Charlie Puth Announces “Whatever’s Clever” Album and 2026 Tour
Pop music rarely allows itself to slow down long enough to admit doubt. It usually polishes emotions for the songs to be catchy and digestible. Well, Charlie Puth’s new single, “Beat Yourself Up,” does the opposite. It sits with the discomfort. His new “Whatever’s Clever” album arrives alongside the announcement of a 2026 world tour, taking this new era on the road.
How Charlie Puth’s New Single Shapes the Whatever’s Clever Album
Released today via Atlantic Records, the song is the latest from Puth’s forthcoming album, “Whatever’s Clever!” out March 27.
The inspiration began as a message meant for a friend, which is the kind of thing you don’t say at loud because it feels too earnest and exposed. So Puth put it where he knows how: a song. What came out is a reminder to stop treating mistakes like death or life sentences.
“We’ve never been the heart-to-heart types, so I wrote it in a song instead. I wanted to tell him that even though he has made mistakes along the way, he shouldn’t be so hard on himself. That things will get better and he’s not alone.”
“While writing it, I soon realized this wasn’t just for my friend but myself and so many others who can be hard on themselves. It’s a message to keep going and be kinder to yourself.”
The album is co-produced with BLOODPOP, “Beat Yourself Up” sets the tone for what Puth has described as his most personal record to date. Slightly unpolished and more space for reflection and vulnerable, a music video directed by Hunter Moreno is also expected soon.
The release of the single arrives alongside news of his Whatever’s Clever! World Tour, his largest to date. Starting off on April 22 in San Diego the tour spans North America before heading to Europe and the U.K. this summer. It’s a reminder that even songs inspired by self-interrogation eventually have to leave the room and face arenas and crowds.
Puth is also slated to perform at Super Bowl LX on February 8 in San Francisco, an appearance that highlights the duality of this release: introspective music and massive stages.
Whatever’s Clever! Lands March 27, 2026. It doesn’t promise answers. Just the suggestion that maybe being a little kinder to yourself is a place to start.
