Charlie Puth has solidified his place in the music industry since his viral breakthrough on YouTube in 2011. Initially recognized for his captivating cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You,” Puth quickly transitioned into a successful singer-songwriter, crafting original hits that resonate with global audiences. His debut single, “Marvin Gaye,” featuring Meghan Trainor, launched his career in 2015 and marked the beginning of an impressive musical journey. But before stepping into the limelight as a performer, Puth was already making waves behind the scenes as a sought-after songwriter and producer for numerous artists.
Puth’s talent extends beyond his solo work; he has co-written chart-topping tracks for industry giants. His early credits include co-writing “See You Again” for the Furious 7 soundtrack in 2015, a poignant tribute to Paul Walker. His songwriting prowess also benefited artists like Thomas Rhett, CeeLo Green, Pitbull, and Jason Derulo, demonstrating his versatility across genres. This success behind the scenes paved the way for his own artist career, and he continued to collaborate while releasing his own music, working with names like One Direction, John Legend, and Maroon 5.
RELATED READING: 10 Songs You Didn’t Know Charlie Puth Wrote for Other Artists
In 2016, Charlie Puth dropped his debut album Nine Track Mind, featuring the inescapable hit “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” Voicenotes followed in 2018, boasting popular singles “How Long” and “Attention,” further cementing his status as a hitmaker. The unique circumstances of the pandemic spurred a period of experimentation for Puth. He embraced social media to document his creative process, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of each song on his self-produced 2022 album, Charlie.
This list delves into Charlie Puth’s impressive and still-growing discography, chronologically highlighting 10 of his best songs that have defined his career since his breakout in 2015. From soulful ballads to catchy pop anthems, these Charlie Puth Songs showcase his evolution as an artist and his undeniable knack for creating memorable music.
1. “Marvin Gaye” with Meghan Trainor (2015)
Written by Charlie Puth, Nick Seeley, Julie Frost, Jacob Luttrell
“Marvin Gaye,” a soulful duet with Meghan Trainor, holds the distinction of being Charlie Puth’s official debut single. Originally featured on his 2015 EP, Some Type of Love, this track pays homage to the legendary R&B icon Marvin Gaye. Inspired by Gaye’s classic duets with Tammi Terrell, Puth envisioned the song as a collaborative performance and enlisted Meghan Trainor to join him.
The inception of “Marvin Gaye” marked a significant moment in Puth’s career. It was the very first song he penned after relocating to Los Angeles, and its subsequent success was a phenomenal launch to his solo journey. The track later found a place on his debut album, Nine Track Mind, released in 2016, amplifying its reach and solidifying its status as a breakout hit in Charlie Puth’s discography.
Reflecting on the song’s origins, Puth shared in a 2015 interview with Billboard, “’Marvin Gaye’ came about my first day in LA. It was kind of crazy that that’s my first song that I wrote and it blew up that much. What’s crazy is the next day I wrote ‘See You Again,’ so that’s pretty interesting.” This anecdote highlights the incredibly fertile creative period Puth experienced upon arriving in Los Angeles, birthing two of his most iconic early songs in quick succession.
The song’s clever use of Marvin Gaye’s name as a verb – “Let’s Marvin Gaye and get it on” – is a testament to Puth’s songwriting ingenuity. He explained, “I was trying to prove myself as a songwriter. I was just having fun, and I was surrounded by all these pretty women. … Pure human emotion is how ‘Marvin Gaye’ happened.” This blend of playful confidence and raw emotion contributed to the song’s infectious charm and broad appeal, making it a standout among Charlie Puth’s songs.
2. “See You Again,” Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth (2015)
Written by Charlie Puth, Wiz Khalifa, Cameron Thomaz, Dann Hume, Josh Hardy, Phoebe Cockburn, Justin Franks, Andrew Cedar
“See You Again,” a collaboration with Wiz Khalifa, is deeply connected to the Furious 7 soundtrack and serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2013. Co-written by Charlie Puth, the song captures themes of remembrance and enduring friendship, resonating powerfully with audiences worldwide.
The impact of “See You Again” was immediate and immense. It soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and dominated the number one position for an impressive 12 weeks. This chart-topping success not only solidified Wiz Khalifa’s continued prominence but also propelled Charlie Puth into mainstream recognition. The song became an anthem of grief and remembrance, its emotional weight amplified by its association with Paul Walker and the Fast & Furious franchise. “See You Again” remains one of Charlie Puth’s most globally recognized songs, showcasing his ability to craft music that connects on a deeply emotional level.
3. “One Call Away” (2016)
Written by Charlie Puth, Justin Franks, Maureen McDonald, Breyan Isaac, Matt Prime, Shy Carter
“One Call Away,” the second single released from Charlie Puth’s debut album Nine Track Mind, further showcased his knack for crafting catchy and relatable pop anthems. The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, and becoming a staple on radio airwaves.
Puth revealed that the inspiration for “One Call Away” stemmed from a songwriting camp organized by his record label. The song’s concept emerged from a conversation with a friend navigating a long-distance relationship. Inspired by this personal experience, Puth aimed to create an anthem for anyone experiencing the challenges of distance in relationships, emphasizing the sentiment that loved ones are always accessible, just “one call away.” This universal theme of connection and support resonated with listeners, contributing to the song’s popularity and solidifying its place among popular Charlie Puth songs. “said Puth. “So, I wanted to make an anthem for everyone in a long-distance relationship or just someone they haven’t seen in a while is just one call away.”
4. “We Don’t Talk Anymore” with Selena Gomez (2016)
Written by Charlie Puth, Selena Gomez, Jacob Kasher Hindlin
“We Don’t Talk Anymore,” a collaboration with Selena Gomez, is one of Charlie Puth’s most popular songs, known for its melancholic vibe and relatable lyrics about the aftermath of a breakup. This track, featured on Nine Track Mind, highlights Puth’s ability to capture complex emotions within a catchy pop framework.
The creation of “We Don’t Talk Anymore” was a geographically diverse process. Puth conceived the beat for the song while in the Philippines and developed the guitar parts during a tour in Japan. After laying down his vocals, he envisioned the track as a duet and approached Selena Gomez. Gomez contributed her vocals in a rather unconventional recording setting – Puth’s closet.
Puth revealed the unique recording experience, “She came over and I literally set the mic up in a closet. So, I can say that I’ve vocal produced Selena Gomez while she’s in a closet recording. I think it added to the quaintness of the record.” This anecdote adds a layer of intimacy to the song, mirroring its themes of personal and somewhat strained communication. The song’s raw emotion and catchy melody made it a chart-topping hit and a fan favorite among Charlie Puth songs.
5. “Attention” (2018)
Written by Charlie Puth and Jacob Kasher Hindlin
“Attention,” the lead single from his Voicenotes album, marked a stylistic shift for Charlie Puth, embracing a more mature and slightly darker pop sound. The song delves into the theme of seeking validation versus genuine affection in relationships, captured in the lyrics: You just want attention, you don’t want my heart / Maybe you just hate the thought of me with someone new.
The concept for “Attention” began to materialize while Puth was touring in Japan, showcasing his global creative process. To visually represent the song’s core message about the nature of attention-seeking behavior, Puth ingeniously used a pop-up LED installation in Los Angeles. This installation displayed the brain’s reaction when receiving attention, creating an engaging and thought-provoking promotional campaign that amplified the song’s impact. “Attention” became another major hit for Puth, further establishing his artistic evolution and solidifying his position in contemporary pop music with one of his signature Charlie Puth songs.
6. “Done For Me,” featuring Kehlani (2018)
Written by Charlie Puth, Kehlani, John Ryan, Jacob Kasher Hindlin
“Done For Me,” featuring Kehlani, is a standout track from Charlie Puth’s Voicenotes album, showcasing his versatility and collaborative spirit. This song marked a reunion for Puth and Kehlani, who had previously collaborated on a cover of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” in 2015. “Done For Me” blends pop and R&B elements, creating a smooth and infectious sound.
Released as the third single from Voicenotes, “Done For Me” achieved platinum status in the U.S., signifying over one million certified units sold. This commercial success underscores the song’s popularity and its appeal to a broad audience. The collaboration with Kehlani brought a dynamic interplay to the track, with their voices complementing each other and enhancing the song’s emotional depth. “Done For Me” is a testament to Charlie Puth’s ability to create compelling collaborations and songs that resonate commercially and artistically within his collection of Charlie Puth songs.
7. “If You Leave Me,” featuring Boyz II Men (2018)
Written by Charlie Puth, Tobias Jesso Jr., Robin Wiley
“If You Leave Me,” featuring the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men, is a unique and soulful track from Voicenotes. This song sets itself apart with its primarily a cappella arrangement, highlighting the vocal harmonies of Puth and Boyz II Men. It also subtly interpolates elements of NSYNC’s 2000 hit “I Thought She Knew,” adding a layer of nostalgic familiarity.
Interestingly, while not a cover of Chicago’s “If You Leave Me Now,” Puth’s version includes the poignant verse You will take the biggest part of me, directly referencing Chicago’s 1976 classic. There’s an additional layer of connection, as Boyz II Men themselves covered the Chicago song in 2009, creating an interesting intertextual musical link. “If You Leave Me” showcases Charlie Puth’s appreciation for musical history and his ability to blend different genres and vocal styles into a cohesive and emotionally resonant song, making it a standout among Charlie Puth’s songs.
8. “Change,” featuring James Taylor (2018)
Written by Charlie Puth, Johan Carlsson, Ross Golan
“Change,” featuring legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor, is a deeply meaningful song in Charlie Puth’s catalog. Puth penned this track as a tribute to those who have lost their lives due to gun violence. Written a year before the tragic 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which claimed 17 lives, the song became dedicated to the students affected by the tragedy.
The lyrics of “Change” convey a powerful message of hope and unity in the face of loss:
Look around there are too many of us crying
And not enough love to go around
What a waste, another day
Another good one dying
But I know that the world will change
The day we know we’re all the same
Puth shared his profound experience of working with James Taylor: “Recording with James Taylor was a dream come true. He’s the reason why I write music and it was an absolute honor to work with him.” He also recounted the emotional impact of performing “Change” at the March For Our Lives rally, stating, “performing ‘Change’ for the first time ever at March For Our Lives after meeting Mia and Hayley [two students from Parkland, FL], and feeling all of that emotion from the tens of thousands of people who came out to support them is also something that I’ll never forget.” “Change” stands as a testament to Charlie Puth’s ability to use his music to address important social issues and create songs that carry a message of hope and change, further enriching his collection of Charlie Puth songs.
9. “Left and Right,” featuring Jung Kook of BTS (2022)
Written by Charlie Puth and Jacob Kasher Hindlin
“Left and Right,” featuring Jung Kook of the global sensation BTS, marked a significant cross-cultural collaboration for Charlie Puth. This vibrant and catchy track was the third single unveiled from his self-titled album Charlie, showcasing his willingness to experiment with global sounds and collaborations.
Puth emphasized the importance of musical connection in his collaborations, explaining of his work with Jung Kook, “Any collaboration that I do I have to have some sort of musical connection with the person.” The two artists had initially met in South Korea four years prior to working together, performing together at an awards show.
Puth expressed his admiration for Jung Kook’s musical abilities, “And I was always just so impressed with how he was able to hit all those notes so flawlessly. He has absolute pitch too. I’m always fascinated by people like that and especially because he can’t really speak too good of English just like I can’t speak Korean so we’re able to communicate seamlessly through melody. It’s amazing.” “Left and Right” became a global hit, bridging Western pop and K-pop audiences, and adding another dimension to Charlie Puth’s diverse range of Charlie Puth songs.
10. “Light Switch” (2022)
Written by Charlie Puth, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Jake Torrey
“Light Switch,” another single from the Charlie album, is instantly recognizable for its incorporation of the actual sound of a light switch flicking, a distinctive sonic element that Puth initially previewed on his TikTok page while documenting the album’s creation. This innovative use of sound reflects Puth’s creative approach to music production and his engagement with social media to connect with fans.
The song’s evolution is also noteworthy. “Light Switch” began as a slower, more somber ballad exploring the theme of an overactive mind. However, it transformed into an upbeat, dance-pop track centered around the electrifying attraction to someone who has a captivating, albeit perhaps not ideal, influence – someone who can “turn him on like a light switch.” “Light Switch” exemplifies Charlie Puth’s ability to blend personal themes with catchy melodies and inventive sound design, making it a fitting closer to a list of his top Charlie Puth songs.
Photo by Kenneth Cappello / ID PR
