It’s been a long day without Charlie Puth, but he really told us all about his new projects at his Chicago show Friday.
The four-time Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter jazzed up the packed Rosemont Theatre — the first sold-out show on his tour, according to Puth — as part of his “Whatever’s Clever!” world tour.
His fourth studio album of the same name, released in March, marked the beginning of a new era for Puth, who is embracing a more personal musical approach after recently becoming a father.
The show’s two opening artists had very different styles, but both sparked energy in the audience. Alternative pop singer Ally Salort performed her newly released single “Finish Line” live for the first time. Half an hour later, pop-rock artist Daniel Seavey commanded the stage with a set of original songs and covers, using a looper that layered instruments including cello, electric guitar and piano. In the middle of his set, Seavey jumped off the stage and ran around the venue, greeting attendees.
At 9 p.m. sharp, Puth strolled onstage in an unbuttoned dandelion yellow shirt and a cerulean blue undershirt to start the show. The first two songs were a mix of his new and old hits: “Beat Yourself Up” from his latest album and “How Long” from his sophomore album “Voicenotes.”
The Puthinators’ ages ranged from children to retirees. A middle-aged man wore a Ryne Sandberg Chicago Cubs jersey about two rows down from us. Another row had a handful of older women dressed in their Sunday best — at one point during a song, one of the women held her arms up like it was gospel. Everyone loved Puth.
Puth returned the love. He lauded the concertgoers’ outfits, affectionately calling those wearing ties “professors,” adding that he was grateful to be in a theater because he could clearly see everyone in the audience.
In signature Puth style, he played piano riffs between songs, joking about “getting a little jazzy” with the audience.
The best part of the show definitely came in the last seven songs of the night, where he sang his biggest hits, including “Attention” and “Love In Exile.” During the segment, Puth also put his backing singers in the spotlight, having them sing their own verses during or after his songs. One of the night’s star moments came from a riff battle between Puth and backing vocalist Jaden Blakely Gray.
Leading up to a rendition of “One Call Away” that had the whole theater singing along, Puth encouraged the audience to pursue their artistry, highlighting ’80s church music as inspiration for his work.
The show ended with the emotional “See You Again” and “Changes,” leaving the audience swaying with their phone flashlights in the air.
Since he’s not “One Call Away,” we are going to miss Puth as he leaves Chicago to finish the rest of his tour.
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Email: [email protected]
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