In the many relationships one may have in their lifetime, many lovers have fallen to their star-crossed fate. It is not uncommon to have an era of distress and unhappiness, but different people react differently to their struggles.
Charlie Puth’s third album, “CHARLIE,” released on Oct. 7, deals with the struggles of heartbreak and loss. The lyrics deliver powerful messages of loneliness and regret while experimenting with a mix of the classic upbeat tempo and glimpses of more somber tunes. Unlike previous albums, “CHARLIE” centers around the singer.
The self-titled album begins with “That’s Hilarious,” where mellow lyrics are masked with Puth’s signature upbeat rock style. He preludes the multitude of emotions in the rest of the 12-song album through the lines, “You’re just another lesson I learned/ Don’t give your heart to a girl who’s still got a broken one.” While the majority of the song exhibits upbeat tunes, the song is introduced with a heavier tone, flashing glimpses of a lonely mood that many can relate to in a time of distress.
“The lines are memorable with sudden changes in dynamics and powerful lyrics”
The next song, “Charlie Be Quiet!” is an internal monologue that conveys his fear of speaking up and struggles with finding control. The lines are memorable with sudden changes in dynamics and powerful lyrics invoking mellow emotions: “If she knows you’re in love, she’s gonna run, run away-ay-ay-ay.”
“Light Switch” introduces lyrics that are more optimistic while the syncopated beat in the background brings out the upbeat mood of the music. Through the contrast between this track and the somber lyrics of previous tracks, Puth implies that love can evoke both hope and disappointment.
“Smells Like Me” exemplifies the bittersweet moments that one has during a relationship: moments of regret and happiness. The track portrays resentful and indignant emotions, with the upbeat tunes disguising his anger: “Or are you lyin’ there, thinkin’ about the way/ That it used to be? (Oh)/ I hope your jacket smells like me.”
A common theme throughout the album is the impact of reminiscence. “There’s A First Time for Everything,” “Left and Right” and “Loser” deliver powerful feelings of nostalgia. “Left and Right (feat. JungKook)” has already reached over 100 million views. The unshakable memories hinted in the lyrics allude to the turmoil when finding an inner peace: “Your love stays with me day and night/ I can feel you over here, I can feel you over here.”
In “Loser,” Puth plays with the sound of loser and lose her, alluding to the depressed feelings that arise in both situations.
“When You’re Sad I’m Sad” delivers powerful messages of sorrow. The minor key piano music in the background supports the poignant lyrics. The chords perfectly bring out certain words in the lyrics. The track lacks the traditional rock music in the background to balance the heavy lyrics, bringing out the true misery: “Baby, don’t do that ‘cause when you’re sad, I’m sad/ ‘Cause you know that you’re the best I ever had.”
“Marks On My Neck” and “Tears On My Piano” have the signature pop rock rhythm and upbeat, melody which parallels the happiness that love can evoke but alleviates the struggles it brings.
Toward the end of the album, the tracks drift towards a more accepting tone. Puth’s tremendous character growth is mirrored in the final two tracks, “I Don’t Think That I Like Her” and “No More Drama” where he concludes his relationship: “And it’s such a blessing/ I’m so glad I finally realized/ I’m better without you.”
While the upbeat pop rock tunes take away some emotions of heartbreak, Charlie Puth’s album is still successful in expressing the barrel of emotions that comes with love. The album circles around themes of acceptance and moving on, revealing the tumultuous feelings from an unsuccessful relationship. His acceptance of unrequited love sends a powerful message: dwelling on the past can become dangerous. The album’s many high points and poignant lyrics convey the truthful moments in a broken relationship, earning it a solid four out of five stars.
