At a Glance
- Charlie Puth admits a brutal hangover before his 2023 album forced a life-changing shift.
- The 34-year-old stopped drinking, reevaluated his creative process, and is now preparing a new record.
- His upcoming album, Whatever’s Clever!, drops on March 27.
- Why it matters: The singer’s candid reflection shows how a single night can redirect an artist’s career and personal choices.
Charlie Puth said a single night of excess before the release of his 2023 album forced him to confront the damage of alcohol and a chaotic lifestyle. The 34-year-old, married to Brooke Sansone and expecting their first child, has since chosen sobriety and a more intentional approach to music.
A Night of Excess
Puth recalled, “I was in New York, I was staying at the Greenwich, and I don’t drink at all,” the See You Again singer explained. He added that he had planned a rager right before his third album, Charlie, was released. The night ended with the worst hangover he’s ever felt, lasting for two days.
The Hangover That Changed Everything
After waking up, Puth described the scene: “And I remember they all wanted to get coffee the next morning, in a scene-y part of town. I saw them all eating, and then I just turned the other way and walked back to the hotel and just stayed there by myself for a couple days.” He noted the isolation as a turning point.
He reflected on the moment, saying, “It’s hard to describe, but after years of surrounding myself with the wrong things and saying the wrong things, it’s profound when it just all comes to a screeching halt one day at 30 years old in New York City.” The 34-year-old sees that night as the catalyst for change.
A New Perspective on Life and Music
Since then, Puth has embraced sobriety, stating, “I think it clouds my judgment.” He also shifted how he creates music. “I’d never sat down and said, ‘Let’s make an album and then release it.’ It’s always, ‘The song’s doing well, we need to put it out. And while I’m doing radio promos and whatnot, going on TV, I’m going back to my hotel and making an album,”” he told Rolling Stone.
Puth explained that Whatever’s Clever! is the first time he truly sat down and had the time to craft a cohesive body of work. “This album, Whatever’s Clever! is the first time where I just sat down and I had a lot of time. I just stayed with myself and BloodPop, and just made a full body of work. So I wasn’t chasing my tail, but it’s been almost a decade of chasing my tail,” he added.
Upcoming Album: Whatever’s Clever!
The new project is set to drop on March 27 and will feature the singles “Changes” and “Beat Yourself Up.” Puth’s collaboration with producer BloodPop signals a fresh creative partnership. The album’s title hints at a playful, self-aware approach to both music and life.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Release of Charlie |
| 2023 (pre-release) | Rager and severe hangover |
| 2024 | Decision to quit drinking and reassess creative process |
| March 27, 2025 | Release of Whatever’s Clever! |
Key Takeaways
- Sobriety: Puth’s hangover led him to stop drinking, believing it clouds judgment.
- Creative reset: He now plans albums deliberately, rather than reacting to single-track success.
- Personal growth: The shift coincides with his growing family and a more grounded lifestyle.
- New music: Fans can expect a cohesive album with a new partnership with BloodPop.
Charlie Puth’s story illustrates how a single night can become a pivotal moment for both personal and artistic evolution. His candidness offers a rare glimpse into the pressures and choices faced by contemporary pop stars.
