What a Puth Believes
Vulture • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Charlie Puth collaborated with yacht rock legends Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins on "Love in Exile," a track from his upcoming fourth album, Whatever’s Clever!, aiming to create a modern yacht rock sound for 2026.
- The collaboration marked a rare reunion for McDonald and Loggins, who hadn't worked together in nearly a decade, and was facilitated by their proximity in Santa Barbara and Puth's proactive outreach.
- Recording took place in Puth’s home studio, with McDonald improvising keyboard parts that became central to the song's melody, while Loggins contributed guitar and songwriting direction.
- McDonald expressed initial apprehension about recording with younger artists but praised Puth’s leadership and the respectful dynamic, highlighting the enduring appeal and pride in the yacht rock genre.
- Both McDonald and Loggins have embraced the yacht rock label, viewing it as a meaningful continuation of classic rock’s legacy and a source of renewed relevance and camaraderie among veteran musicians.
