Charlie Puth Grows Up- and He Makes His Best Album Ever

Charlie Puth is far from washed up! Those who thought he lost his edge, his talent, his marketability are dead wrong. Whatever's Clever! may be the best thing he's ever put out. By placing his instantly recognizable vocals against a backdrop of bright piano playing and arrangements that can remind you of the best of Phil Collins and the decades before him for that matter, Puth has created a winning collection that will gain him new fans and reclaim those lost. 

From the bright glistening Changes to the biting but beautiful Don't Meet Your Heroes and beyond, no punches are pulled. There's a new man on the scene and he says exactly what's on his mind without losing his pop sensibilities and his ear for a great melody. Not a single selection on the album feels like it's a throwaway cut. The upbeat but lyrically unexpected Washed Up includes some Herb Alpert style horns to good effect. One particular collaboration, Sideways with Coco Jones, pops and sizzles along. The last 30 seconds or so, the whole production of slides into a sophisticated wind down with a Motown feel- and it works so very well. Just gorgeous. 

Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins join Charlie on Love in Exile for a sure to be hit single. Until It Happens to You pops with a spoken vocal by Jeff Goldblum with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra providing the swing. Kenny G is also around proving once more the old guys can still mix it up. On the other end of the age spectrum, there's Hikaru Utada and Ravyn Lenae each bringing their own style and charm to the disc.

Puth pokes hard at himself in I Used to Be Cringe. But the last laugh is on everyone else. He's made an album that he wanted to make. Charlie has grown up, and his new album's a keeper!

Rod Stewart's Soulbook Lacks

In spite of a few wonderful cuts, Rod Stewart's excursion in 60s Motown territory is a bust. Rod's vocals lack depth, the song choices are mostly uninspired, and the production lacks spark. Like his Songbook collections from the past, there are guest artists (including Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson) aplenty to push things along. Unfortunately, they add nothing to the ride.


Highlights: My Cherie Amour, the Stevie Wonder ode to young love given a very warm harmonica treatment, as well as a wistful reading by Rod. The other bright spot is the closer. The Temptations' Just My Imagination. When it first came on, I exclaimed "This was what I was waiting for!" The arrangement mainly sticks to the original and the result is charming and soulful. Exactly what everything else on this disc is lacking.

(If you're looking for something similar but much better, check out Michael McDonald's discs like Soul Speak, Motown, and Motown 2. Stronger performances, better arrangements- just richer.)