie Puth continues plays to his vocal strengths.  The record benefits from quick-paced, rhythmic melodic lines, groovy, yet balanced production, and most of all, a catchy chorus. The chorus isn’t deep lyrically, but it sums up what this song is about – his personality.  He kicks off the first verse singing, “Maybe I’ma get a little anxious / Maybe I’ma get a little shy.”  Later, on the second verse, he parallels, “Maybe I’ma get a little nervous / Maybe I don’t go out anymore.”  On both verses, he addresses his desires for love as well as insecurities and issues.  Authenticity and honesty go a long way for Puth on album track number one.

“Attention”

“Attention”, the first single we were privy to from a new and improved Charlie Puth, ‘ups the ante’ for sure.  His falsetto is strong on “Attention” for the most part, save for that vocal crack… His light tone of voice doesn’t suddenly become robust, but he definitely packs more punch. The production is a major step up, particularly the bass line and infectious, danceable groove. Non-game-changing, “Attention” marks the beginnings of a transformation for Puth. It’s flirty without being distasteful, playing to Puth’s sensitivity. The best lyrical moment occurs on the pre-chorus:

“I know that dress is karma, perfume regret

You got me thinking ‘bout when you were mine…”

“Told you I’m moving on to bigger and better things / Guess you never know what good you got until it’s gone.” “LA Girls” has a nasty groove, while keeping the overall production on the simpler side.  The groove fits the narrative, where Charlie Puth “Misses my baby” (his ex) and perhaps, the East Coast as well. “How the hell did I get caught up / Messin’ with these LA girls?” he asks himself on the chorus.

“How Long”

On “How Long”,Puth continues to show how he’s expanded as an artist. The production moves beyond the safety of his oft-sanitized 2016 debut, Nine Track Mind.  “How Long” features funky, soulful production which thrives off its groove and complements the lightness and airy nature of Puth’s voice exceptionally well.  As angelic as all of that sounds, Puth has been creeping.

“I’ll admit, I was wrong, what else can I say, girl?

Can’t you blame my head and not my heart?

I was drunk, I was gone, that don’t make it right, but

Promise there were no feelings involved.”

Unfortunately, he broke the seventh commandment – “Thou shall not commit adultery”. Rightfully, his bae is pissed, and has been feeling the effects of his adulterous ways.

“How long has this been goin’ on?

You’ve been creepin’ ‘round on me

While you’re callin’ me, ‘baby’.”

“Done for Me” 

“Done for Me” keeps the hits right on coming. “Done for Me” embraces urban contemporary music, an excellent look for Puth.  The beat – the groove – makes this record perfect for dancing. Vocally, he continues to be more compelling, and certainly possesses an enviable tone. Assisted by Grammy-nominated artist Kehlani, she sounds terrific, never over-singing, delivering a balanced, nuanced vocal performance.  The chemistry between Kehlani and Puth is great towards the end of the record, where they harmonize and provide ad-libs. On“Patient,” Puth wants and plans to be the man for her, despite the mistakes he’s made.  A bit on the light side, accentuated with subtle electric piano and a cool, 80s R&B groove, it’s pleasant without being formidable per se.

“If You Leave Me Now”

Puth shines his brightest yet on “If You Leave Me Now”. The sound of the record is throwback ‘contemporary’ R&B – think 1990s when featured guests Boyz II Men were in their prime.  Perhaps “If You Leave Me Now” should feel anachronistic, but instead, it’s refreshing because of it captures the glory days of R&B. The vocals from Puth as well as his soulful supporting cast are utterly superb. As the predominate lead, Puth is much more commanding and soulful than he’s been in the past.

The production, sound, and vibe of “BOY” is excellent. As far as the lyrics are concerned, they’re a bit corny. Give Puth credit for being honest about being a 90s baby and being viewed as a “boy” by older, more mature women, but still… He’s awkward, yet adorkable… The same can be said of “Slow It Down.” Once again, he thrives off of a feel-good groove, not to mention other production elements. As far as the state of his love life, once again he’s awkward, but honest.  “Oh, the more that I tell her I’m not stayin’ over / The harder she makes it to go.”

“Change”

“Why can’t we just get along? / If loving one another’s wrong / Then how are we supposed to / Get close to each other?” The socially-conscious “Change” served as the fifth advance single from Voicenotes, enlisting the legendary James Taylor. The production is spare at the onset – acoustic guitar, electric piano, and finger snaps. The chorus, excerpted above, is the centerpiece of the record. Compared to the other Voicenotes collaborations, “Change” doesn’t have the same punch.  Nonetheless, the message is transcendent, if oversimplified. As the record progresses the production fills out a bit more.

The up-tempo “Somebody Told Me” returns Puth back to matters of the heart.  Instead of creeping himself, he discovers his girl was “Just half in love” and “Got another love you’ve been giving it to.” Ultimately, it’s not bad.  On penultimate number “Empty Cups” doesn’t care she has a boyfriend – he’s “no competition.” After a night of drinking and partying, the plan is clearly sexual.  Give him credit for exhibiting personality, not to mention another incredible groove. His gospel moment arrives on closer “Through It All” which comes off a bit underwhelming despite his best efforts.

Final Thoughts

Voicenotes is a big step forward for Charlie Puth, period. It’s not ‘the second coming,’ but all in all, this is an enjoyable album that easily surpasses Nine Track Mind.  Puth’s personality works much more effectively on this set, and even though his awkwardness gets the best of him at times, more often than not, it bodes in his favor.

Gems: “The Way I Am,” “Attention,” “LA Girls,” “How Long,” “Done for Me” & “If You Leave Me Now”

Charlie Puth • Voicenotes • Atlantic • Release: 5.11.18 

Photo Credit: Atlantic