If there ever was a city to kick off a world tour right, it’s in San Diego; we’re laidback, we’re low-maintenance, and we simply love live music when it comes to town. Too many times San Diego gets passed over for large names, sitting in the southern shadows of Los Angeles.
This wasn’t the case for pop star Charlie Puth, who chose San Diego to be first for his Whatever’s Clever! Tour.
Grateful for the inclusion, fans flocked in droves this past Wednesday night to Viejas Arena, a large indoor venue situated on the far west side of the San Diego State University campus. Turns out, SDSU students have it pretty good, with show acoustics echoing out of the arena for those around the perimeter to enjoy every time a concertgoer entered or exited the doors. Free concert, anyone?
This night, Charlie Puth brought two openers in tow — Ally Salort and Daniel Seavey. Although I didn’t arrive in time to see either, I’ve heard Ally is quickly gaining popularity after a standout performance at last year’s Austin City Limits. With new music out, I’d keep an eye on this star in the making.
Arriving just as Daniel Seavey wrapped up (from what I caught, he sounded good!!), I took my seat in anticipation of the main man. Puth’s ensemble came out first, with some of the most beautiful women harmonizing like angels; little did I know the show was going to be less traditional ‘pop’ and more soulful. It was almost gospel-like with Charlie Puth taking the stage with an uplifting aura about him. There weren’t any flashy dancers; no pillars of smoke, confetti cannons, or flames. It was a man with his piano, putting his heart and soul into his performance with messages he stands by.
His outrageously talented band behind him made Charlie Puth’s performance all the more authentic. From the thumping bass to the intricate drumming, the players were just as much a part of this show as Puth was — a dynamic rarely seen in pop these days. By the time he launched into his third song, I was wondering why Charlie Puth is billed as a pop star at all? He’s more of a soul man. Maybe that’s why Taylor Swift declares him egregiously unrecognized in her new album — the man is stuck between the pop of his hits and the soul in his heart. In fact, I never realized that Charlie Puth’s radio hits are the few tracks he’s written about dysfunction, distance, and deceit; the rest of his set list this night were songs about healing, hope, and gratitude.
It’s kind of sad that the general public prefers disorder, to be honest.
Of course, Charlie Puth played the radio hits — “How Long”, “We Don’t Talk Anymore”, and “Attention”. The heartwarming Wiz Khalifa cover “See You Again” was saved for last, prompting everyone in the place to scream along and wave their flashlights in the air. But there was also new music that made its debut, like “Home”, “Cry”, and “Love In Exile”.
But, what blew me away most, wasn’t the songs — it was Puth’s character. He’s just a down-to-earth guy. He waved to every corner of the arena after the first song and periodically gave thumb’s ups throughout the rest of the show to make sure everyone was still having a good time. Charlie Puth noted he had to “as a Sagittarius empath”, which made my astrologically-influenced ass LOL.
But, if there is one thing Charlie Puth wanted from his audience this night, it was to get inspired.
“Go home and write that book, paint that painting,” Puth encouraged with vigor. Keep the arts going, now more than ever with how much they’ve been slashed in schools. Believe in yourself, live your truth, and put your art out there for the world.
Leaving the arena, I felt like I’ve witnessed a true anomaly — a pop artist with zero smoke and mirrors. Charlie Puth is exactly who he is, with new music that reflects just how far he’s grown as a human. I have newfound, massive respect for this man. If the Whatever’s Clever World Tour comes to a town near you, I urge you to go and see what I mean.
Cover photography by Raven Kendall @ravenkendallll
In-article & thumbnail photography by Christopher Polk @polkimaging
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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