Nine Track Mind
Nine Track Mind is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, released on January 29, 2016, through Atlantic Records.[1][2] The album blends pop, R&B, and soul elements, drawing from Puth's background in jazz piano and classical music, with him co-writing every track and producing nearly half of the songs solo.[3] It features 11 tracks on the standard edition, including the lead single "Marvin Gaye" (featuring Meghan Trainor), which peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as "One Call Away", which reached No. 12 on the same chart.[4] A deluxe edition expands the tracklist to 16 songs, incorporating "See You Again" (with Wiz Khalifa) from the Furious 7 soundtrack and "We Don't Talk Anymore" (featuring Selena Gomez), the latter of which became the album's biggest hit, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning 5× Platinum certification from the RIAA.[5][6] Nine Track Mind debuted at No. 6 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 65,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, and has since been certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA for combined sales and streaming equivalent to two million units in the United States.[7] The album's success propelled Puth to international prominence, supported by the Nine Track Mind Tour in 2016.[8]Background and development
Conception and influences
Charlie Puth's journey to creating Nine Track Mind began with his early exposure through YouTube, where he uploaded covers of popular songs starting in his teens, gaining viral attention that led to a record deal with Ellen DeGeneres' eleveneleven imprint in 2011.[9] Following this, Puth honed his skills as a songwriter and producer, collaborating on tracks for artists such as Jason Derulo (including the song "Broke" from 2015), Trey Songz, and Kehlani, which built his reputation in the industry before he shifted focus to his own solo project.[9] This transition marked a pivotal move from behind-the-scenes contributions to establishing himself as a lead artist, driven by a desire to showcase his multifaceted musical identity on a full-length debut.[9] Puth's influences for the album drew heavily from his classical and jazz piano training at Berklee College of Music, where he studied from 2010 to 2013 and experimented with jazz improvisation alongside his pop aspirations.[10] He sought to blend these roots with 1980s pop, Motown soul, and contemporary R&B, citing early listens to artists like James Taylor, Jackson Browne, TLC, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans as formative.[10][11] A key inspiration was Marvin Gaye, whose romantic and soulful style directly shaped the title track "Marvin Gaye," which Puth envisioned as a modern homage to classic doo-wop and soul, incorporating piano-driven melodies with emotive vocals to bridge eras.[12] This fusion aimed to create a soulful pop sound that reflected Puth's personal evolution from jazz experimentation to accessible, hook-laden tracks.[9][13] On August 20, 2015, Puth announced the album title Nine Track Mind via social media and press releases, selecting it for its memorable, evocative quality despite the project featuring 12 tracks, reflecting his songwriting process where he begins each song with eight layers of vocals and one piano track, and the concept of constantly having multiple ideas running through his mind.[14] The concept encapsulated his creative mindset, emphasizing personal and introspective songwriting born from constant ideation during a whirlwind period of rising fame.[9] Prior to the full album, the single "Marvin Gaye" (featuring Meghan Trainor), released in February 2015 as part of Puth's EP Some Type of Love, served as an early indicator of the album's direction, testing the waters with its retro-soul pop blend and achieving commercial success that informed the broader sound.[12] This pre-release track helped refine Puth's vision, confirming the viability of merging nostalgic influences with modern production before formal recording commenced.[15]Recording sessions
The recording sessions for Nine Track Mind primarily took place in various studios in Los Angeles, California, including MXM Studios and Atlantic Studios, spanning from mid-2014 to late 2015.[16][17] Charlie Puth adopted a hands-on role throughout the process, serving as co-writer on all tracks and sole producer on nearly half of them, often handling piano, vocals, and programming himself.[3][18] Key collaborators included producers such as J.R. Rotem, Infamous, and Johan Carlsson, alongside guest vocalists Meghan Trainor for "Marvin Gaye" and Selena Gomez for "We Don't Talk Anymore."[19][18] Sessions intensified after the early 2015 success of "Marvin Gaye," though many songs originated from writing efforts predating the "See You Again" collaboration.[20] Puth composed around 25 songs during near-daily writing periods following the Furious 7 soundtrack release, frequently in a candle-lit setting to foster creativity, and captured initial melodies via phone voice notes for later development.[21] One specific anecdote highlights the informal nature of some recordings: Puth and Selena Gomez tracked their duet "We Don't Talk Anymore" in a closet at a Los Angeles studio to achieve a desired intimate vocal tone.[22] The project wrapped by November 2015 to align with an initial release target, amid challenges from Puth's rising promotional commitments for lead singles like "One Call Away."[1][20]Musical style and themes
Genre and production
Nine Track Mind blends pop and R&B as its primary genres, with infusions of soul, funk, and electronic elements that evoke a retro yet contemporary sound.[23] The album draws stylistic comparisons to artists such as Justin Timberlake, positioning Puth as a piano-driven, blue-eyed soul performer in a lineage of polished, emotive male vocalists.[22] Its overall aesthetic features ballad-heavy arrangements interspersed with upbeat tracks, incorporating doo-wop rhythms, finger snaps, and arpeggiated piano motifs that nod to sock-hop and mid-20th-century pop influences.[24] Production on the album emphasizes Puth's hands-on role, as he co-wrote all 12 tracks and handled solo production on nearly half.[25] Techniques include prominent piano-driven foundations rooted in Puth's jazz and classical training, alongside layered vocals and synth integrations using hardware like the Korg Poly-61M and Roland D-50 for organic textures.[26] Drum machines propel the uptempo songs, while acoustic guitar accents appear in ballads to add intimacy, and guest vocalist Meghan Trainor provides harmonies on "Marvin Gaye," enhancing its funky, soul-inflected vibe.[24] The standard edition comprises 12 tracks with a total runtime of 41 minutes, balancing high-energy singles like "Marvin Gaye" against mid-tempo fillers that maintain a cohesive, radio-friendly flow.[3] This structure highlights a mix of energetic pop-R&B fusions and reflective ballads, underscoring the album's accessible yet technically refined production approach.[26]Lyrical content
The lyrics of Nine Track Mind predominantly revolve around themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, drawing from Charlie Puth's personal experiences in relationships and the pressures of his emerging career.[27] Songs like "We Don't Talk Anymore" capture the pain of post-breakup silence and lingering resentment, portraying a toxic dynamic where one partner seeks validation elsewhere, inspired by a real-life conversation Puth had with a friend about a recent split.[28] Similarly, "Dangerously" employs metaphors of combustion and collision—such as "You are the fire; I’m gasoline" and "crash at the speed that we were going"—to depict an all-consuming romance that Puth pursued to extremes despite foreseeing its ruin, reflecting his own history of intense, unreciprocated affections.[29][30] Puth's songwriting style is deeply autobiographical, weaving in elements from his early struggles as a performer and fleeting romantic encounters, often using vivid, relatable imagery to convey emotional vulnerability without overt specificity. For instance, in "Losing My Mind," he channels the obsession and mental strain of overwhelming success, recounting a moment of breakdown during the album's creation where he felt "so much to do and not enough time," ultimately deciding to pen the track about his immediate turmoil as a form of catharsis.[31] This introspective approach marks an evolution from his earlier viral singles, which leaned toward lighter, flirtatious narratives, toward more mature explorations of regret and personal growth evident in deeper cuts like "Suffer," where he confronts the consequences of emotional neglect in love.[27] Specific tracks highlight varied facets of these themes through concise storytelling. "One Call Away" offers reassurance amid longing, emphasizing unwavering support in long-distance love with lines like "When you're weak, I'll be strong," inspired by Puth's desire to evoke the sentiment of being instantly accessible to a partner, akin to digital expressions of affection.[32] In contrast, "Marvin Gaye," a playful duet, uses the titular singer's name as a euphemism for seduction and intimacy, with Puth explaining the hook "Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on" emerged spontaneously from his admiration for Motown's evocative soul, turning it into a lighthearted narrative of mutual desire.[33] Overall, the album's lyrics balance exuberant romance with poignant introspection, showcasing Puth's growth as a narrator of youthful emotional landscapes.[27]Release and promotion
Album release
Nine Track Mind was released on January 29, 2016, through Artist Partner Group in partnership with Atlantic Records, which handled distribution.[34][1] The album's launch followed a delay from its originally scheduled date of November 6, 2015, allowing additional time for preparation.[15][35] It debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 65,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[36] The standard edition was made available in digital download, compact disc, and vinyl formats worldwide.[5] A deluxe edition followed on November 11, 2016, expanding the original 12 tracks with three bonus recordings, including a dance remix of "Nothing but Trouble (Instagram Models)" featuring Lil Wayne.[37][38] The release occurred simultaneously across global markets, with Atlantic Records coordinating international distribution.[15] Regional variations included a Japan special edition featuring seven bonus tracks and additional liner notes with Japanese lyrics.[39]Marketing strategies
To generate pre-release buzz for Nine Track Mind, Charlie Puth's team launched pre-orders in August 2015, offering instant digital downloads of tracks such as "Marvin Gaye," "One Call Away," "Some Type of Love," and "Suffer" to engage fans early via social media and digital platforms.[15] A 90-second commercial spotlighting "One Call Away" aired during the 2015 American Music Awards, where Puth also performed the song alongside Meghan Trainor, amplifying visibility through live television and online clips.[1] Additionally, four remixes of "One Call Away" by artists including Lash and KLYMVX were released in November 2015 to sustain streaming interest, while Puth joined the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2015 tour starting December 1 for regional live exposure.[1] The album's original November 6, 2015, release date was postponed to January 29, 2016, prompting intensified radio promotion for "One Call Away" to bridge the gap and build anticipation without losing momentum.[15] Post-release efforts centered on the Nine Track Mind Tour, which launched in March 2016 across North America and sold out nearly every date within 30 minutes of announcement, supported by merchandise bundles offering exclusive items and a sweepstakes for fan meet-and-greets in New York City.[40][1] Puth bolstered promotion through television appearances, including performances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in January 2016 and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, alongside digital pushes like Spotify playlist inclusions and YouTube behind-the-scenes content to extend reach.[41]Singles and media
Lead singles
The lead single from Nine Track Mind was "Marvin Gaye" featuring Meghan Trainor, released on February 10, 2015, by Artist Partner Group as part of Puth's EP Some Type of Love but later included on the album to introduce his pop-soul style and build early anticipation ahead of the full release.[42] The track, a doo-wop-inspired ode to romance, peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved 4× platinum certification from the RIAA for over four million units sold in the United States.[43][44] Internationally, it saw significant success in Europe, topping the UK Singles Chart and reaching number one in several other countries including New Zealand and Ireland.[45] Following the album's January 29, 2016, release, "One Call Away" served as the second lead single, issued digitally on August 20, 2015, by Atlantic Records to capitalize on pre-order momentum and emphasize radio promotion. This gospel-influenced ballad about enduring love climbed to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent 26 weeks, and earned 4× platinum certification from the RIAA, reflecting strong airplay dominance on adult contemporary formats.[43][46] "We Don't Talk Anymore" featuring Selena Gomez was released as the third lead single on May 24, 2016, extending the album's promotional cycle post-launch and highlighting themes of faded relationships through its tropical pop production.[47] The duet peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has amassed over 2.3 billion streams on Spotify alone, contributing to its 5× platinum RIAA certification for exceeding five million units in the U.S.[43][48][49] These singles collectively drove album buzz, with "Marvin Gaye" establishing Puth's breakout persona, "One Call Away" sustaining radio traction, and "We Don't Talk Anymore" amplifying global streaming impact.Promotional singles and videos
"Dangerously" served as the fourth single from Nine Track Mind, released to Italian radio on December 2, 2016, and later certified Gold by the RIAA.[50][51] The pop ballad delves into themes of vulnerability and emotional risk in a tumultuous relationship, with Puth describing it as capturing the extremes one might go to in love despite potential harm.[29] The album's music videos emphasized narrative storytelling and visual artistry to complement its pop-soul sound. For "Marvin Gaye" featuring Meghan Trainor, director Marc Klasfeld crafted a retro-inspired homage to 1960s soul aesthetics, premiered on April 1, 2015, where Puth and Trainor perform in vintage attire amid colorful, period-drenched sets, culminating in a playful kiss that nods to classic R&B romance.[52][53] Similarly, the "One Call Away" video, directed by Mark Staubach and released September 14, 2015, opens with Puth playing classical piano before shifting to dynamic sequences of him rushing to aid a woman in peril across urban and natural landscapes, underscoring the song's theme of unwavering support.[54][55] "We Don't Talk Anymore" featuring Selena Gomez received a cinematic treatment in its official video, directed by Phil Pinto and debuted August 2, 2016, portraying Puth navigating post-breakup life in New York City with a new romantic interest played by Mirella Cardoso, while Gomez's vocals provide the emotional counterpoint without her on-screen presence, highlighting parallel paths diverging after a split.[47][56] The "Dangerously" video, helmed by Aya Tanimura and unveiled November 2, 2016, adopts a raw, cinematic approach to heartbreak, featuring stark black-and-white imagery of Puth amid shattered mirrors, bloody fists, and introspective close-ups that convey profound emotional turmoil and isolation.[57][58] Beyond official videos, the album spawned lyric videos for tracks like "Losing My Mind" and "Up All Night," which animated song texts over minimalist visuals to boost streaming engagement on platforms like YouTube. Live performances further extended the promotional reach, with Puth delivering stripped-down renditions of "Dangerously" on shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, amplifying the song's intimate vulnerability through acoustic arrangements. The deluxe edition incorporated "See You Again" with Wiz Khalifa, reusing its high-impact video from the Furious 7 soundtrack—directed by David Meyers and released April 6, 2015—which interweaves high-octane action footage with emotional tribute scenes to Paul Walker, garnering over 6.8 billion views and providing crossover appeal.[59]Critical reception
Reviews from critics
Nine Track Mind received generally unfavorable reviews from critics, earning a Metacritic score of 37 out of 100 based on seven reviews, indicating a consensus on its formulaic pop structure and lack of emotional depth.[60] Critics frequently praised Puth's vocal abilities and the catchiness of certain hooks, noting his beautiful tenor and falsetto as standout elements that provided moments of appeal amid the album's uniformity. For instance, Pitchfork highlighted Puth's "beautiful tenor/falsetto soaring out of a throat that never coughs that frog out," crediting his voice as a magical asset, while SPIN commended his strong falsetto and showbiz versatility in writing and production.[24][61] Tracks like "We Don't Talk Anymore," featuring Selena Gomez, were often singled out as highlights for their sultry collaboration and relative emotional engagement.[62] However, the album faced widespread criticism for its overproduction, generic lyrics, and overall blandness, with reviewers comparing it to boy-band pop lacking genuine sentiment. Pitchfork described it as "demoralizingly well-constructed as a means to an end," proficient to the point of insensibility, and covering only "light longing to light infatuation" in its emotional range, rendering it smoothly forgettable.[24] The Guardian called it "infuriatingly anonymous" and hampered by a "severe lack of personality," dismissing much of it as crude Bruno Mars facsimiles and labeling the lead single "Marvin Gaye" as inordinately embarrassing.[62] SPIN echoed these sentiments, deeming the collection of slow, anodyne ballads dire and uninspired, with lyrics that failed to convey artistic vision.[61]Artist's response and retrospective views
Upon the release of Nine Track Mind in 2016, Charlie Puth expressed frustration with the album's critical reception, which fell short of the high expectations set by his earlier hit "See You Again." In subsequent reflections, he admitted agreeing with detractors who labeled it one of the lowest-rated albums, noting that he understood their criticisms even as he navigated his sudden rise to fame. Puth later described the project as rushed, a product of external pressures following his breakthrough, where decisions were made rapidly without sufficient artistic control.[63] By 2018 and into the early 2020s, Puth's views evolved during promotions for his follow-up album Voicenotes, where he framed Nine Track Mind as a valuable learning experience that taught him to prioritize authenticity over commercial haste. He recalled feeling like the album turned him into "someone he didn't want to be," likening the process to a "Twinkie factory" of formulaic production, but appreciated how it honed his skills in live performance and songwriting under pressure. Puth has since highlighted the enduring success of its singles, such as "We Don't Talk Anymore" featuring Selena Gomez, which he credits for providing long-term validation amid the project's shortcomings.[64][65] Retrospective coverage of Nine Track Mind has been limited, with no major critical reevaluations emerging by 2025, though fans have offered mixed nostalgic reappraisals online, balancing fond memories of its radio dominance with critiques of its uniformity. The album experienced a streaming resurgence post-2020, driven by platforms like Spotify, where key tracks like "We Don't Talk Anymore" have amassed over 2.37 billion streams as of November 2025, underscoring the singles' lasting appeal.[66] In a nod to its growing cult following, Atlantic Records released a limited-edition clear vinyl pressing in 2023 as part of the label's 75th anniversary collection, making the album more accessible to collectors into 2025.[67]Commercial performance
Chart positions
Nine Track Mind debuted at number 6 on the US Billboard 200 chart dated February 20, 2016, marking Charlie Puth's first entry on the ranking.[68] The album's initial performance was propelled by strong digital sales, with 65,000 equivalent album units in its first week, predominantly from downloads.[68] It remained on the Billboard 200 for a total of 92 weeks as of 2018, demonstrating sustained popularity through streaming and single-driven interest.[22] Internationally, the album achieved top-10 peaks in several markets, including number 3 on the UK Albums Chart Update and number 6 on the main UK Albums Chart, where it logged 50 weeks in the top 100.[69] In New Zealand, it reached number 2 on the Albums Chart and charted for 60 weeks.[70] The release of the single "We Don't Talk Anymore" in 2016 further boosted the album's international visibility, leading to improved peaks in regions like Australia (number 8 on the ARIA Albums Chart) and Canada (number 5 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart).[71][72]| Chart (2016) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 6 | 92 |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard) | 5 | 29 |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 6 | 50 |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 8 | - |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) | 2 | 60 |
Sales figures and certifications
In the United States, Nine Track Mind debuted with 65,000 album-equivalent units, marking a strong initial commercial performance for Charlie Puth's debut album. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the album Gold on June 9, 2016, reflecting 500,000 units shipped or streamed.[74] It was upgraded to Platinum on April 25, 2017, for 1,000,000 units, and reached 2× Platinum status in 2018, certifying 2,000,000 units amid sustained popularity driven by streaming equivalents following its 2016 release.[75][76] Internationally, the album surpassed 1 million units sold worldwide by 2017, with certifications reflecting its global reach. By 2025, equivalent album units exceeded 15.2 million globally, bolstered by ongoing digital consumption.[77] Key certifications include:| Region | Certification | Units Certified |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI) | Platinum | 300,000 |
| France (SNEP) | Platinum | 100,000 |
| Denmark (IFPI) | 2× Platinum | 40,000 |
| Italy (FIMI) | Gold | 25,000 |
| Netherlands (NVPI) | Gold | 20,000 |
| Sweden (GLF) | Gold | 20,000 |
| New Zealand (RMNZ) | Gold | 7,500 |
| Singapore | 3× Platinum | 30,000 |
Track listing and credits
Standard and deluxe editions
The standard edition of Nine Track Mind, released on January 29, 2016, comprises 12 tracks with a total runtime of 41 minutes and 4 seconds.[3]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "One Call Away" | 3:14 |
| 2 | "Dangerously" | 3:19 |
| 3 | "Marvin Gaye" (featuring Meghan Trainor) | 3:10 |
| 4 | "Losing My Mind" | 3:32 |
| 5 | "We Don't Talk Anymore" (featuring Selena Gomez) | 3:37 |
| 6 | "My Gospel" | 2:47 |
| 7 | "Up All Night" | 3:58 |
| 8 | "Left Right Left" | 3:23 |
| 9 | "Then There's You" (featuring LiV) | 3:19 |
| 10 | "Suffer" | 3:56 |
| 11 | "Change" (featuring James Taylor) | 3:45 |
| 12 | "Does It Feel" | 3:40 |
| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1–12 | Tracks 1–12 from standard edition | 41:04 |
| 13 | "As You Are" (featuring Shy Carter) | 3:55 |
| 14 | "Some Type of Love" | 3:07 |
| 15 | "Nothing But Trouble (Instagram Models)" (featuring Lil Wayne) (Dance Remix) | 3:34 |