Rush to write off Charlie Puth

“You just want attention.”

Charlie Puth doesn’t owe us a hit, and we don’t owe him a ticket.

There is a difference between calling out a singer for complaining about ticket sales and declaring that his best days are behind him. Ever heard of sarcasm?

Is Charlie’s relevance measured by his most recent chart position?

Pop music has always been a revolving door. One day, an artist is everywhere; the next, a new name takes over the charts. It’s a cycle. That does not automatically erase the music that came before, nor does it mean the artist has nothing left to offer the next.

Charlie is more than “See You Again,” the song that became a global hit in 2015, or “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” which soundtracked countless playlists. His musicianship, particularly his ability to identify pitches and break down the mechanics of a song, has long been part of what sets him apart in the industry.

Whether his latest releases have enjoyed the same commercial success as his earlier hits is another matter entirely.

If Charlie’s music no longer appeals to a particular audience, that is a valid opinion. It does not necessarily follow that he has stopped being a musician worth listening to. We can question an artist without writing off his entire career.

At the end of the day, Charlie can make the music he wants, and Filipinos can decide whether they want to pay to hear it live. Neither side owes the other an explanation.

If Manila ends up being the one stop that does not sell out in the tour, then so be it. It need not become a referendum on Charlie’s career, just as Filipino fans should not be blamed for choosing not to buy a ticket.

Not every disappointment needs a villain.

Sometimes the best way to settle a debate is to press play. Here are some Charlie Puth songs to get you out of your funk.

•“We Don’t Talk Anymore” — The mid-tempo breakup anthem that soundtracked countless playlists. Still the one the whole arena will know.

• “See You Again” — The 2015 global hit and the emotional centerpiece of any Puth set. Bring tissues.

• “Attention” — Moody, groovy and sharp, and one of his strongest pop moments.

• “One Call Away” — The warm, easy singalong everyone already knows.

• “Marvin Gaye” — Throwback soul with a playful hook, and a reminder of where he started.

• “Dangerously” — A dramatic ballad that shows off his vocals.

• “How Long” — A slick, funky track with a great groove.

• “Done for Me” — Punchy and danceable, with a strong singalong chorus.

• “Cheating on You” — A fan favorite with a big, catchy chorus.

• “Light Switch” — A bright, funky bop that proves his sound kept evolving.

• “That’s Hilarious” — The heartfelt, stripped-down moment that usually hushes a room.

• “Left and Right” — A breezy duet that works as a mid-show sway.

• Whatever’s Clever! (the full album) — Play it start to finish at least once. It’s his latest work, and the best way to judge it is to hear it for yourself.